Cosmetics
Cosmetics containing hazardous substances must meet the requirements of the standards for this group of products.
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If you are importing or manufacturing cosmetic products, you must meet the conditions of the Cosmetic Products Group Standard.
The group standard includes a list of substances that cannot be used, as well as rules around quantities, labelling, packaging and storage.
Check the Cosmetic Products Group Standard and also take a look at Schedule 4 - 8 of the Group Standard to see restrictions on components.
Read the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020 (PDF, 199KB)
Read Schedules 4-8 of the Cosmetic Products Group Standard (PDF, 4.1 MB)
If you would like to classify your product yourself, you can use our guide:
Assigning your product to a group standard
The Cosmetic Products Group Standard has more requirements than other group standards, but these are to keep people safe. If you are unsure if your product has restricted chemicals, you need to find out before importing it.
Nanomaterials in cosmetic products
Anyone wanting to import or manufacture a cosmetic product containing nanoparticles other than zinc oxide or titanium dioxide must, at the time they first import or manufacture the substance, notify us. Manufacturers or importers notifying us of nanomaterials in their products must use the following form:
Notification of nanomaterials in cosmetic products form (DOCX 392KB)
Post your completed notification form to:
Environmental Protection Authority, P.O. Box 131, Wellington 6140, New Zealand, or email it to cosmetics@epa.govt.nz.
List of nanomaterials notified to the EPA
The company name, product name and nanomaterial contained in each notification will be listed here. This information will be updated as notifications come to hand.
Key Pharmaceuticals
Blistex Lip Ointment - Silicon dioxide
Blistex Soothe and Smooth - Silicon dioxide
Blistex Lip Radiance - Silica Dimethyl Silylate
The Body Shop International
Wild Rose Targeted Hand Oil - Silica dimethyl silylate
Honey Bronze 02 Lip Nectar shade – honey beige - Silica
Honey Bronze 01 Lip Nectar shade – honey bunch - Silica
Born Lippy Satsuma Shimmer Lip Balm - Silica
Coconut Lip Butter - Silica
Mango Lip Butter - Silica
Pink Grapefruit Lip Butter - Silica
Spiced Vanilla Lip Balm - Silica
Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil 01 - Silica
Sweet Lemon Body Scrub - Silica
Mango Body Scrub - Silica
Almond Oil Nail and Cuticle Treatment - Silica silylate
Almond Nail and Cuticle Oil - Silica silylate
Carbon Black Eye Definer - Carbon black
Carbon Brown Eye Definer - Carbon black
Carbon Blue Eye Definer - Carbon black
Estee Lauder Australia Pty Ltd
Bobbi Brown Eye Liner Blackest Black Ink - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara-Black - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner -Pitch Black - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - Chocolate Truffle - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner – Sapphire - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - Steel Grey - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - Scotch - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - Violet Night - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - Black Ivy - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - Black Ivy - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Valentine Red - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Roza - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Bittersweet - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Navy - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Pale - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Pink Peony - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Bordeaux - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Port - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Cherry Tomato - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Nude Beige - Black 2 (CI77266 NANO), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Greige - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Nail Polish-Greige – Sample - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Glitter Nail Polish-Smoke 11ML/.37FLOZ - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano),
Bobbi Brown Glitter Nail Polish-Smoke - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Bobbi Brown Glitter Nail Polish-Ballet Pink - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Clinique Natural To Dramatic Liquid Eyeliner – Black - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Clinique Natural To Dramatic Liquid Eyeliner – Brown - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara – Black - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara Black/Brown - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Zero Smudge Eyeliner-Brown- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Estee Lauder Zero Smudge Eyeliner-Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Estee Lauder Little Black Liner-Onyx- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Knockout Mascara -Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Mascara - Extreme Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara - Extreme Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Infinite Mascara - Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume Lifting Mascara –Black - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Eye Lash Primer - 'Little Black Primer - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Brow Now Volumizing Brow Tint –Blonde - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Brow Now Volumizing Brow Tint - Light Brunette - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Brow Now Volumizing Brow Tint – Brunette - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Brow Now Volumizing Brow Tint - Dark Brunette - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Brow Now Volumizing Brow Tint – Black - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer-Ballerina Pink- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer-Nudite - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer-Blue Blood - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer-Npearl - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer - Le Rouge - Envious- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano), Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Graphblack- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Greyprint- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Earthline- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Brownborder- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Photogravure- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Auto-De-Blu- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Smoothblue- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Uniform- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Jade Way- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Photogravure- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Broque- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Raisinette- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Metalhead- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Skyscape- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Vent- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Twinked- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - $$$- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Snowed In- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Sterling Silver- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Technakohl Eyeliner - Clay- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Kohl Power Eye Pencil - Mystery- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Kohl Power Eye Pencil - Feline- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Kohl Power Eye Pencil - Raven- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Kohl Power Eye Pencil - Orpheus- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Macpro Creme Eye Liner - Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Penultimate Eye Liner - Rapidblack- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Mascara Zoom Fast Black Lash- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Superslick Eyeliner - Nocturnal- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Superslick Eyeliner - Pure Show- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Superslick Eyeliner - On The Hunt- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Superslick Eyeliner - Defiantly Feline - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Fix Bold Black Lash Mascara- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Opulash Optimum Black Mascara- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac False Lashes Extreme Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Haute & Naughty Mascara - Too Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Pro Glitter-Emerald- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Pro Glitter-Amethyst- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Extended Play Gigablack Mascara- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac In Extreme Dimension 3d Black Lash Mascara- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Pro Longwear Eye Liner - Definedly Black - Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac 3d Glitters - 3d Brass Gold- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac 3d Glitters - 3d Silver- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac 3d Glitters - 3d Pink- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac 3d Glitters - 3d Lavender- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac 3d Glitters - 3d Pale Mint- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac 3d Glitters - 3d Platinum- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac 3d Glitters - 3d Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac False Lashes Extreme - Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Zoom Fast Black Lash - Black- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Snazzy Hound- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Very Important Poodle- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Simply Swinging- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - 6-Inch Stilettos- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Unzipped- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Sweet Potion- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Flamingo- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Scultuer Lash - Superblack- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Cyber Lime- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Irresistibly Charming Glitters And Pigments - Blue- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Madame Candy- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Nail Lacquer - Black Stallion- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Mascara Mini Zoom Fast Black Lash- Black 2 (CI77266 Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw15 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw20 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw25 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw30 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw35 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc15 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc20 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc25 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc30 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc35 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc40 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc42 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc45 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc37 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc44 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc50 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw43 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc27 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc32 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nc43 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw23 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw33 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw44 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw46 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw48 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Studio Tech Foundation - Nw58 - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Wet Wild Wonderful - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Pretty Plush - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Wildly Lush - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Ample Pink - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Big Kiss - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Fulfilled - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Bountiful - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Full For You - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Oversexed - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Posh It Up - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Big Baby - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Power Supply - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Plushglass - Nice Buzz - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Funtabulous - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Like Venus - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Baby Sparks - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Money Honey - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Rags To Riches - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Date Night - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Get Rich Quick - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Bare Necessity - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Steppin' Out - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Sugarimmed - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Love Alert - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Moth To Flame - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Smile - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Extra Amps - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Lipgloss Dazzleglass - Girl's Delight - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Just Superb - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Loud & Lovely - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Richer, Lusher - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Double Dare - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Deelight - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Over Indulgence - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Fashion Scoop - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Partial To Pink - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Softly Lit - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Petite Indulgence - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Playful Pet - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Dark Outside - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Richly Revered - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Enchanter - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Calypso Beat - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Just A Love - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Baby Sparks - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Pink Sugar - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Zoom Lash Mascara - Waterfast Black - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac False Lashes Waterproof Mascara - Stay Black - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Imperial Light - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Dynasty At Dusk - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Floating Lotus - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Double Happiness - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Pagoda - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Paper Lantern - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss - Rising Sun - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Pro Longwear Waterproof Browset - Emphatically Blonde - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Pro Longwear Waterproof Browset - Red Chestnut - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Pro Longwear Waterproof Browset - Quite Brunette - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Pro Longwear Waterproof Browset - Bold Brunette - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Pro Longwear Waterproof Browset - Brown Ebony - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Pro Longwear Waterproof Browset - Toasted Blonde - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Haute And Naughty Waterproof Lash - Shockproof - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss Guo Dei - Pale Moon - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss Guo Dei - Love Of Roses - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss Guo Dei - Bright Pink Bouquet - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Irresistibly Charming Lipgloss - Violet - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Irresistibly Charming Lipgloss - Roses - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Irresistibly Charming Lipgloss - Nudes - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Enchanted Eve Lip Eye Bag – Pink - Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Enchanted Eve Lip Eye Bag - Copper- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Shoreline- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Squid- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Cat's Meow- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Black Walnut- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Polar Ice- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Nothing On- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - New Marine- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Groundbreaker- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Long Espresso- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Ocean Liner- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Swamped- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Grey Tide- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Mac Modern Twist Kajal Liner - Nightcast- Silica Silylate (Nano)
Shiseido (New Zealand) Ltd
Za True White Perfect Protector - Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Shiseido Ibuki Protective Moisturizer - Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
Toothpaste and teeth whitening products
Toothpastes, as long as they contain less than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are covered by the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020 (PDF, 199KB).
Teeth whitening products containing less than 8% hydrogen peroxide are covered by the Dental Products (Subsidiary Hazard) Group Standard 2020 (PDF, 206KB).
Teeth whitening products containing greater than 8% hydrogen peroxide are covered by the Dental Products (Oxidising Liquids and Solids) Group Standard 2020 (209KB).
1% hydrogen peroxide is equivalent to 3% carbamide peroxide.
Schedule 4 - 8 for the Cosmetic Products Group Standard
The Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2017 makes reference to Schedules 4 - 8, which you can find in the related content at the end of this page.
These schedules contain the following information:
- a list of permitted colouring agents
- a list of permitted UV filters (and associated restrictions)
- a list of components that are not allowed in cosmetic products
- a list of components that are allowed within certain restrictions and these restrictions.
These are required to keep people safe when using the cosmetics so it is important to look at these schedules to ensure that your product complies.
Tattoo inks and permanent make-up
An increasing number of New Zealanders are choosing to get tattoos. One in three under 30 year olds reportedly have them, and there is a greater awareness around the need for the tattoo, and the ink used, to be safe.
In November 2011, we approved a new standard to better manage the risks associated with tattoo inks and permanent make-up substances.
The new standard, called the Tattoo and Permanent Make-up Group Standard, is in line with international best practice. It is intended to look after the health of people working in the industry as well as those receiving tattoos and permanent makeup procedures. In preparing the standard, the EPA consulted with professional tattooists, beauty therapists and health agencies.
Understanding the risks
To help importers, manufacturers and suppliers of inks understand how they can manage the risks associated with tattoos and permanent make-up, a set of guidelines has also been developed to accompany the standard.
These guidelines have not been updated since the implementation of the EPA notices, however, when read in conjunction with the 2017 group standard, they still give relevant and useful information.
The guidelines provide information about preservatives, colourants and heavy metals that inks should not contain. They also outline some of your responsibilities if you are an importer or manufacturer.
Related content
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Group standards
Group standards are approvals for a group of hazardous substances of a similar nature, type or use.