Skin Piercing (Acupuncture, Tattooing, Cosmetic Piercing & Electrolysis)

Anyone wishing to carry out "skin piercing" - specifically acupuncture, tattooing, cosmetic piercing, semi-permanent skin colouring or electrolysis - has to register with us. The Law changed in 2005 and we can now register "body piercing" and semi-permanent makeup.

We have to register both the premises where the piercing is to be done, and each person who wants to perform the piercing.

Practitioners must comply with our Byelaws -

• Acupuncture Byelaws
• Tattooing Byelaws
• Ear Piercing Byelaws
• Electrolysis Byelaws

We check that premises and equipment are suitable, and that good hygiene is followed and sensible after-care instructions are given so as to minimise the health risks to customers.

Please phone us to check if a practitioner or premise is registered, or if you want to apply yourself.

The law specifically requires parents' permission before any "minor" can be tattooed. There is no such protection for children wanting fashionable "body piercing."

Applications must include any specific information required by the local authority.

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

No provision in legislation

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within ten days, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

On line facilities available through the national Business Link website. Registration is simple and free.  Payments are taken online. You need the latest version of Acrobat Reader for the process to work.

Apply to register to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and/or electrolysis

Apply to change a tattooists, piercing and electrolysis registration

Please contact us, in the first instance.

Please contact us, in the first instance.

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

If you have been pierced and continue to suffer pain or swelling, you must go to your Doctor for medical advice.

• British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)
• British Association of Skin Camouflage
• British Institute and Association of Electrolysis
• Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists