FDA & EN-71 Compliance: What Buyers Need to Know Before Importing Tattoos

If you're importing temporary tattoos for resale, understanding safety certifications isn't optional — it's a legal requirement. Selling non-compliant products can result in product recalls, fines, and damage to your brand reputation. This guide explains everything you need to know.

Why Certifications Matter

Temporary tattoos are applied directly to skin, which makes them subject to strict safety regulations in most countries. Unlike clothing or accessories, skin-contact products must be tested for harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and allergens.

US Market: FDA Compliance

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cosmetics and color additives used in temporary tattoos. Key requirements include:

• All color additives must be FDA-approved for cosmetic use
• Inks must be non-toxic and free from harmful heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury)
• Products must include a full ingredient list
• Manufacturers must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

LowMOQPrint provides: FDA-compliant inks, full ingredient disclosure, and test certificates upon request.

EU Market: EN-71 Toy Safety Standard

In the European Union, temporary tattoos sold to or used by children must comply with EN-71, the European toy safety standard. This covers:

• EN-71 Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
• EN-71 Part 2: Flammability testing
• EN-71 Part 3: Migration of certain elements (heavy metals)

Even if your tattoos aren't marketed to children, EN-71 compliance is often required by EU retailers and distributors.

Additional Certifications

Depending on your target market, you may also need:

• CPSIA (US): Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act — required for products sold to children under 12
• MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheets — required for shipping and handling
• ISO 9001: Quality management certification — demonstrates consistent manufacturing quality

How LowMOQPrint Helps

We provide all necessary documentation for your market:

• FDA, EN-71, and CPSIA test certificates
• MSDS for all ink and adhesive materials
• Full ingredient lists for customs clearance
• Country-specific compliance guidance

Need certificates for your market? Request certificates on WhatsApp — we'll send them within 24 hours.

Written by Peter, founder of LowMOQPrint — a Shenzhen-based temporary tattoo manufacturer serving brands in 50+ countries since 2015.