Overview
You must register with us if you carry out certain skin piercing or skin colouring activities.
These include:
- acupuncture
- cosmetic piercing
- electrolysis
- semi-permanent skin colouring
- tattooing
Both the person carrying out the activity and the premises where it takes place must be registered. Self-employed practitioners carrying out any of these activities must also register.
You do not need to register if the procedure is carried out under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner.
Registration helps prevent infection. Registered practitioners and premises must follow the relevant local byelaws and hygiene requirements.
The registration process and requirements currently depend on where your business is located.
Find more information about tattoo, piercing and electrolysis licence on GOV.UK.
Contact us
Contact us if you are concerned that someone is tattooing or carrying out piercings on children under 18. We will treat reports confidentially.
Telephone: 0300 373 3730