Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Karnataka seeks Centre's nod to regulate tattooing over health fears
People get tattoos to decorate their skin with pictures and designs.
But in the Indian state of Karnataka, doctors are worried that tattoos might be unsafe.
Tattoo ink is put deep into the skin with a needle, and some inks contain chemicals and metals.
These can get into the blood and might make people sick over time.
Dirty needles or tools can also spread infections like hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Right now, there is no special law in India that checks tattoo ink and tattoo shops.
So Karnataka's Health Department is planning new rules to keep people safe.
They have sent a report to India's central government.
The rules will cover the quality of the ink, cleaning tools, and how tattoo studios should be run.
An expert committee will also study the risks and suggest safety measures.
Karnataka's Health Department is considering new regulations and possibly legislation to govern tattooing.
The department has submitted a report to the Central government seeking national regulation of tattoos.
There is currently no specific legislation in India covering tattooing and tattoo ink health risks.
Officials warn that chemicals and metals in tattoo inks can enter the bloodstream and may cause diseases over time.
Unsafe practices could spread infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, prompting proposed hygiene and sterilisation guidelines.
- Who
- Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department, led by K. Srinivas, Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department
- What
- Planning regulations and possible legislation to govern tattooing, and submitting a report to the Central government seeking nationwide rules
- When
- Announced on Wednesday, with the report already submitted to the Central government
- Where
- Karnataka, India, with the department based in Bengaluru
- Why
- Concerns that chemicals and metals in tattoo inks can enter the bloodstream and cause diseases, and that unsafe practices could spread infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- State
- Karnataka, India
- Department
- Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department (Food Safety and Drug Administration Department)
- Official
- K. Srinivas, Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration Department
- Action taken
- Report submitted to the Central government seeking regulation of tattooing
- Current legal status
- No specific legislation in India governing tattooing or tattoo ink risks
- Health risks cited
- Chemicals and metals in inks entering the bloodstream; infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- Proposed guidelines
- Ink quality and composition, hygiene standards, equipment sterilisation, and tattoo studio safety practices
- Next step
- Forming an expert committee to study ink composition, safety standards, and tattoo artist practices