In November 2011, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approved a new standard to better manage the risks associated with tattoo inks and permanent makeup substances.
An increasing number of New Zealanders are choosing to get tattoos and awareness is growing about the need for tattoos and the inks used in them to be safe.
The new standard, called the Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Group Standard, is in line with international best practice. It is intended to look after the health of people working in the industry as well as those receiving tattoos and permanent makeup procedures.
In preparing the standard, the EPA consulted with professional tattooists, beauty therapists and health agencies.
To help importers, manufacturers and suppliers of inks understand how they can manage the risks associated with tattoos and permanent makeup, a set of guidelines has also been developed to accompany the standard.
These guidelines provide information about preservatives, colourants and heavy metals that inks should not contain. They also outline some of your responsibilities if you are an importer or manufacturer.
The guidelines should be read in conjunction with the standard, both of which can be found at the links to the right.
For more information, please contact the EPA’s Hazardous Substances Information Line on 0800 376 234.