Why has the European Union banned some tattoo pigments?

In January 2022, the European Union (EU) announced an update. rules on chemical colored pigments banning thousands of products used tattoo – in all, f4,000 products banned. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Ink elements can cause allergies and even cancer.

The agency says restriction will reduce chronic allergic reactions, skin inflammation, cancer, and other more serious effects on people’s DNA and reproductive systems. According to ECHA, 12% of Europeans use some form of body art — percent represents about 54 million people.

less tattoos

According to the European Union, tattoo artists have had several years to find alternative inks since the public consultation process on the issue began in 2016. However, in 2020, the law was finally passed, giving body tattoo shops a year. Adjust according to the new rules.

“The restriction covers, for example: chemicals that cause cancer or genetic mutations, and chemicals that are toxic to reproduction, as well as skin sensitizers and irritants. The aim is not to ban tattooing, but to make the colors used in tattoos and permanent makeup safer.

According to EU spokesman Eric Mamer, the decision is not new for some regions. seven European countries already had national restrictions. Now, the guidelines follow a generalization pattern for all member states – including the UK working on similar laws.

disgruntled tattoo artists

A petition called “Save Pigments” gathered 176,000 signatures from Europeans who opposed the new directive. According to a Brussels tattoo artist, the new inks were released just a week before the ban, so many people didn’t have time to prepare.

Petition organizer Erich Maehnert thinks the ban will have a negative impact on the industry, as tattoo shops may start using illegal means to obtain inks in other countries where the rules don’t apply.

Many tattoo artists fear losing certain ink colors, such as Amsterdam tattooist Tycho Veldhoen, who fears losing their “color palette” and running out of alternatives, he told Euronews.

“They put all kinds of unhealthy things in the food and then chase the tattoo ink. I admit that I don’t understand this law because I have tattoos,” Belgian Tattoo Association Secretary Gwenaelle Reaume told euronews. .