TS EN 17169

TS EN 17169 is a service standard focused on safe and hygienic tattooing practice. It addresses not only the act of tattooing itself, but also the preparation before the procedure, hygiene during the session, and aftercare guidance afterward. In practical terms, it is about organising the tattoo environment and workflow so that the client, the tattooist, and other people in the work area are all considered.

What hygiene areas does it address?

The scope states that the document specifies hygiene requirements before and during tattooing, and gives general guidance for aftercare. It also provides guidance on the correct procedures to be used in routine interactions between tattooists, clients, and public authorities. This matters because tattooing involves close contact and skin penetration, so cleanliness, cross-contamination control, and clear aftercare information are central to good practice.

Why the technical distinction matters

Tattooing is an invasive procedure in which pigment is introduced into the skin in a controlled way. In general technical terms, this makes hygiene, equipment handling, skin preparation, and post-procedure advice especially important. The title and scope show that this standard treats safety and hygiene as linked parts of the same working method, rather than as separate concerns.

• Provides guidance on pre-tattoo hygiene preparation.
• Addresses correct procedures during the tattooing process.
• Includes general aftercare guidance.
• Supports protection of the tattooist, the client, and others in the work area.