Filenews 5 January 2022 - by Despina Psilou
The new restriction that was put in force yesterday following a decision by the European Union, regarding dangerous substances contained in tattoo dyes and permanent make-up products, has caused an uproar and questions. As specified, this is a ban on chemical substances containing certain inks, which are among other things carcinogenic and toxic. For its part, the Tattoo Association – Piercing CY Association complained to "F" that no relevant announcement was forwarded to them and that they have not received any information to date. On the other hand, the head of the Department of Labour said that there had been announcements in 2018 and 2021 about the EU's intentions, clarifying that additional bans will be put in place in a year' s time.
In particular, the spokesman of the Tattoo Association – Piercing CY Association, Antonis Chrysostomou, appealed through "F" to the Department of Labour Inspection to inform them and ideally to invite them to a meeting at the ministry for further clarifications. "We did not receive an official briefing. We would appreciate it not to leave us in the unknown", said Mr. Chrysostomou, underlining that "since yesterday we have been constantly receiving phone calls from our colleagues, who either try to be informed by us, or complain that we were not informed".
However, he said, the companies themselves are seeking to adapt to EU directives and remove any chemicals that have been deemed dangerous. "We as an industry, whenever we are informed of bans, withdraw it from our stores," he said, adding that they themselves seek to protect their citizens and customers.
On her part, the senior officer of the Labour Inspection And Head of the Chemical Protection and Safety of Services Branch, Tasoula Kyprianidou-Leontidou, told "F" that this is a European Regulation, which had been put to consultation between the member-states.
"In 2018, when the consultation was in progress, we issued a statement inviting stakeholders on the issue to submit their views," he said, adding that at the same time the Department proceeded with a market audit to determine who the importers in Cyprus are. "Some of them import such products autonomously," he said, clarifying that a quantity of just one kilo of one kilo of one kilo had been identified that had come mainly from the US. There is, he said, no strong influence on the Cypriot market since this ban.
At the same time, he clarified that professionals should require that the inks and mixtures they use do not contain specific substances. If a professional has such a formulation, he must stop using it. Furiously, he said, "we informed about this a year ago about the impending ban." The aim of the Department is to carry out a future campaign and audits. However, he said, European products are subject to stricter controls and meet the standards.
What does the EU Regulation say?
The new restriction prohibits the use of carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive, allergenic, corrosive or eye-irritating chemicals in tattoo dyes and permanent make-up products, the Department of Labour Inspection announced. This restriction is included in Annex XVII of the European REACH Regulation (No. 1907/2006/EC).
In an announcement of the Department of Labour Inspection, it is clarified that as of 4/1/2022, formulations (chemical mixtures) intended for tattoo applications must not contain chemicals with the above classification, chemicals that are prohibited or their use is restricted under the European Regulation on cosmetics (1223/2009/EC), and specific dyes, metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, as specified in an annex to the restriction.
In addition, next year, on 4/1/2023, the use of the dyes "Pigment Blue" and "Pigment Green" will be banned. All chemical mixtures intended for tattooing should bear the statement: 'Mixture for use in tattoos or permanent make-up', the unique batch reference number, list of ingredients and, if applicable: The statements 'Contains nickel. It may cause allergic reactions" and/or "Contains Chromium(VI). It can cause allergic reactions."
For more information, interested parties can contact the competent officers at 22405609 and 22405608 telephone numbers. Information on the hazards of these products is available at https://echa.europa.eu/el/hot-topics/tattoo-inks.
