4th Meeting of the BfR Commission for Tattooing Agents

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Jun 19, 2025 - Cosmetics

4th Meeting of the BfR Commission for Tattooing Agents

The BfR Commission for Tattoo Inks advises the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) as part of an expert committee, but it does not have decision-making authority and does not publish its own assessments or recommendations.

In the 4th meeting of the commission, a guest speaker presented a steering document by the US FDA on tattoo inks. It particularly addresses manufacturing, packaging, and storage conditions, as well as the risk of microbiological contamination. Although the FDA's recommendations are not legally binding, they are considered an important contribution to improving product safety.

In Germany, there has been a legal framework for tattoo inks and permanent makeup requirements since the Tattoo Ink Ordinance of 2009. Nevertheless, many of these products can contain undesirable and potentially harmful substances. According to the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB), tattoo inks must be safe – manufacturers and importers are responsible for ensuring their safety.

In addition to chemical analyses, microbiological testing is therefore also of central importance.

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