Concern mounts among tattoo studios due to the imminent EU legislation prohibiting several pigment types
The European Union's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation has introduced a significant change in the tattoo and permanent makeup industry. The new regulation, Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2081, bans certain hazardous ingredients in tattoo inks and permanent makeup, effective January 4, 2023[1][4].
One of the key changes is the ban on popular pigments such as Pigment Blue 15 and Pigment Green 7[1][3]. This move forces tattoo artists to discontinue their use or switch to REACH-compliant inks. The change affects the entire supply chain, as tattoo ink manufacturers and importers must reformulate products and source safe pigments[1][3].
The ban on over 4,000 chemicals in tattoo and permanent makeup inks is expected to increase costs due to reformulation, testing, and sourcing of compliant inks. This can affect business pricing and profit margins[3]. To legally operate in the EU, artists must understand and comply with these regulations. Failure to comply can lead to penalties or inability to use non-compliant inks[1].
The new regulations aim to improve health and environmental safety by removing harmful substances, which may boost consumer confidence in tattooing practices. However, artists must communicate these changes properly to ensure that consumers are informed[1][4].
In addition, an EU-wide petition called "Save the Pigments" has collected over 170,000 signatures, complaining about an upcoming ban on two ink colors[2]. The petition highlights the concerns of tattoo artists and consumers about the potential impact of the new rules on their businesses and practices.
In summary, European tattoo artists and ink manufacturers are facing regulatory-driven changes in ink availability and formulation. These changes require adaptation of their supplies and practices to ensure compliance with REACH's stringent safety criteria, impacting their operational, financial, and educational aspects of their businesses[1][3][4].
[1] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2020). Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2081 of 22 October 2020. Retrieved from https://echa.europa.eu/-/commission-regulation-eu-2020-2081-restricting-the-use-of-certain-substances-in-tattoo-inks-and-permanent-make-up-products
[2] Save the Pigments. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://savethepigments.eu/
[3] European Tattoo Safety Campaign. (2020). The REACH Regulation: What Tattoo Artists Need to Know. Retrieved from https://europeantattoosafety.org/the-reach-regulation-what-tattoo-artists-need-to-know/
[4] European Parliament. (2020). Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2081 of 22 October 2020 on the restriction of the use of certain substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up products. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2020-0414_EN.html
- The health-and-wellness sector, particularly skin-care and the beauty industry, may witness a trend of adopting safer and REACH-compliant ink formulations, as a result of the changes in the tattoo and permanent makeup industry.
- The science industry could play a significant role in the development of safe and compliant pigments for the tattoo and permanent makeup industry, given the demand for alternatives to the banned substances.
- Given the implications of the new REACH regulations on the financial stability of businesses in the tattoo and permanent makeup industry, investors in the health-and-wellness and finance sectors may need to reconsider their investments in light of the potential risks and opportunities.
