Tattooists: art will lose vibrancy with new EU rules

Tattoos parlors say their art will lose a lot of its vibrancy after European Union rules banning thousands of chemicals in their colouring ink kick in on Wednesday. The 27-nation bloc claims that people's health will be much better protected with restrictions on allergenic and potentially cancer-causing elements. Tattoo shops in the 27-nation bloc have had a rough two years since COVID-19 hit, with restrictions and lockdowns. "It was not news that we welcomed.  It is going to be complicated for us as we can no longer use the ink that we have, allegedly, so we will have to buy everything new, and a bottle cost double the ones we have today."Angelo Bedani, BoucheriModerne tattoo parlor owner.

The EU Commission says alternatives do exist for the banned products but tattoo parlors say it's too slow to trickle down from the manufacturers to their shops. At least 12% of Europeans have tattoos, and double that number in the 18-35 age group, according to EU figures, strict health guidelines appear necessary.