Use the official links below as a starting point, then check the authority responsible for the exact procedure and premises location. Requirements change and can differ within the same country.
United States
Start with state and local authorities
The FDA states that tattoo inks fall within its cosmetics role, while the practice of tattooing is generally regulated by local jurisdictions. Workplace duties may also apply.
- FDA tattoo and permanent makeup information
- USAGov local government directory
- OSHA bloodborne-pathogens interpretation for tattooing and piercing
Check state/local health, practitioner, premises, age, waste and business requirements.
United Kingdom
Check the relevant nation and council
GOV.UK directs applicants in England and Wales to the relevant local council and notes that local requirements, inspections and fees vary. Wales also operates a special-procedures licensing framework. Rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland must be checked with the relevant official authority.
- GOV.UK tattoo, piercing and electrolysis licence finder
- Welsh Government special-procedures licensing scheme
- GOV.UK licence search by nation and activity
- UKHSA infection-prevention guidance for England
Confirm practitioner and premises requirements directly with the responsible council.
South Africa
Check the relevant municipality
Municipal public-health bylaws can regulate tattooing, piercing, salons and premises. Requirements are location-specific; an eThekwini bylaw, for example, requires a municipal health-compliance certificate for tattooists, body piercers and their establishments.
Contact the environmental-health or municipal-health service responsible for the premises address.
Elsewhere in the world
- Identify the place of practice. Country alone is often not specific enough; include state, province, city or municipality.
- Identify the exact service. Tattooing, piercing, PMU, microblading, SMP and removal can be treated differently.
- Use official sources. Check public-health, professional or premises licensing, workplace safety, waste, product, age/consent, privacy and consumer authorities.
- Record the check. Save the authority, URL, requirement, location and date reviewed. Recheck before opening, moving, adding a service or renewing.
- Get qualified advice when needed. Use a competent local professional for interpretation or a disputed legal question.
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