The Italian tattoo regulations govern tattooing activities and related practices, such as:
- Necessary safety guidelines and standards
- Use of sterile and single-use tools
- Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and the work environment
- Use of approved, high-quality pigments
- Sterilization practices
- Infection prevention
- Proper client information
This serves not only to ensure a hygienic work environment, but also to guarantee the safety of people who want to get tattooed, reduce health risks for clients, and promote greater awareness of tattoo safety.
In this article, we want to take a closer look at the Italian tattoo regulations and all the reference standards for professional tattoo artists.
The current situation in Italy and the reference standards for tattoos
The Italian tattoo regulations aim to protect people’s right to health and promote high standards of quality and competence among operators.
The most important rules concern:
- operator training
- health and safety requirements for conducting business
- substances in inks
- mandatory limitations
This is a major step forward in the regulation of tattoo artists and tattoo studios, aimed at ensuring safety and protecting the health of people who want to get tattooed.
This has been positively received by professional tattoo artists, who see regulation as an opportunity to guarantee high quality standards and protect their clients’ health.
Italian tattoo regulations: operator training
First of all, to become a professional tattoo artist and be able to practice the profession legally, it is mandatory to attend a 1,500-hour training course, divided into 1,000 theoretical-practical hours and 500 hours of internship.
After the course, it is essential to pass a final exam to obtain the Regional Certification recognized throughout the national and European territory.
This serves to give tattoo artists entering the world of tattoos specific and adequate training and complete preparation for the future profession they want to pursue.
Among the most important subjects in tattoo operator training are health and safety requirements, which are essential to ensure maximum safety in terms of prevention, health, sterilization, disposal, and cleaning.
In addition, periodic refresher courses are provided to keep up with new techniques and current laws.
Italian tattoo regulations: health and safety requirements
According to Italian tattoo regulations, tattoo studios must comply with certain:
- structural requirements
- health and safety requirements
Regarding structural features, they must be equipped with a waiting room and reception, separate from the work environment, as well as a bathroom for clients.
The rooms where tattoos are performed must be at least 9 m² with surfaces suitable for disinfectant treatments and must contain a sink with elbow or foot control and at least 1 table and 1 chair.
Furthermore, the studio must have an area dedicated to special waste disposal and sterilization, an area for used products and a zone for new and intact products.
Finally, it is mandatory to display inside the tattoo studio information regarding compliance with professional training requirements and the materials and products used, as well as information about risks.
As for the mandatory health and safety rules, all tattoo operators must always use sterile and single-use materials, clothing, tools, and equipment to avoid the risk of infections or transmissible diseases.
The law also requires tattoo artists to inform clients about the risks associated with the practice of tattooing, as well as the possible need for aftercare.
Substances in inks according to Italian tattoo regulations
Italian regulations regarding tattoos also focus on the substances used in inks.
At the beginning of 2022, the provisions changed, introducing a limitation on the use of over 4,000 chemicals considered dangerous to human health, including:
- carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic substances for human reproduction
- skin-sensitizing substances
- skin-corrosive substances
- skin and eye-irritating substances
- substances causing eye damage
This amendment aims to ensure the exclusive use of tattoo inks that meet certain safety and quality standards.
Tattoo artists are required to inform clients about the inks used and provide them with all necessary information on their composition. Furthermore, they must obtain the client’s written consent before proceeding with the tattoo.
Competent authorities carry out periodic checks to verify the compliance of inks with the requirements established by the regulations. In case of violation, administrative or criminal penalties may be applied to those responsible.
Mandatory limitations of tattoo regulations
Italian tattoo regulations establish that the minimum age to get tattooed without parental consent is 18 years old, while under 16 it is absolutely forbidden to tattoo, even with the consent of an adult.
This rule is intended to protect minors and ensure that the decision to get tattooed is made in a conscious and responsible way.
Another prohibition to keep in mind is the one regarding tattoo removal within the studio: this practice can only be performed in healthcare facilities.
Finally, there are some lesser-known but equally important prohibitions, such as:
- tattooing anatomical sites where permanent disabling consequences may occur
- tattooing areas where healing is particularly difficult
- tattooing body parts affected by lesions
- excessive facial tattooing, making person identification complex
It is essential that tattoo artists operate in compliance with all these laws to protect their clients’ health and maintain the high reputation of the industry.
Violations of the provisions provided by law are punished with administrative sanctions and can also lead to the suspension or revocation of the license to practice the profession.
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The training needed to meet the necessary health and safety requirements
As we explained previously, to be able to practice the profession of tattoo operator, it is necessary to attend a 1,500-hour training course.
In this course, tattoo artists receive complete training on the health and safety requirements necessary and mandatory to ensure client safety and prevent any infections or complications.
These rules are fundamental to protect public health and ensure that tattoo services are performed correctly and safely.
Health and safety requirements require tattoo operators to have specific training on:
- Correct hygiene, cleaning, and sterilization procedures for tools used during the tattooing process
- Biological waste disposal
- Personal hygiene practices
- Use of single-use equipment and clothing and protective masks to avoid contamination of the work area and protect both the operator and the client from any pathogens
- Practical tattooing techniques according to hygiene and prophylaxis standards
- Health risks for clients
- Prevention and care
- Safety standards and safeguarding the work environment
To obtain a license to operate as a tattoo artist, operators must pass a theoretical-practical exam that also evaluates their skills in matters of hygiene and safety.
It is indeed the responsibility of tattoo operators to ensure that these rules are respected in order to avoid health risks and possible complications resulting from the tattooing process.
The Milano Tattoo School Course to become a tattoo operator in compliance with Italian regulations
Milano Tattoo School is a school specialized in tattoo artist training accredited by the Lombardy Region.
Among the courses it offers is the 1,500-hour Tattoo Operator Course, which issues the Regional Certification necessary to work professionally and provides all the mandatory health and safety skills.
The MTS Tattoo Operator Course is a complete and very specific training path, developed through classroom lessons and laboratory sessions conducted by a staff of high-profile experts using advanced technologies, innovative teaching, and high-quality equipment from the industry’s most important brands.
It allows for a full understanding of the importance of safety and compliance with mandatory health and safety rules to be able to work as a tattoo operator in full compliance with the law and Italian regulations.
Want to become a professional tattoo artist? Discover the Tattoo Operator Course starting on October 9, 2023