Germany cracks down on use of carcinogenic dyes in tattoo parlours

A Tattooing Agents Ordinance has entered into force in Germany tightening controls on the use and labelling of dyes used by tattoo parlours. This is the first time that this specific application has been regulated.

According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), tattooing is different to the use of the same chemicals in other cosmetic applications because it involves the direct injection of the chemicals under the skin and may result in their entering the blood and causing immune reactions. However, very little research has been done on such effects, it says, and so additional controls are necessary.

• BfR statement