Tattooing, skin piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis

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.

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

acupuncture
tattooing
cosmetic piercing
electrolysis
semi-permanent skin colouring

Your registration must cover both the person doing the activity and the place (premises) used to carry out the activity.

To be a registered practitioner you must ensure the following:

procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, and prevent the spread of infection
comply fully with the general duty of care under the health and safety rules
comply with the council's byelaws

All practitioners should do some form of infection control training.

If you’re doing tattooing, cosmetic piercing or skin colouring you should also be aware of the tattooing and body piercing guidance from the central government.

Mobile treatments

We do not allow businesses to register for mobile treatments which involve travelling between client’s homes. This is because these treatments can’t be done safely and in a way that follows the law.

Apply

Apply to be a registered practitioner

Application process

To register you must complete an application, 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.

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.

Council byelaws

Copies of the relevant council byelaws are available below:

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