ISO Standards for Tattoo Studios
In a field where safety, hygiene & client trust are paramount, tattoo studios must go beyond artistic excellence. One increasingly recognized route is achieving ISO certifications for tattoo studios, ensuring compliance with international quality and safety standards. As the industry continues to evolve and gain mainstream acceptance, the demand for regulated, professional operations has intensified.
ISO standards provide a global benchmark for quality and efficiency. Though often associated with industrial sectors, these standards are also critical in service-based industries like tattooing, where cross-contamination, chemical exposure, and client safety are significant concerns.

For tattoo studios, ISO standards help demonstrate regulatory compliance, promote consistent service delivery, and inspire customer confidence. Achieving such certification implies the studio adheres to international best practices, not just local regulations.
If you’re looking to get ISO certified for your Tattoo Studio, we’re here to help. Contact Pacific Certifications at support@pacificcert.com or +91-8595603096.
Applicable ISO Standards for Tattoo Studios
Several ISO standards are highly relevant for tattoo studios. Here’s a detailed look at the most applicable ones:
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems
Ensures consistency and continual improvement in service delivery. This is particularly useful for tattoo parlors focusing on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems
Vital in environments with potential exposure to biohazards, this standard helps prevent work-related injury and ill health among tattoo artists and staff.
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems
Encourages sustainable practices in tattoo ink disposal, chemical storage, and waste management, promoting eco-conscious operations.
ISO 22716:2007 – Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics
Applicable if studios manufacture their own skin-care or aftercare products, ensuring safe and hygienic production processes.
ISO 13485:2016 – Quality Management for Medical Devices
Though primarily intended for medical devices, this standard can apply to studios using sterilization equipment or medical-grade tools.
Click here to find out more applicable standards to your industry
At Pacific Certifications, we specialize in audit and certification services, ensuring your tattoo studio meets the stringent requirements of applicable ISO standards. While we do not engage in consultancy, training, or implementation, our expertise lies in:
- Conducting impartial audits
- Issuing globally recognized ISO certificates
- Helping studios maintain ongoing compliance
- Supporting re-certification needs
By choosing Pacific Certifications, you align your studio with an accredited certification body, reinforcing your studio’s credibility in an increasingly regulated industry.
Running a Tattoo Studio and aiming for ISO certification? Let Pacific Certifications guide you through the audit and certification process. Contact support@pacificcert.com
Requirements of ISO Certifications for Tattoo Studios
Below is a breakdown of the key requirements of each relevant ISO standard for tattoo studios:

ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System
- Customer Focus – Meet and exceed client expectations.
- Leadership – Clear roles and responsibilities in management.
- Process Approach – Standardized procedures for consistent service.
- Improvement – Ongoing evaluation and enhancement of studio practices.
- Evidence-Based Decision Making – Use data (like client feedback) to improve.
- Supplier Relationships – Evaluate and manage ink/equipment suppliers for quality.
ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health & Safety Management
- Hazard Identification – Spot risks like needle injuries or ink contamination.
- Risk Assessment & Control – Plan to eliminate or reduce those risks.
- Worker Participation – Involve staff in safety protocols and decisions.
- Emergency Preparedness – First-aid kits, sterilization failure responses.
- Compliance Obligations – Adhere to health and safety laws and industry norms.
- Performance Evaluation – Review safety metrics and take corrective actions.
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System
- Environmental Policy – Documented commitment to sustainability.
- Legal Compliance – Follow laws related to waste disposal and emissions.
- Objectives & Planning – Set goals for eco-friendly waste, water, and ink usage.
- Operational Control – Procedures for managing chemical disposal safely.
- Monitoring & Evaluation – Track environmental impact and adjust accordingly.
ISO 22716:2007 – Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics
(Applicable if producing tattoo aftercare products or custom inks)
- Personnel Hygiene – Training and clean workwear for those handling products.
- Premises – Clean and sanitized production area.
- Equipment – Regularly cleaned and maintained.
- Raw Materials – Verified and safely stored.
- Documentation – Traceable batch records and quality controls.
- Quality Control – Final inspection and lab testing of products.
ISO 13485:2016 – Quality for Medical Devices
(Applicable if using sterilization/autoclave equipment)
- Device Validation – Ensure tools like autoclaves are properly tested.
- Sterility Assurance – Documented sterilization procedures.
- Risk Management – Manage risks related to equipment and processes.
- Record Keeping – Maintenance logs for all medical-grade equipment.
- Corrective Action – Procedures to address defects or failures.
Contact Pacific Certifications for your ISO certification needs. support@pacificcert.com | +91-8595603096
Benefits of ISO Certifications for Tattoo Studios
Implementing ISO standards brings tangible and intangible advantages:

- Client Trust: Clients are more likely to choose studios that show commitment to health and safety.
- Hygiene & Safety: Structured processes help maintain sterilization standards and reduce infections.
- Compliance: Easier alignment with local and national regulatory requirements.
- Growth: Certification opens doors to higher-end clientele, partnerships, and even franchise opportunities.
- Staff Retention: Safer working conditions and clear protocols enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
- Efficiency: Streamlined procedures reduce waste, delays, and costs.
Recently, global consumer expectations for hygiene and safety have reached an all-time high. According to the Global Tattoo Industry Market Report, over 78% of clients consider certification and hygiene standards before booking an appointment. The growth of tattoo tourism and medically supervised tattooing has also pushed for standardized practices across borders. Studios that fail to adapt risk falling behind in an industry that’s increasingly professionalized.
If you’re ready to strengthen your reputation, ensure client safety, and future-proof your operations, consider ISO certification today!
Pacific Certifications is accredited by ABIS, in case you need support with ISO certification for your Tattoo Studios business, please contact us at suppport@pacificcert.com or +91-8595603096
FAQ: ISO Certifications for Tattoo Studios
ISO certification confirms that a studio meets international standards for quality, hygiene, safety, or environmental care. It helps build client trust and enhances operational discipline.
ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 are the most applicable. They cover quality management and occupational health and safety, respectively.
No. Pacific Certifications only performs audits and issues certificates. We do not provide consultancy or training services.
While not legally mandatory in most regions, ISO certification is increasingly being recognized as a competitive differentiator and is sometimes required by upscale clients or medical facilities.
Depending on the studio’s readiness, it can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months, including the audit phase and final certification.
Costs vary based on studio size, chosen standard, and location. Contact support@pacificcert.com for a detailed quote.