Registration of skin piercing businesses
The following practices must first be registered with the Council:
- Tattooing
- Cosmetic-piercing (including ear-piercing)
- Electrolysis
- Acupuncture
Registration is required for both the person carrying out the activity and the premises used for that purpose unless being carried out by a registered medical practitioner such as a doctor. There is similar exemption for dentists in respect of acupuncture.
Applicants must supply the Council with information on how the practices will be carried out hygienically and safely.
Procedures, equipment and facilities used must be safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply fully with the general duties of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
There are no powers to refuse registration but the practice is controlled through compliance with byelaws. A court may suspend or cancel the registration of a person who is found guilty of contravening a relevant byelaw.
Any person carrying out any of these activities without being registered may be prosecuted.
How to register
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Suffolk Coastal District Council tattooist, piercing and electrolysis registration |
Waveney District Council tattooist, piercing and electrolysis registration |
An inspection of the premises will be carried out to check compliance with the byelaw requirements as well as ensuring that general health and safety requirements are being met.
Registration fees
A one-off registration fee is payable for both the person carrying out the activity and the premises used - the current registration fees are:
- Registration of premises: £223
- Registration of person: £134
Regulation summary
Other legislation
- It is an offence to tattoo any person under the age of 18 years (Tattooing of Minors Act 1969) regardless of parental consent.
- A person under the age of 18 years may receive body piercing provided they have received written permission from, or the treatment is performed in the presence of, the person's parent or guardian.
- Nipple and genital piercing is prohibited on minors, regardless of parental consent.
Eligibility criteria
You must provide specific information including details of your premises and any previous convictions for practicing without a licence in this field.
Application evaluation process
No provision in legislation.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest for reasons of public health that the authority must process your application before it can be granted (completion period 28 days). If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details on this page.
Failed application redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Licence holder redress
Please contact us in the first instance. If a registration is suspended or cancelled the registration holder may appeal to the county court.
Consumer complaints
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, you can find out about consumer rights at www.gov.uk/consumer-protection-rights.
From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Trade associations
- British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology
- British Institute and Association of Electrolysis
- Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists
- The Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union
Additional information
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) convened a multi-agency working group to develop guidance following concerns raised by tattoo and body piercing practitioners, as well as health protection and environmental health specialists, about the lack of robust and consistent guidance on standards of hygiene and safety in the industry. The group comprised representatives from the CIEH, the Health and Safety Laboratory, Public Health England, the Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union and individuals with practical experience of working in this area.
Suffolk Coastal District Council
Waveney District Council
