Safety rules on tattooing, permanent make-up and piercing activity techniques

Tattooing, permanent make-up, and piercing are regulated practices in the Principality. 

Three general conditions stipulated in Monegasque regulations must be adhered to:

• Prior training in health and hygiene standards by an approved organisation is required
• The premises must comply with general health and hygiene standards
• The Director of Health Affairs must receive a prior declaration of the activity (see the procedure: "How to declare a tattooing, permanent make-up or piercing activity")

Individuals practising tattooing using skin puncture techniques, permanent make-up application and body piercing techniques must have completed a prior training course in health and hygiene rules, provided by an accredited body.

The training course syllabus is detailed in the annex of Ministerial Decree No. 2012-197 of 5 April 2012, pertaining to the practice of tattooing using skin puncture techniques, permanent make-up application and piercing pertaining to the practice of tattooing using skin puncture techniques, permanent make-up application and piercing.

The general health and hygiene rules are set out in the appendix to the Ministerial Decree No. 2012-197:

• Tattooing using skin puncture techniques, including the application of permanent make-up (Annexe 3, I)
• Body piercing (Annexe 3, II)
• Piercing of the pinna and nose wing using an ear piercing gun (Annexe 4)

Tattooing products, defined as "any colouring substance or preparation designed to create a mark on superficial areas of the human body by means of puncturing the skin, with the exception of products which are medical devices", must not be harmful to human health.

Individuals practising tattooing using skin puncture techniques, permanent make-up application and body piercing techniques must submit a prior declaration to the Department of Health Affairs.

Furthermore, the regulations concerning advance information for clients, and the case of minors need to be clarified.

Prior to the use of these techniques, clients must be duly informed of the risks to which they are exposing themselves and the precautions which they must take following the procedure.

The content of this information is regulated and focuses on the risks of infection and allergic reaction as well as the potential pain involved and the irreversible nature of the planned procedure.

This information must also be displayed visibly within premises where these techniques are practised and presented, in writing, to the client, along with any necessary notifications.

It is prohibited to carry out these procedures on a minor without the consent of a parent or guardian.

Proof of consent must be retained by the individuals carrying out the procedures for three years.