Skin piercing registration
Applying for a skin piercing registration
Before applying, please use our pre-application checklist to ensure that you have everything in place so that your application can be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Apprentices
An apprentice will need registration if they are tattooing clients. If they are only practising on fake skin then they do not need one. It is the same application form and cost.
Once the individual has completed their apprenticeship, if evidence of development and experience is provided a full registration can then be issued. This process will come with a small administration fee.
Non-licensed treatments
Not all treatments need to be licensed, the following treatments you don't need to apply for a licence for:
- Botox (botulinum toxin injections)
- Anti wrinkle injections
- Cosmetic fillers (dermal fillers)
- Chemical peels
- Energy based treatments such as laser hair removal.
- Micro needling- collagen induction
However, Aesthetics activities, including these may become licensable under the proposed new licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures as set down in the Health and Care Act 2022, which is currently under consultation.
For these treatments whilst registration is not required, we advise to be aware of general duties with regard to health and safety, for which there is guidance on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.
There is also guidance for safe use in medical, surgical, dental and aesthetic practices, which is available on the Gov.UK website.
Registration fees updated 1 April 2024
These are one off fees per individual or premises in the Cheshire West and Chester area. Both registrations are required prior to any operation from a premises.
- Tattooist premises - £262.50
- Cosmetic piercing/electrolysis premises - £210
- Tattooist individual - £205
- Cosmetic piercing/electrolysis individual - £178.50
Please note: you will need a debit or credit card to make a payment.
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy from our triage team by phoning 01244 973708.
You should be contacted by us within 14 days of receipt of your application. We would normally let you know our decision on your application within 30 days of receipt, make sure you apply in plenty of time and allow at least two to three weeks for the inspection to be arranged once you submit your application. If nothing is raised during the premises inspection you will be granted permission to open and start taking bookings from clients.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we process your registration before you can practice or operate in this area. Please contact us if you do not hear from us within a reasonable period.
You don't need to renew your registration,it is a one off payment with no renewals and will stay with the premises/person for as long as the practitioner wishes to use it. If you have a registration with another council and want to start working in Cheshire West you will need to apply for a further registration.
If you are moving to a new location that is not already registered for skin piercing, you will need to apply for a new premises registration.
Different treatments do require different registrations. If you intend to carry out piercing and tattooing they can be included in one registration. You will have to pay the higher fee for this.
If you want to change your registration, for example if you already have one for tattooing but would like to offer body piercing as well you will need to apply to change your registration details. This will be using the same form as an initial registration.
Please contact us in the first instance.
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, further information about making a complaint, can be found on our information for consumers page.
General enquiries
- Email: businessadvicewest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- By post: Health and Safety Team, Regulatory Services, Cheshire West and Chester Council, 1st Floor, East Wing, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH
