East Cambridgeshire District Council

Semi-permanent skin colouring is a generalisation for micropigmentation, semi-permanent makeup and temporary tatooing. The skin colouring is inserted into a persons skin without breaching the skin's outer layer (the epidermis), this effect is said to last for three to five years.

If you wish to carry out semi-permanent skin colouring you must be registered with the Council. It is illegal to carry out semi-permanent skin colouring without registering.

Applicants will need to register both themselves and the premises that they work from.

Apply/Report online: Apply for Tattooing Registration Downloadable version: Apply for Tattooing Registration

Tattooing is defined as marking the skin with permanent pigments by puncturing the skin's outer layer (epidermis) using needles.

A statutory minimum age of consent for tatooing (18 years of age) is specified in the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969. This makes it an offence to tattoo a person under 18 years of age.

Should you wish to offer a tattooing service you must register with the Council. It is illegal to tattoo without registering.

Apply/Report online: Apply for Tattooing Registration Downloadable version: Apply for Tattooing Registration

To offer skin-piercing treatments, including tattooing, acupuncture, electrolysis, ear and body piercing, both the person performing the treatment and the premises must be registered with East Cambridgeshire District Council..

Applications must include any information required by the local authority.