Inkeva

Tattoo regulations in France

In France, anyone who tattoos must declare the activity to the regional health agency (ARS) and complete the mandatory hygiene and safety training. The Public Health Code sets hygiene rules, requires clients to be informed of risks and aftercare, and requires written parental consent for minors. Inks follow the EU REACH restriction, and sharps go into the regulated clinical waste stream (DASRI).

Last checked September 25, 2026

Minimum age

Who you can tattoo, and with whose permission.

Minimum age

18 and over

Younger clients

Younger clients only with a parent's or guardian's consent

A minor can be tattooed only with the written consent of a person with parental authority. The law sets no lower age, but many studios refuse clients under 16. Keep the signed consent with the client record.

Client records

What to record and how long to keep it.

Keep for 5 years

From official guidance

  • Accounting records: 10 years

What to record

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Date of the procedure
  • Placement on the body
  • Artist
  • Ink brand, colour and manufacturer
  • Ink lot numbers
  • Health questionnaire answers
  • Client signature
  • Parent or guardian details

Ink

What can go into the skin and what you must record.

EU REACH ink restriction appliesYes
Ink labelling rulesRequired

Sterilization and waste

Cleaning, sterilizing and getting rid of sharps.

Autoclave cycle logsRequired
Spore testingNo fixed schedule
Sharps and clinical waste disposalRequired

Licensing

What you need to open a studio and work in it.

Studio licence or registrationRequired
Artist licence or registrationRequired
Bloodborne pathogens or hygiene trainingRequired

Guest artists

Hosting artists from somewhere else.

Permit or registration for guest artistsRequired

Guest artists also declare their activity to the ARS and need the hygiene training certificate. Ask the ARS how this applies to a short stay.

Sources