Tattoo Laboratorium

Find Compliant Tattoo & PMU Products

Check colours that comply with the EU REACH Regulation.

For over 25 years, CTL® GmbH Bielefeld has been testing tattoo and permanent make-up pigments. As an independent testing laboratory accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018, we continuously adapt to new regulations and market developments, refine our testing methods, and collaborate closely with manufacturers, distributors, national regulators and tattoo artists worldwide to ensure clean, safe, and compliant pigments. Our clients come from Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Asia – a global sign of trust in our expertise. Our knowledge is in demand, and we are pleased to share it to help advance safety standards in the tattoo industry.

Why Choose Tattoo Pigments Tested by CTL®?

With years of experience, we test tattoo and permanent make-up pigments to ensure their safety. By confirming that all tested pigments meet strict standards, we help protect both tattoo artists and their clients.

Transparency: We publish pigments that have passed our tests in our tattoo database, so anyone can check whether a specific pigment has been tested by us – a recognised, independent testing institute.
Informed decisions: We do not endorse specific pigments, but our transparency enables informed choices of safe products.
Adaptability: The tattoo and PMU industry is evolving – from niche to mainstream. Some pigments that were once widely used are now banned. We continuously refine our testing procedures to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.

Our Testing Approach

From the first testing methods for identifying harmful dyes to the EU Recommendation ResAP(2008)1 and now the legally binding EU-wide REACH Regulation – CTL® GmbH has always been and remains a key player in the industry. Our tests are continually adapted to meet evolving requirements and combine state-of-the-art analytical methods with advanced measurement systems.

Our testing includes:

Block 1: Manufacturer formulations
Block 2: Primary aromatic amines
Block 3: Screening for carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic, sensitising and irritant substances (in accordance with Regulation 1272/2008 – CLP), as well as banned preservatives (in cooperation with authorities)
Block 4: Contamination by heavy metals
Block 5: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Block 6: Microbiological contamination (sterility)

Understanding the New EU REACH Regulation

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation already governs numerous chemical substances within the European Union. Since January 2021, these rules have also applied to tattoo and PMU pigments. Following a one-year transitional period, the new provisions came fully into effect on 4 January 2022, establishing the world’s strictest requirements for tattoo inks in order to protect consumer health.

One particularly significant aspect of this regulation is the ban on specific pigments. While most restrictions came into force in January 2022, an additional grace period was granted for Pigment Blue 15:3 and Pigment Green 7 — their ban took effect on 4 January 2023.

Despite the extensive scope of the REACH regulation, safety gaps still remain, especially regarding microbiological contamination. At CTL® GmbH, we address these gaps through additional testing protocols to ensure that pigments are not only compliant, but also as safe as possible for end users.

Criticism and Challenges under the REACH Regulation

The REACH regulation is subject to differing opinions:

Too strict? Some argue that REACH imposes unnecessarily harsh restrictions – for example, on isopropanol, a substance that can be useful and harmless.
Too lenient? Others criticise the regulation for not adequately addressing certain microbiological risks.

Regardless of the debate, the regulation sets very low limits for contaminants across the EU. However, national legislators are still permitted to introduce additional regulations, making the establishment of a uniform standard challenging.

Is Full REACH Compliance Guaranteed?

Due to the complexity of the regulations and the wide range of substances involved, no one can guarantee absolute REACH compliance.

However: Testing for known contaminants and commonly regulated substances is both possible and essential. Our methods – based on standardised testing procedures and backed by decades of experience – deliver highly reliable results for tattoo and PMU pigments.

Our Proven Collaboration with Authorities

As the first and leading testing laboratory for tattoo and PMU pigments in the EU, we are regularly consulted by both European and international authorities.

Authorities compare their findings with our test data.
They seek our advice on regulatory and testing-related matters.
Our test results consistently align with official findings – a clear indication of the quality and reliability of our analyses.

We take pride in protecting the interests of our partners and helping to bring safe products to market.

FAQs: Safety, Compliance, and Documentation

How can I be sure that my tattoo pigments are safe?
- Check our tattoo database for pigments we have already tested.
- If a pigment is not listed, it was either not tested by us or did not pass the test.
- In such cases, request an analysis certificate or safety documentation from your supplier.
How can I protect myself legally as a tattoo artist?
- Maintain complete documentation of the pigments you use.
- If you use banned pigments, you are held responsible.
- Proper documentation is usually sufficient – you do not need to test every pigment yourself if you have reliable certificates.
What happens if I buy pigments from outside the EU?
- You are considered an importer and bear full responsibility for the pigments you bring into the EU.
- In some countries (e.g. Germany), imported pigments must be registered with the relevant authorities.
- Ensure you receive complete documentation from the supplier or manufacturer.
Where can I learn more?
- Contact us for detailed information about REACH, the new regulation, or specific testing procedures – a short conversation often clarifies more than lengthy texts.

We’re Here for You

CTL® GmbH Bielefeld is committed to providing safe, compliant, and high-quality tattoo and PMU pigments. Through precise testing, continuous adaptation to new regulations, and transparent communication, we support manufacturers, distributors, and tattoo artists worldwide.

Get in touch with us to learn how our testing can protect your clients and enhance your credibility!