Letter of President Gian Mario Ferruccio Bonavia published in issue 6 of Tan Go magazine:
"Dear Readers,
In my capacity as Sportarredo S.p.A. President I felt the need to seriously tackle an issue
which has involved us all in the past few months and has caused great damage to sector operators,
and to provide you with well-founded information.
In the past few months much was said, without taking the required time, about an alleged new regulation on tanning machines. The specialized press gave space to poorly informed, incompetent, people thus fomenting a climate of pessimism.
After carefully analysing the recommendation by the European Union on tanning machines, after consulting renowned and esteemed legal experts to check whether my analysis was correct, and finally after receiving a notification directly from the governmental authority confirming the "non-binding effect of this recommendation", the following has emerged: nothing has changed in the Italian market and there is no new regulation at the moment.
Associations, trade unions and individuals have created a great deal of confusion which has undermined the market. They spoke somewhat vaguely and irresponsibly about new regulations in force as of 23rd July. I would like to point out that this is not true.
Equipment placed on the market both before and after 23rd July 2007 must comply with the existing standard EN 60335-2-27 (integrated, in Piedmont, by the Decree of the President of the Regional Council no. 16 of 17th April 2003) as has always been the case.
A recommendation was actually issued by the LDV, a technical Committee of the European Union, which is simply a suggestion or advice. To become a standard, the suggestion must be acknowledged by the State through a law: this has not been done yet. The Italian government authorities have not yet made any decision on this issue: therefore, there is no real "revolution" in the indoor tanning industry.
I have been working in this sector for over thirty years: I am proud I have introduced this wonderful technology into the Italian market and I have represented Italy in the different international authorities that regulate these issues.
I will always do my utmost to contribute to the progress of our industry paying great attention to the health and well-being of users in full compliance with the existing laws and regulations.
Best regards.
Gian Mario Ferruccio Bonavia
Sportarredo S.p.A."
Only in Piedmont Decree no. 16 of 17th April 2003 by the President of the Regional Council applies
Open letter regulations in Piedmont
Dear Reader from Piedmont,
a few days ago you received my notification attached to the Tan GO magazine relating to new alleged regulations on solariums.
Notwithstanding the validity of the contents of that letter, I would nonetheless like to add some important comments relating to Piedmont where specific regulations exist for Solariums, which Piedmont operators are bound to comply with.
IN PIEDMONT A DECREE WAS ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ON 7TH APRIL 2003, no. 6/R, AND PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REGIONAL BULLETIN ON 17TH APRIL 2003, GOVERNING THE "REGIONAL REGULATIONS FOR SUN-TANNING BUSINESSES" AN EXTRACT OF WHICH IS PROVIDED BELOW.
Art. 8 – UV equipment, type 4
- UV equipment, type 4, can be used for beauty applications exclusively if the user presents a medical certificate which certifies that there are no counter-indications from exposure to UV rays generated by type 4 equipment.
- This certification is valid for one year starting from the issue date: it must be kept by the user and presented to the salon owner before a tanning session. It may be requested for checking by the surveillance body during use of the equipment.
- If this certification is not provided, the owner must prevent the user from taking a tanning session.
- The owner must always keep a copy of this certificate.
Hoping you will appreciate my comments, I would like to wish you all the best for your business.
Best regards.
Gian Mario Ferruccio Bonavia
Sportarredo S.p.A
