Piercing and Tattooing
Do I need to register if I want to practice acupuncture, tattooing, skin piercing or electrolysis?
Anyone who wants to practice acupuncture, tattooing, cosmetic piercing or electrolysis must register.
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII requires this.
- you must register as a practitioner with the Local Authority (you don't have to if you are a registered medical practitioner)
- you must also register the premises where you give these special treatments
Registration is to protect the public from the transmission of blood borne viruses. These could be HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or other infections. We need to make sure that you follow health and safety regulations.
The Council follows byelaws that set out standards for this.
- download the Special treatment byelaws - you must print this and display it at all times.
- follow the advice in the Toolkit from the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health - this will help you be ready to register
How to register
You can register online to practice acupuncture, tattooing, skin piercing or electrolysis.
You will need to pay the registration fee when you submit your application.
You can also register for a premises online.
What happens after I have applied to register?
After you apply to register, we will inspect the premises.
You must make sure that procedures, equipment and facilities are:
- safe
- hygienic
- prevent the spread of disease
- follow duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work legislation
Follow the advice in the Toolkit from the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health
This will help you be able to comply with registration requirements.
| Please note that you cannot trade until your premises has been inspected by the Local Authority and your registration granted. |
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What must I do when my registration is granted?
You need to display:
- Premises registration certificate
- Practitioner registration certificate
- Special treatments Byelaws (PDF, 79KB)