Tattoo and piercing business registration and inspection

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 requires that the following types of skin piercing activities must be registered:

• acupuncture

• tattooing

• semi-permanent skin colouring

• electrolysis

• cosmetic piercing

Registration covers both the person carrying on the practice and the premises used for that purpose. There are no powers to refuse registration - practices are controlled through compliance with byelaws.

The applicant must ensure that the facilities, equipment and procedures used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply fully with the general duty of care of employers, employees and self-employed persons required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

You can view all our registered businesses.