ECHA Wants to Restrict the Use of Tattoo Inks
The ECHA Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has expressed a desire to restrict the use of hazardous chemicals in tattoo inks. The ECHA is following the lead of a Danish initiative that introduced such a strategy years ago and published guidelines for users.
The restriction calls for threshold values for a variety of chemicals:
- Carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) chemicals
- Skin sensitizers and irritants
- Substances that are corrosive or damaging to the eyes
- Metals and other chemicals that are regulated for use in cosmetics
The restriction covers permanent makeup (PMU) along with tattoo inks. If the planned restriction becomes law, suppliers of tattoo inks might have to reformulate their products within 12 months.
The ECHA will forward the recommendations of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the SEAC to the EU, which will modify REACH Annex XVII accordingly.
Nickel is found predominately in tattoo inks (German only). Users should keep abreast of product warnings.
Keep on the safe side and ensure the safety of your products. We are happy to assist. Please contact us at cosmetic@kft.de.
