Legal status of tattooing in the European Union
There is no law in the European Union requiring all countries to have a set age to be tattooed, therefore it differs from country to country. Most countries do however have the law set to 18 or 16 with parental consent. Even though there is not a set law on the actual tattooing there are set laws for EU states to follow that affect the working environment of tattoo/piercing shops and regulations.
Austria
You may get a tattoo at the age of 16 with parental consent (this can be written) and without parental consent from the age of 18 upwards.[1]
Belgium
In Belgium, there is not a specific implementation decree regulating the sector of piercing and tattooing practices.[2]
Bulgaria
No legislation exists.
Croatia
You may get a tattoo or piercing at the age of 16 with parental consent (parents must be present) and without parental consent from the age of 18 upwards. (tattooing or piercing of minors may vary depending on studios policy, some refuse to tattoo or pierce minors completely)
Cyprus
You have to be 18 to get a tattoo in Cyprus although it is rumoured that many places don't ask for ID and don't take the regulations "too seriously".
Czech Republic
No legislation found.
Denmark
The Danish tattoo law was valid from June 15, 1966. It is unlawful to tattoo someone under the age of 18. In addition to this it is unlawful to tattoo someone on the head, neck and hands.[2][3]
Estonia
No legislation found.
Finland
You need to be 18+ to get a tattoo in Finland, however, you may be able to get a permit to get a tattoo under the age of 18.
France
The legal minimum age is 16 in France.
Germany
You must be over 18 years of age to get a tattoo freely without parental consent. You need to have parental or guardian consent at the ages of 16 and 17. [4]
Greece
The minimum age is 18.
Greek tattoo law only covers tattoos and not permanent make-up.
Other key provisions (non exhaustive summary):[2]
- Only tattoo persons who are at least 18 years of age. Persons under the age of 18 may only be tattooed in the presence of a guardian who has given the required written consent.
- Not advise on the customer's state of physical health or offer any medical opinion.
- Not effect any medical procedure, be it on the recommendation, under the guidance or with the help of any form of medical specialist.
- Not proceed in any manner whatsoever to remove a tattoo.
Hungary
No legislation found.
Ireland
"There is no legislation regulating body piercing and tattooing. As a result there is no legal minimum age at which you can get a body piercing or tattoo."[5] However, many tattoo shops will refuse to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, or anyone 16+ who does not have a parent or guardian with them. Children who are 14 can get tattoos or piercings with parental consent.
Italy
In Italy a specific legislation concerning tattoos and piercing practices does not exist.[2]
Latvia
the legal age is 16.
Lithuania
No legislation found.
Luxembourg
No legislation found.
Malta
The minimum age is 18.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the age at which persons may decide for themselves to have a tattoo and piercing is 16 years. This age limit is suspended for earlobe piercing but pertains to all other areas. Informed consent forms, with information concerning health (including allergies) must be available and must be signed by the client. In the case of children under 16 years, a parent or guardian must sign. If they have signed but are not present with the client, the tattooist or piercer must verify their consent by telephone. Signed consent forms must be kept by the studio in a locked file for ten years.[6]
Poland
No regulation.
Portugal
Reportedly the age limit is 18.
Romania
The minimum age is 29
Slovakia
No legislation found.
Slovenia
No legislation found.
Spain
16 with consent of parents or 14 in some regions
Sweden
The minimum age is 18.
References
- ↑ "Age limits". Infomobil. Archived from the original on 2011-08-17. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cons_safe/news/eis_tattoo_reg_052003_en.pdf
- ↑ http://tattoo.dk/engelske/law_on_tattooing.html
- ↑ "Jugendschutzgesetz 2013: Ab wann sind Tattoos und Piercings erlaubt?". T-online.de. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
- ↑ "Children and rights in Ireland". Citizensinformation.ie. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
- ↑ http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=591
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