The Karnataka government is actively exploring the implementation of restrictions on tattoo parlours across the state as part of efforts to regulate the industry and address escalating safety concerns.
For the first time in India, there are discussions aimed at introducing regulatory measures for tattoo parlours. The state’s Health Department is preparing a proposal to be submitted to the central government, which focuses on mitigating health risks associated with tattoos.
Currently, the tattoo industry in India operates without specific regulatory laws, leading to significant safety and health concerns. Recent findings have highlighted serious health risks linked to tattoos, including skin cancer, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus. The alarming rise in cases of AIDS, cancer, and skin diseases attributed to tattoo-related infections has prompted urgent calls for improved hygiene standards and the regulation of hazardous chemicals used in the tattooing process.
In response, the Karnataka government plans to establish stringent guidelines to protect the safety and well-being of individuals considering tattoos. Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, emphasized, “The Food and Drug Control Commissioner will be sending the letter. Right now, all kinds of materials are being used without any set protocol. These are essentially metals being injected into the body, but they do not fall under the Drugs or Cosmetics Act. So, we need to establish proper guidelines for this.”
As the initiative unfolds, all eyes will be on how these measures could reshape the tattoo industry in Karnataka and potentially set a precedent for similar regulations across India.
