You need a skin piercing and tattooing licence when the business covers activities:
- acupuncture,
- cosmetic body piercing,
- electrolysis and
- tattooing.
Regulated healthcare professionals are exempt from applying for this type of licence. If an individual works for an employer who has a licence for the business activity then:
- the individual can work under the employer’s licence.
If the individual carrying out the act of skin piercing or tattooing is
- self-employed they should have their own licence.
You can undertake Skin Piercing and Tattooing from the premises:
- (where the customers visit the business): or
- on a mobile basis (where the business travels to the customer).
There is also the option to:
- operate using a combination of premises; and
- mobile trading.
You must provide full details on the application form. If more than one premises are in use you must complete for each:
- a Certificate of Compliance (SPT3); and
- display a Notice (SPT2) at each premises.
For further details on the legislation governing this type of licence see useful links below:
How to Apply
You can apply for a skin piercing and tattooing licence online. For more information on
- how to submit an application
- the documentation and fee required
- the application process
- the time it takes to process your application
- the standard conditions attached to a Skin Piercing & Tattooing licence
