The country's sports administration body said recruiting new players with tattoos at national level and to youth squads was "strictly prohibited".
The administration said the move would help set a "good example for society".
Some national stars, including defender Zhang Linpeng, have previously been told to cover their tattoos.
China has been increasingly stepping up regulation since mid-2018 to stop tattoos being shown on screens. Some professional footballers have since been covering their arms with long sleeves to hide their body art.
