Wales implements new rules over tattoos and other special procedures

In a UK-first, the Welsh Government has implemented mandatory licensing rules to safeguard public health during special procedures involving acupuncture, body piercings, electrolysis, and tattoos including semi-permanent makeup.

Effective from today (Friday 29 November), practitioners and individuals overseeing premises or vehicles where these procedures occur are required to complete an infection prevention and control course specific to these special procedures. Additionally, their premises and vehicles must adhere to stringent safety standards along with other specified criteria.

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There are over 4,000 practitioners in Wales who will need to obtain licenses, and more than 2,000 premises will require approval under this new licensing scheme.

All individuals involved must apply for a license and/or a premises or vehicle approval certificate from their local authority. This includes both new applicants and existing practitioners or businesses who were previously registered with their local authority.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Keith Reid, emphasized the importance of the new licensing scheme, stating:

"This new licensing scheme provides important reassurance for anybody thinking about getting acupuncture, electrolysis, a piercing, tattoo or semi-permanent makeup that the practitioner they use is licensed and the premises or vehicle where the procedure is performed has been approved."

Keith Reid further underlined the significance of these measures in ensuring both clients and practitioners' protection, indicating that the industry has widely welcomed these actions.

Public Health Wales (PHW) worked alongside the Welsh Government to develop the scheme.