Professionals have welcomed the new legislation governing age limits and hygiene for the tattoo and piercing industry. Giovanni Da Rin Betta/Creative Commons

Professionals have welcomed the new legislation governing age limits and hygiene for the tattoo and piercing industry. Giovanni Da Rin Betta/Creative Commons

The move fills what health minister Lydia Mutsch called a “legal void”.

New legislation will require anyone under the age of 18 to obtain parental consent before they go to get inked or pierced – although the vast majority of tattoo artists in Luxembourg have already been voluntarily imposing this rule. Minors will also be prevented from having their bodies subjected to cutting or branding.

Tattoo artists and anyone undertaking piercings must also inform clients of the risks involved and obtain a written agreement which will be archived for five years. Professionals will also have to take at least 21 hours of hygiene courses. Mutsch says that tattoo and piercing professionals were consulted and have welcomed the new legislation.