EU Regulation Threatens to Prohibit Employment of Several Pigments in Tattoo Studios
New REACH Regulations Affect Tattoo Artists Across Europe
The European Union's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation has introduced new restrictions on hazardous chemical substances in tattoo inks and permanent makeup. These changes, outlined in Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2081, will impact tattoo artists and their businesses.
Key changes relevant to tattoo artists include:
- Ban on isopropanol (isopropyl) alcohol due to its toxicity and health risks when applied on skin.
- Restrictions and bans on specific pigments, such as:
- Blue pigment 15:3 (Copper Phthalocyanine blue) due to concerns about its degradation products.
- Green pigment 7 (Phthalocyanine green) for similar safety considerations.
These restrictions will affect tattoo artists in several ways:
- Switching to alternative inks: Artists will need to use compliant inks, which may be costlier or less available.
- Ink suppliers adapting products: Ink suppliers must reformulate their products to comply with the regulations, which could potentially disrupt supply chains.
- Limited creative options: Some popular colors or effects might no longer be available.
- Increased costs and scrutiny: Businesses may face increased costs related to compliance documentation and product sourcing.
- Client communication: There may be a need to explain changes in available inks and assure clients about safety.
The new regulations will apply to blue pigment 15:3 and green pigment 7 at the European level from January 4, 2023. Substances classified as such due to inhalation exposure only are excluded from the regulation. Certain substances that cause serious eye damage are also restricted. REACH also introduces maximum concentration limits for individual substances or groups of substances used in tattoo inks and permanent makeup.
Tattoo artists and suppliers seeking precise legal texts or practical guidance can consult regulatory bodies like the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) or relevant national authorities for updated lists of restricted substances and approved inks. A EU-wide petition called "Save the Pigments" has been started, complaining about an upcoming ban on two ink colors and has collected over 170,000 signatures.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, the new REACH regulations propose a ban on isopropanol (isopropyl) alcohol in tattoo inks and permanent makeup due to its potential health hazards and toxicity.
- The landscape of science and medicine also includes restrictions and bans on specific pigments such as blue pigment 15:3 (Copper Phthalocyanine blue) and green pigment 7 (Phthalocyanine green) due to concerns over their safety and degradation products.
- In the fusion of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, tattoo artists may experience limited creative options as some popular colors or effects could no longer be available due to these regulations.
