Skin and ear piercing, tattoos and electrolysis

Byelaws, codes of practice and guidance

Before making an application, you should make yourself familiar with the relevant byelaws, codes of practice and guidance below.

Byelaws

• Byelaws with respect to acupuncture (PDF 181Kb)
• Byelaws with respect to tattooing (PDF 95Kb)
• Byelaws with respect to ear piercing and electrolysis (PDF 94Kb)

Codes of practice

• Code of practice for ear piercing (PDF 177Kb)
• Code of practice for tattooists (PDF 128Kb)
• Code of practice electrolysis (PDF 144Kb)
• Code of practice for acupuncturist (PDF 156Kb)

Guidance

If your business involves ear and cosmetic piercing, then it's important you read GOV.UK's guidance on minimising the risk of perichondritis from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.