DOH seeks to regulate tattooing activités in the Territory

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Health (DOH) is initiating a regulatory framework to oversee tattooing activities throughout the territory. This will encompass commercial tattoo parlors as well as culturally traditional tattooing practices.

According to a proposed regulation that will be incorporated into the American Samoa Administrative Code, all tattoo parlors and traditional or cultural tattooing must obtain health permits before operating.

It will be prohibited for any individual or entity to run a tattoo parlor or shop or to host any tattoo-related event — whether commercial, cultural, or traditional — without possessing a valid health permit issued by the DOH.

Additionally, tattoo artists traveling from other countries, states, or territories to provide services in American Samoa must comply with the same health regulations.

All tattooing equipment and supplies brought into the territory will be subject to thorough inspection or potential seizure at entry points, including airports, seaports, and through mail services.

Furthermore, any tattoo events organized locally by artists from outside American Samoa must submit an application for approval to the DOH. This application must include all relevant licenses and certificates and should be submitted at least 30 days before the scheduled event to allow sufficient time for review.

The proposed regulation outlines stringent standards regarding the facilities and equipment used in tattoo parlors and cultural and traditional tattooing.

Key sanitation and hygiene protocols are specified to ensure that all practices meet the health and safety requirements for receiving a permit. This includes mandatory sterilization of all tools and implements utilized in tattooing to prevent infection and ensure clients' safety.

Employees working in tattoo parlors will be required to possess valid health cards demonstrating their compliance with health standards, have completed a certification course in blood-borne pathogens, and have completed any additional training recommended by the DOH to safeguard public health.

The application fee for a health permit to establish a tattoo parlor is $100, and similarly, a health permit to conduct a single cultural or traditional tattooing event will also cost $100.

Individuals interested in reviewing the proposed regulation can obtain a copy at the American Samoa Environmental Health Services Division on the first floor of the GHC Reid Building in Fagatogo.

For convenience, the regulation is also available for download from the American Samoa Government (ASG) website at americansamoa.gov.

The DOH invites public feedback on the proposed regulation, with comments accepted until June 25.

Currently there are no set regulations regarding the profession of tattooing in the Territory. This includes those who tattoo the traditional Samoan male and female tattoos — the pe'a  (tatatau) and malu.