Tattoo artists in Norway will not be allowed to use ink that has been banned by recent EU rules – Minister of the Environment Espen Barth Eide (Ap) will not grant them an exception.

Some of the color pigments that have been commonly used in tattoos and permanent makeup can no longer be used after the new EU rules came into force on Tuesday. The purpose of the rules is to protect consumers from harmful substances that can cause allergies, infections, or in the worst case, cancer or damage to the genetic material.

The tattoo artists who have banned dyes in stock must throw them away. The Progress Party’s (FRP) Tor André Johnsen reacted to the new rules by asking the Minister of Climate and the Environment if he could grant a dispensation for the tattoo artists in Norway.

Current ink stock

“The industry has asked the Norwegian Environment Agency for a dispensation to be able to use up the current (ink) stock. This is important to avoid having to throw away inventory but also so that today’s customers can complete tattoos that are already being done,” he wrote.

He fears the industry will lose customers and sales. However, he believes customers should be informed about the fact that the substances can be harmful.

No exceptions

But Barth Eide points out that there will now be common rules throughout the EU/EEA area and that the industry has been aware of the upcoming changes for several years.

“It (the rules) must ensure the same protection for all citizens and can therefore not be changed at the national level. This is the reason why the Norwegian Environment Agency cannot grant exemptions for using existing ink that is not in line with the regulations,” he wrote in his answer.

The EU has postponed the ban on some green and blue colors until 2023 to give the industry the opportunity to develop alternatives.

The new rules cover a total of 4,000 substances. A minority of them have so far been found in tattoo ink, and most of the substances are included to avoid them being used as a substitute for other substances in the future, the Minister of the Environment pointed out.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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