Tanning booths are subject to strict regulations to limit the risks incurred from repeated exposure to artificial ultraviolet radiation, a risk factor for dermatological diseases and of skin cancer. But, according to conclusions of a new study by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF)the rate of non-compliant services remains very high at 63%.
To establish this report, 982 establishments were visited and the UV cabin services were checked. Following this investigation, the DGCCRF issued 358 warnings, 242 injunctions, 31 administrative reports, 25 criminal reports.
Progress to be made to be compliant
This survey revealed “the presence of devices in operation that have not undergone any technical inspection or have not been inspected for a period of up to 7 years (a periodic inspection must be carried out every 2 years)”.
While promotions are prohibited, the study showed that “professionals in the sector had not integrated these new provisions. There are still promotions, service delivery offers including unlimited use, free of charge or at preferential rates, of a tanning device or the offer of decreasing prices. Note that brands belonging to a franchise or a network as well as members of a professional union are informed of the ban but [demeurent] reluctant to apply it. The independent operators, that is to say in particular the beauty institutes, were not aware of it”.
On the other hand, the ban on minors and the provision of CE marked protective glasses are respected.
“The DGCCRF investigation confirms a lack of knowledge and non-compliance with old provisions as well as certain recent provisions of the regulations. Verifications in this sector will therefore continue, in a context of changing regulations since a new decree must indeed modify that of 2013”, conclude the authors of the study.
Read also:
Artificial UV rays: how to dissuade young women from tanning?
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