Acupuncture, skin piercers, tattooists and electrolysis

About skin piercing registration

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII requires the following types of skin piercing to be registered with us.

• Acupuncture 
• Tattooing 
• Semi - permanent skin colouring
• Cosmetic skin piercing
• Electrolysis

Your questions answered

Am I eligible for a skin piercing registration?

The Act requires registration to cover both the person carrying on the practice and the premises used for that purpose. There are no powers to refuse registration, but the practice is controlled through compliance with the byelaws and health and safety at work legislation. A copy of the byelaws and the Application Form can be downloaded.

The applicant must ensure that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply fully with the general duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Can I carry out tattooing, semi - permanent skin colouring, cosmetic skin piercing or electrolysis before I am registered?

It is illegal to carry out these activities unless the registration has been formally approved.

What will be checked during the inspection of the premises?

The inspector will want evidence that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply fully with the general duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the byelaws.

Are there age limits that apply?

Yes. There are age limits for tattooing. It is illegal to tattoo a person under the age of eighteen.

How to apply for a skin piercing licence registration?

You can now apply for a skin piercing licence online.

Please follow the link on the right-hand side of the webpage to Business Link's UK Welcomes website where you will be asked to register with the site.

How much does skin piercing registration cost?

• Register the premises - £62.
• Proprietor (per person) - Ear piercer - £20.50.
• Proprietors (per person) - Electrolysis and Acupuncturer - £62.
• Proprietors (per person) - Tattooist and Body Piercer - £104.
• Re-issue of skin piercers certificate - £16. 

What happens next?

Once a completed application form and fee has been received we will acknowledge receipt within 14 days. If you do not hear from us please contact us. One of our Environmental Health Officers will contact you to arrange to undertake an inspection of the premises. If the inspector considers the applicant's procedures and the premises are suitable, then registration will be approved.

How do I make a complaint about a skin piercing premises?

Please contact us.

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