The new restriction that was set yesterday on the occasion of a decision of the European Union, regarding dangerous substances contained in tattoo dyes and permanent make-up products, has caused confusion and questions. As it is clarified, this is a ban on chemicals that contain some inks, which are, among other things, carcinogenic and mutagenic.
For its part, the Tattoo Association - Piercing CY Association complained to "F" that they were not sent any relevant announcement and that they have not received information to date. On the other hand, the head of the Department of Labor, stated that announcements were made in 2018 and 2021 about the intentions of the EU, clarifying that in a year additional bans will be implemented.
In particular, the spokesman of the Tattoo - Piercing CY Association, Antonis Chrysostomou, appealed through the "F" to the Department of Labor Inspection to inform them and ideally invite them to a meeting at the ministry for further clarification. "We have not received any official information. We would appreciate it not to be left in the unknown ", said Mr. Chrysostomou, emphasizing that" since yesterday we are 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 ink companies themselves are seeking to comply with EU directives and remove any chemicals deemed dangerous. "We as an industry, whenever we are informed about bans, we withdraw it from our stores", he said and added that they themselves seek the protection of the citizens and their customers.
For her part, the senior official of the Labor Inspectorate and head of the Chemical Protection and Safety Services, Tasoula Kyprianidou - Leontidou, told "F" that this is a European Regulation, which had been put into consultation between the member states.
"In 2018, when the consultation was in progress, we issued a statement inviting those interested in the issue to submit their views," he said, adding that at the same time the Department conducted a market audit to determine who the importers are in Cyprus. "Some people import such products autonomously," he said, adding that only a kilo had been found, which had come mainly from the USA. He said that there is no strong influence in the Cypriot market from this ban.
He also clarified that professionals should ask for the inks and mixtures they use not to contain specific substances. If a professional has such a preparation, he must stop using it. "We informed about it a year ago about the impending ban," he said. The purpose of the Department is to carry out future campaigns and audits. However, he said, European products are subject to stricter controls and meet the standards.
What the EU Regulation provides
The new restriction bans the use of carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, allergens, corrosive or eye irritants in tattoo dyes and permanent makeup products, the Labor Inspection Department announced. This restriction is included in Annex XVII of the REACH European Regulation (No. 1907/2006 / EC).
The Department of Labor Inspection clarified that from 4/1/2022 the preparations (chemical mixtures) intended for tattoo applications should not contain chemicals with the above classification, chemicals that are prohibited or restricted their use based on the European Regulation on cosmetics (1223/2009 / EC), and specific dyes, metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, as defined in an annex to the restriction.
In addition, next year, on 4/1/2023, the use of "Pigment Blue" and "Pigment Green" paints will be banned. All chemical mixtures intended for tattooing must bear the statement: "Mixture for use in tattoos or permanent makeup", the unique lot reference number, list of ingredients and, if applicable: The statements "Contains Nickel. May cause allergic reactions "and / or" Contains Chromium (VI). It can cause allergic reactions. "
For more information, interested parties can contact the relevant officials at 22405609 and 22405608. Information on the hazards of these products is available at https://echa.europa.eu/el/hot-topics/tattoo-inks.
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