Tattoo artists from Samoa and Seattle had their tattoo kits confiscated by quarantine officers at the airport over the weekend.
And according to the head of the Environmental Health Division of the Department of Health, John Fuimaono, tattoo businesses will now have to undergo a health inspection to ensure that their tools and places of operation meet sanitation regulations.
Regarding the tattoo kits which were confiscated over the weekend Fuimaono said that they are checking to see if they are sanitized.
He said tattoo artists from Samoa who come here to do tradition tattoos for groups of people will also be required to provide a letter from Samoa’s Ministry of Health that they are certified.
Fuimaono said health inspectors will also check places where tattooing will be carried out to ensure that they are clean.
KHJ News asked Fuimaono why the inspections are only being carried out now for the ancient art form.
He responded that laws have been in place but they were never enforced.
He said tattooing involves piercing of the body and as such should be subjected to health regulations.
Fuimaono also indicated that American Samoa Customs is looking carefully at tattoo artists from Samoa in terms of taxing them as they are coming here to conduct a business.
