Call for information – Tattoo inks

[b][u]The call for information[/u][/b] The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for information on the use of tattoo inks in Aotearoa New Zealand.  In 2020, the European Union restricted and banned several components found in tattoo inks due to the risks of long-term health effects. The European Union restrictions on tattoo ink components can be found [url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32020R2081&from=DE]here[/url].  This is an opportunity for you to provide information on the tattoo inks used in Aotearoa New Zealand. Any information provided will help us to decide if we should propose changes to the current [url=https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/RecordsAPI/Tattoo-and-Permanent-Makeup-Substances-Group-Standard-2020_HSR100580-Amended-August-2022.pdf]Tattoo Inks and Permanent Makeup Substances Group Standard 2020 (PDF, 159KB)[/url]. We want to make sure it still appropriately mitigates risks around the use, supply, and manufacture of tattoo inks in Aotearoa New Zealand. [b]What we consider a “tattoo” and “tattoo ink”[/b] By tattoo, we mean any type of marking where ink is embedded into the skin. This includes but is not limited to standard tattoos (including those with indigenous origins), permanent makeup / cosmetic tattoos and paramedical tattoos. By tattoo ink, we mean any type of ink that is embedded into the skin. This includes but is not limited to commercial and homemade ink. [b]Information we are looking for[/b] We want to better understand the use, supply, and manufacture of tattoo inks. This includes:  •  the types, brands, and colours of tattoo ink being used •  where tattoo ink is being purchased from •  if and how tattoo ink is manufactured in Aotearoa New Zealand •  how well the current group standard manages risks to human health and the environment  •  how industry requirements align with the current group standard and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act) •  how industry requirements align with regulatory requirements under different pieces of legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), and council bylaws •  the effects of tattoo inks (positive or adverse effects), toxicity, and ecotoxicity. [b]Who we’d like information from[/b] We are looking for any relevant information that industry, manufacturers, importers and suppliers, tattoo artists / kaitā (tāmoko artists), other interested parties, or the public can provide to us relating to the current use and practices of tattoo ink.   [b]Webinars for interested parties[/b] If there is sufficient interest, the EPA will run webinars on the tattoo inks call for information. This would be an opportunity to learn about the current regulation of tattoo inks in Aotearoa New Zealand. There would also be an opportunity for questions. Please register your interest in joining a webinar by emailing [url=mailto:Reassessments@epa.govt.nz?subject=Tattoo%20inks%20call%20for%20information]reassessments@epa.govt.nz[/url]. We can schedule a webinar for industry, Māori, NGOs and/or members of the public. We will decide whether these will be one session, or separate sessions based on demand.  [b]Responding to the call for information[/b] You are welcome to answer all of the questions or only those that are relevant to you. [b][i]Submissions close on, 11 June 2025.[/i] [/b] Attach supporting documents at the end of this form  Please upload any documents for your submission at the end of this form. You do this on the next page, after clicking 'Continue'. Please also reference these documents in your responses. [b]How we will use the information[/b] We will use your information to help inform whether to propose changes to the Tattoo Inks and Permanent Makeup Substances Group Standard 2020. If changes are proposed, there will be an opportunity to make formal submissions on our assessment and proposal.  [b]Your information may be made publicly available[/b] We may publish or otherwise make available all or part of your response. This may include your name but not your personal contact details. If you believe any of the information you are providing should not be made publicly available, please clearly state this within your response, and give the reasons, so we can consider this before publishing any information (for example, if you consider the information to be commercially sensitive or personal information).  [b]Privacy statement [/b] Any personal information you supply when providing information will be used only in relation to this call for information and any subsequent amendment to the Tattoo Inks and Permanent Makeup Substances Group Standard. We may also contact you in regard to any subsequent group standard amendment resulting from this call for information. You have a right to access and correct any personal information held by us, by contacting the EPA at [url=mailto:info@epa.govt.nz]info@epa.govt.nz[/url]. You may request that your personal information (such as your name) be withheld from publicly available information. We will not make your personal contact details publicly available.  [b]Official Information Act[/b]  The Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) applies to all information held by the EPA (subject to section 55 of the HSNO Act). Information may be released under the OIA unless there are grounds to withhold it. If you consider any part of your response is confidential, please clearly label it as such and include the reasons why you think the information is confidential (for example, you may consider some information to be commercially sensitive). Further information on the OIA is at [url=https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz[/url] Please fill in the form below, then click Continue to review your submission. At any time you may click Save and Exit so that you can return later.

You must provide either a company name or given name(s)

1. Responder’s information
1.1 Are you representing your own views or the organisation that you belong to?
2. Current regulation of tattoo inks. In this section, we want to hear from anyone who uses, imports, manufactures, or supplies tattoo inks or tattoo ink components to Aotearoa New Zealand. We want to find out what people know about how the EPA regulates tattoo inks in Aotearoa New Zealand and how they are regulated internationally.
3. Import of tattoo inks. In this section, we want to hear from people who import tattoo ink and tattoo ink components. We want to know about the types and quantities of tattoo ink and tattoo ink components that are imported into Aotearoa New Zealand. By import, we mean any instance where tattoo ink or the components of tattoo ink are brought into Aotearoa New Zealand from overseas. This could include but is not limited to retailers importing tattoo ink to sell or users buying tattoo ink from international manufacturers/websites. By components, we mean the ingredients used to make the tattoo ink. This could include but is not limited to pigments, carrier solutions, additives.
4. Manufacture of tattoo inks. In this section, we want to hear from anyone who manufactures tattoo ink. We want to know about the types of tattoo ink that are manufactured in Aotearoa New Zealand. By manufacture, we mean any instance where tattoo ink or tattoo ink components are produced. This could include but is not limited to commercial production of tattoo ink, tattoo ink produced at home, and tattoo ink produced by traditional methods.
5. Supply of tattoo inks. In this section, we want to hear from anyone who sells, supplies, retails, or trades tattoo ink. We want to know about the types of tattoo ink that are available in Aotearoa New Zealand.
6. Use of tattoo ink. In this section, we want to hear from anyone that uses tattoo ink. We want to know about the types and brands of tattoo ink that are used in Aotearoa New Zealand.
7. Traditional and contemporary Māori practices. We are aware that regulation of tattoo ink is likely to be of particular interest to Māori. We are committed to enabling effective engagement and input from Māori. We also have statutory obligations under sections 5(b), 6(d) and 8 of the HSNO Act to consider how the regulations of tattoo ink may impact Māori. This includes any impact on the relationships of iwi, hapū, whānau, and other hapori Māori with their respective culture and traditions, ancestral lands, water, sites, wāhi tapu, valued flora and fauna, and other taonga.
8. Technical studies for EPA modelling. We are looking for studies containing specific data to input into any potential future environmental and human health risk assessments for tattoo inks. If we decide to propose amendments to the group standard, this modelling could affect the proposed changes to the group standard and the subsequent controls. It is important that our modelling is done in a robust and comprehensive manner using the best data available.
9. Hearing your views.
10. Confidential or commercially sensitive information
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