Skin Piercing Registration

Our role is to protect the public against the risk of serious infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B or C, and illegal tattooing including tattooing persons under 18 years old (children). Certain types of skin piercing activities require registration. This includes registration of business premises and the persons undertaking the activities. You must register with the council and receive your certificate of registration before you start work.

The skin piercing activities which require registration include:

Tattooing
Semi-permanent skin colouring (including microblading)
Acupuncture
Electrolysis
Cosmetic piercing (including ear piercing)

*Registration is not required if you are working under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner

Registration process

Complete the online application form/s ensuring the information you provide is accurate. You will need to register both persons and premises
Make the appropriate payment
Submit the form and payment
Await contact from an officer to confirm inspection and completion of registration including issuing the relevant certification

Register your business (GOV.UK)

Fees and charges

Premise/Business registration fees

Acupuncture	£199.00
Tattooing	£199.00
Electrolysis	£199.00
Cosmetic piercing	£199.00
Semi-permanent skin colouring	£199.00
Additional activities (per activity)	£108.50
Amendment or replacement certificate	£38.00

Personal registration fees (per activity)

Acupuncture	£102.50
Tattooing	£102.50
Electrolysis	£102.50
Cosmetic piercing	£102.50
Semi-permanent skin colouring	£102.50
Amendment or replacement certificate	£38.00

Operating at other studios

If you are operating in more than one premise within South Kesteven, each premise must be registered for the activity you are undertaking. There will only be one fee for each person and each activity.

Whilst registration allows you to operate at any other premises registered here, you must contact other authorities if you intend to operate within other districts.

Age of consent

You must be 18 years or older to have a tattoo. Any person undertaking tattooing in breach of this law will be prosecuted. Reasonable steps must be taken to ensure persons are over 18 years of age, just like selling alcohol.

Whilst there are no laws currently regarding the cosmetic piercing of children it is strongly advisable to ensure parental/guardian consent is obtained. You will need to have a policy in place to ensure care of children is properly considered and that you act appropriately.