Running a skin piercing business

If you wish to practice any of the following activities, you are required to register with the Council:

• cosmetic piercing
• tattooing
• semi-permanent skin colouring
• electrolysis
• acupuncture

Registration is required for both the practitioner and the premises where the skin piercing activity is to take place. Additional practitioners must also register.

Once we have received your application form and fee, we will arrange to inspect the premises to ensure compliance with the skin piercing byelaws for hygiene, safety and cleanliness of the premises and equipment.

If we are satisfied, you will be issued with a certificate of registration which should be displayed in a prominent place on the premises.

Exemption

If the procedure is carried out under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner, then you are not required to register with us.

Age of consent

There is no legal age restriction for cosmetic piercing in England and Wales.

Under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 it is an offence to tattoo persons under 18 years of age.