Please read this before submitting an application.
- Registration only applies to the following practices: acupuncture; electrolysis; ear and nose piercing; cosmetic body piercing; tattooing; semi-permanent make up and temporary tattooing; microblading. Any other skin piercing practices not listed here do not currently require registration.
- Before any skin piercing takes place, each person(s) must be registered at the address at which they are practicing, as stated in Section B. This is not transferable to other premises or local authorities.
- Registration is not necessary where the person practicing is a registered medical practitioner or where there is a medical doctor operating in the same premises, and the practitioner is under the direct supervision of that doctor.
- Please ensure that all information provided is correct to the best of your knowledge. If full information is not provided or you or your premises are not ready for inspection, it may take longer to process your application, or your application may be rejected.
- Please note that fees are not refundable.
- Applicants should familiarise themselves with the local byelaws and Kent Code of Practice for Hygienic Skin Piercing.
- Registration is a one off process. Once registered, if any of the registered details change, a new application must be submitted, accompanied with the correct fee. For example:
- If you wish to carry out another piercing procedure for which you are not already registered;
- To register additional practitioners to operate from an existing registered premises;
- The registration is not transferable if you or the business moves to a new premises – you will need to complete a new application.
- You must be registered even if you plan to occasionally undertake home visits. You must still be able to meet the requirements of the byelaws and associated codes of practice as far as reasonably practicable without compromising hygienic piercing guidelines. For some types of skin piercing, you may not be able to comply with the expected standards for hygienic skin piercing as a mobile practitioner.
When your application has been received
An email will be sent requesting the appropriate fee and copies of training certificates/ evidence that you are competent to carry out the procedure
A member of the Environmental Health team will contact you and make an appointment to carry out a registration visit.
The inspector will check compliance with the Byelaws and Kent Code of Practice for Hygienic Skin Piercing as well as ensuring that general health and safety requirements are being met.
During the visit, the layout of the premises will be inspected and you will be expected to answer questions about your procedures relating to hygiene, waste, customer care, record keeping etc. This may also include asking individual operators to explain their procedures.
You may be asked to make some changes to your premises or operating procedures. This information will be provided to you during the inspection and later in writing.
Once registered a certificate will be sent to you. Your premises may be revisited to ensure compliance with legislation and associated guidance. Visits may also be carried out if a complaint is received, or if you have asked for advice or wish to make an amendment to your registered details.
Other things to consider
- Employee and public liability insurance
- Hepatitis B vaccination (if applicable)
- First aid training
- Comprehensive client records and consultation
- Written aftercare advice to be provided to the client
- Your duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
