Tattoo: What are the rules?

Verified 02 October 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

A tattoo is a coloring substance or preparation intended, by breaking into the skin, to create a mark on the superficial parts of the human body. This practice is regulated to avoid health risks. It is advisable to discuss this with the professional and your treating doctor beforehand. If you are a minor, the consent of the parent or guardian is required. The tattoo maker must be trained, declare his activity to the regional health agency (ARS) and inform his client of the risks. You can report any serious or non-serious side effects.

You can get a tattoo at any age.

However, if you are a minor, you mustwritten agreement of your parent or guardian.

FYI  

The tattoo artist must be able to present proof of this consent to the supervisory authorities for 3 years.

The professional who performs the tattoo must respect the following rules:

  • Have completed initial training with practical training
  • Report to the Director General of the Regional Health Agency (RHA)
  • Inform you before tattooing the risks and precautions to be taken after completion of the procedure. This information is displayed prominently in the premises where these techniques are practiced and is given to you in writing.

FYI  

If you are a minor, this information is also communicated to your parent or guardian front let him not give his consent.

The content of the information to be provided orally by the trader shall include:

  • The irreversibility of tattoos involving permanent body modification
  • Whether the acts are painful
  • The risk of infections
  • Allergic risks in particular related to tattoo inks
  • Research for contraindications to the movement related to the field or ongoing treatments
  • The healing time adapted to the technique that has been implemented and the cicatricial risks
  • The precautions to be observed after the techniques have been carried out, in particular to allow rapid healing.

Please note

These risks and precautionsTattoos and piercing: what risks, what precautions? are detailed by the Ministry of Health.

The professional must perform the tattoo exclusively in a room dedicated to this operation.

This room must be cleaned by decontamination every day. Between each customer, all surfaces used are cleaned and disinfected.

The professional should remove jewelry prior to hand disinfection and wear disposable gloves. Gloves are changed between 2 clients, and at least every 2 hours during a single operation.

They should prepare the tattoo area using an antiseptic.

A procedure for sterilization of equipment must be followed.

You are encouraged to report any side effects related to tattooing :

  • To a healthcare professional
  • Or directly on the www.signalement-sante.gouv.fr portal

Health reporting

The adverse reaction may consist of a harmful and unwanted reaction (e.g. reaction around the tattoo area, allergy, adverse health consequences beyond the tattooed area).

Once on this portal, you specify that you are an individual and then you click on the category “ another product ”.

FYI  

Products for temporary tattoos (henna, ink, ...) are to be marked in the box Cosmetics. Another box is entitled ‘ tattoo product ”.

A form template can help you make this report.