Personal treatment registrations

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII requires that the following types of skin piercing need to be registered with us:

  • Acupuncture
  • Tattooing
  • Cosmetic piercing
  • Electrolysis
  • Semi-permanent skin colouring.

The act requires registration to cover both the premises and the practitioner.

The practice is controlled through compliance with byelaws (pdf, 231kb) in each case.

The applicant must ensure that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply fully with the general duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It is illegal to conduct cosmetic piercing, tattooing, acupuncture, electrolysis or semi-permanent skin colouring unless the registration has been formally approved.

Application process

You can apply and pay online or complete the application form (pdf, 69kb) and return in the post to us with the appropriate fee. 

Once an application has been made and a fee has been paid, an inspector will undertake an inspection of the premises. An Environmental Health Inspector will be in touch within 10 workings days of submission of a complete application. If the inspector considers the applicant's procedures and the premises to be suitable, then registration will be approved.

The inspector will also check that general health and safety requirements are being met. The inspector will be pleased to offer any advice or give any help if you are unsure as to how to meet these obligations.

Tacit consent will not apply

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 14 days, contact us.