---
title: Tag Instances hosting healthcare data (HDS)
description: Learn how to tag Scaleway Instances with the HDS tag to identify the resources that host healthcare data.
tags: hds healthcare data health compliant compliance regulatory tags instances
dates:
  validation: 2026-10-15
  posted: 2026-10-15
---

import Requirements from '@macros/iam/requirements.mdx'

When hosting healthcare data using Scaleway Instances, you are responsible for knowing which of your resources are HDS-compliant and which are not, as outlined in the [Instances Shared responsibility model](/instances/reference-content/instances-shared-responsibility-model/).

To identify these resources, you are legally obligated to add the `HDS` tag to every Instance within your HDS scope. This tag is metadata only: it does not change how the Instance works, but it lets you filter, audit, and report on your HDS scope.

To tag several Instances at once, or to tag Instances from your scripts and automation tools, see [Tag Instances hosting healthcare data using the CLI and API](/instances/api-cli/tag-hds-instances/).

<Message type="important">
  The `HDS` tag does not make an Instance compliant. Your Instance must also use an [eligible Instance offer](/instances/reference-content/instances-shared-responsibility-model/#authorized-instance-offers) and be located in an Availability Zone within the **PARIS** region.
</Message>

<Requirements />
- A Scaleway account logged in to the [console](https://console.scaleway.com)
- [Owner](/iam/concepts/glossary/#owner) status or [IAM permissions](/iam/concepts/glossary/#permission) allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
- Signed an HDS contract with Scaleway for the guarantees outlined in the [Shared responsibility model](/instances/reference-content/instances-shared-responsibility-model/) to apply

## Tag naming convention

Use exactly one tag, `HDS`, in uppercase, on all Instances within your HDS scope. Tag filters are case-sensitive and match exact values, so `hds` or `HDS-prod` do not match a filter on `HDS`.

## Tag a new Instance

1. In the **Compute** section of the side menu, click **CPU & GPU Instances**. The Instances page opens.
2. Click **+ Create Instance**. The Instance creation wizard opens.
3. Select an Availability Zone within the **PARIS** region (`fr-par-1`, `fr-par-2`, or `fr-par-3`).
4. Select an [HDS-eligible Instance type](/instances/reference-content/instances-shared-responsibility-model/#authorized-instance-offers).
5. Complete the other steps of the wizard.
6. In the **Tags** field, enter `HDS`.
7. Click **Create Instance**. The Instance **Overview** page opens.

## Tag an existing Instance

1. In the **Compute** section of the side menu, click **CPU & GPU Instances**. The Instances page opens.
2. Click the name of the Instance you want to tag. The Instance **Overview** page opens.
3. In the **Tags** field, add `HDS`. Keep the existing tags.
4. Save your changes.

## HDS Instance checklist

To host healthcare data, ensure that your Instances meet the following requirements:

- Each Instance within your HDS scope has the `HDS` tag, in uppercase.
- Each tagged Instance is located in an Availability Zone within the **France - Paris** region (`fr-par-1`, `fr-par-2`, or `fr-par-3`).
- Each tagged Instance uses an [HDS-eligible Instance offer](/instances/reference-content/instances-shared-responsibility-model/#authorized-instance-offers).
- The volumes, snapshots, and backups of each tagged Instance are located in the **France - Paris** region. Check the default zone of your scripts and automation tools.
- Only [HDS-compliant volumes](/block-storage/how-to/host-healthcare-data/) are attached to each tagged Instance.
- Snapshots are exported only to an [HDS-compliant Object Storage bucket](/object-storage/how-to/host-healthcare-data/).
- You follow the provided security best practices at all times.

See the [Instances Shared responsibility model](/instances/reference-content/instances-shared-responsibility-model/) for more information on the legal framework to host healthcare data.