XTREME RC (REACH COMPLIANT) LINE - COMING SOON
For Xtreme Inks, creating safe ink products that are compliant with all existing regulatory bodies in our markets is something that we take very seriously. Product safety is the key defining feature of our approach to developing tattoo inks, both in the materials we source and the formulas we create.
Starting in January 2022, the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) implemented a new set of regulations called REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), which is applicable to all nations in the European Union. While the regulations cover thousands of chemicals across a wide range of industries, we have been working diligently to review and test all of our tattoo ink products to make sure they are either already compliant or in need of modifications to achieve compliancy.
Our vigorous color testing initiatives, which include both lab testing and testing in the skin, has yielded definitive results that have allowed us to reformulate some of our formulas, which will be released as the Xtreme RC (Reach Compliant) line in Q1 2022.
Given our track record with product safety, our original line of ink products is still perfectly fine to use. In fact, most of our colors were already reach compliant to begin with.
We will make an announcement once we have an official launch date for the Xtreme RC line, so please be sure to subscribe to our mailing list or check back with us soon.
For more info about regulations in the Tattoo industry, please check out the links below.
REACH Frequently Asked Questions
1- Which countries are affected by the ECHA REACH regulations?
REACH regulations only affect artists in the European Union. Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) currently does not have the same restrictions, although the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) is evaluating whether a similar restriction should be introduced in the U.K.
2- Are Xtreme Inks REACH compliant?
We are working around the clock in preparation for the release of our REACH compliant line of inks in Q2 2022. The new line will be called ‘Xtreme RC’. Please join our email list for updates.
3- What is different about new REACH compliant inks?
Through countless hours of testing and formulating, our scientists have removed preservatives, amines/PAH, and excess heavy metals from our inks. We only use the highest quality ingredients and REACH approved pigments. Since there is a very short list of pigments that are REACH compliant, some colors could not be reproduced and are only available in our standard line.
4- How much will the REACH compliant inks cost?
The cost of raw materials and ingredients that are REACH compliant is significantly higher than the previous industry standards, but we believe it is manageable. XTREME WILL NOT PRICE GOUGE TATTOO ARTISTS. We are doing our best to keep prices in the same range for our new Xtreme RC line. Any increase would be minor - not more than 1 to 2 euros. During these difficult times, we will do everything we can to continue supporting our customers in the European Union.
5- What is happening with blue 15 and green 7?
We will be able to continue using these pigments until the end of 2022 unless regulations change. There really aren’t any good substitutes for these colors so please help by signing petitions and spreading the word!
6- What about the Xtreme standard line – is it still safe to use?
The pigments in the Xtreme standard line are safe, clean, and practicable, and in some cases already REACH compliant. However, in Q1 2022, we will be launching our new Xtreme RC line that specifically caters to the REACH 2022 regulations.
7- Do these regulations matter in other countries around the world?
While the REACH regulations are based in the European Union, it is becoming a worldwide industry concern. Countries around the world, such as the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada, will be watching closely as these new regulations are implemented and may follow suit in the near future.
