Acupuncture, tattooists, piercing and electrolysis registration
If you offer tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, acupuncture or electrolysis you must be registered with the Council (including the premises if applicable). Once registered you will be issued with a certificate of registration.
Byelaw relating to acupuncture, tattooing etc 2015 (PDF, 6 pages, 900kb)
Applications must include any information required by the local authority.
In order to make a registration, you must complete the forms below.
Personal application for a registration to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, skin piercing and electrolysis (PDF, 1 page, 23kb).
Premises application for a registration to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, skin piercing and electrolysis (PDF, 1 page, 23kb).
There is a fee for each premises application (if applicable) and a fee for each practitioner.
Following receipt of the registration form(s) and any necessary attachments including the relevant fee, you can expect to hear from us within 60 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 below.
Upon receipt of the application forms an Environmental Health Officer will arrange a mutually convenient time to inspect the business premises to ensure that they meet hygiene and safety standards set by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
Offering any of these treatments to the public without an appropriate licence is against the law.
Further guidance can be found from the Health and Safety Executive.
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 of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice will give you advice.
For further information and advice on registration, please submit an Enquiry Form.
