Article: Registration - tattooists, piercing and electrolysis Article Body The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII requires that cosmetic skin piercing practitioners be registered to operate any form of skin piercing business. Your employees are covered by your registration, but self-employed operators will need to register separately. The courts have powers to remove or suspend a registration of a proprietor or of premises. You must prominently display a registration certificate and a copy of the by-laws on the premises. The applicant must ensure that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply fully with the general duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It is illegal to conduct tattooing, cosmetic piercing, semi-permanent skin colouring or electrolysis unless the registration has been formally approved and a certificate issued. Peripatetic operators are illegal and will not be registered (please report any illegal operation). Once an application has been made and the fee paid, an inspector for the Health and Safety team will undertake an inspection of the premises. If the inspector considers the applicant's procedures and the premises to be suitable, then registration will be approved. The inspector will also check compliance with the by-law requirements as well as ensuring that general health and safety requirements are being met. A copy of the by-laws will need to be displayed where your clients can read it. The inspector will be pleased to offer any advice or give any help if you are unsure as to how to meet these obligations or you can click on the following links: Body Piercing Guide Tattooing Guide Micropigmentation Guide Registration application and fees For an application form click on the link below: Tattooing Cosmetic Piercing Semi Permanent Skin Colouring Electrolysis Fees from 1st April 2009 until further notice £100 Registration £100 Transfer The council provides a number of methods for making payment of fees. Regulatory Services contact details and opening hours.