Tattoo colors are banned by the EU - "Double messages" mean tattooists in Sundsvall

Say Arne Wallman in Sundsvall and not many react.

Say Ernie instead and most people have heard of the tattoo artist.

He has been a tattoo artist for 36 years.

His motifs sit on thousands of arms, chests, backs and yes, exactly where customers want their pictures.

Throws the colors

SVT was present when he threw away most of his old colors.

From 5 January, EU rules apply.

- It is ninety-eight percent of the colors that should be removed, says Ernie who respects the decision even though he thinks it is a little strange.

Carcinogenic

The EU's message is that those who have old tattoos do not have to worry.

Still, 4,000 chemicals are banned that are available in certain tattoo colors, among other things.

- But at the same time they say that they are banned because they CAN be carcinogenic, it is a bit of a double message, says Ernie.

In the clip, he tells how the EU decision affects the industry.