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Tattooing, Skin Piercing, Acupuncture and Electrolysis

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended, requires the operator undertaking the following types of skin piercing treatments to be registered:

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

The registration covers 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 byelaws in each case.

You must ensure that you are compliant with the Councils byelaws. If you are carrying out tattooing, cosmetic piercing or skin colouring you should also look at the tattooing and body piercing guidance toolkit.

You must ensure that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of infection. You must comply fully with the general duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. We recommend undertaking some form of infection control training.

Apply for a skin piercing registration

To register you must pay a fee of £167, and pass an inspection.  

If the inspector considers your procedures and premises suitable, then we will allow you to become registered. This means we’ll give you a certificate that must be displayed on site along with a copy of the council byelaws. 

You must be registered if you’re doing the following activities: 

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

It is against the law to carry out cosmetic piercing, tattooing, acupuncture, semi-permanent skin colouring or electrolysis if you have not been registered by your local council. If you’re found guilty, this can result in court action.

Changes to your registration

You must tell us in writing if you: 

  • change your name or addresses.  
  • if you no longer need your registration 

You can do this by emailing commercial.envhealth@scambs.gov.uk

Skin piercing registrations are not transferable. 

A new application is needed if: 

  • you currently hold a skin piercing registration and would like to apply for an additional skin piercing activity
  • you wish to practice a body piercing activity at a different premise.

Mobile treatments

We do not allow businesses to register for mobile treatments which involve travelling between clints homes. This is because these treatments can’t be provided safely and in accordance with legal requirements within a domestic environment.

Beauticians

If you run a Beautician’s from home or commercial premise and do not undertake any procedures that penetrate the skin, you do not need to apply for a Skin Piercing registration.

Council byelaws

Copies of relevant byelaws are available below:

Contact Details