Good Morning Speakeasy Readers,
Another bright and sunny weekend ahead of us, hope everyone has fun plans!
Today’s topic is the FDA’s new law called MoCRA which stands for Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act and how this new law will affect the tattoo industry.
MoCRA is the most significant expansion of FDA’s authority to regulate cosmetics since the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was passed in 1938. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act has recently been signed into law and brings substantial implications for the US tattoo industry, especially related to tattoo regulation. This bill is meant to help ensure the safety of cosmetic products and that includes tattoo products as well. This bill will redefine the body art industry, including tattooing, piercing, and permanent makeup.
This shift in tattoo regulation means that all products used by body art practitioners, such as tattoo ink, ointments, machinines, needles, etc. will now be subject to scrutiny by the FDA. While this is meant to be a good thing and enhance safety and standardization in the tattoo industry, these changes can potentially present challenges to tattoo artists in America.
Currently, FDA proceedings continue and the terms of MoCRA and tattoo laws are still being discussed, but what many artists fear is restrictions similar to the European Union’s REACH program which has greatly limited tattoo ink and pigments in artists’ palettes.
MoCRA holds the potential to initiate substantial changes to the American tattoo industry, so we must keep informed and advocate for the industry to ensure we don’t see negative changes. Currently one organization called APT (Alliance of Professional Tattooist) is working toward making sure our industry gets the best results possible and that MoCRA won’t hold artists to unnecessary restrictions on supplies. APT is a non-profit trade organization that has been serving the tattoo industry for over 30 years, and the APT is recognized by government officials as a reliable representative of professional tattoo artists. Currently as proceedings continue to decide the terms of MoCRA on the tattoo industry, the APT will have the opportunity to provide recommendations based on technical expertise from artists and industry professionals.
Safety for consumers is of course a priority for professional tattoo artists, so I hope we can look ahead to some positive changes, rather than unnecessary restrictions that come from lack of knowledge. It’s important that we stay informed on this subject and if you can, advocate for the industry.
Until next time my fellow apes,
Peter Hernandez