Tattooing and Piercing

The purpose of the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003(PDF, 614KB) is to minimise the risk of infection that may result from the provision of personal appearance services. This Act requires Council to monitor the health standards of operations in such premises.

Who needs a licence?

Any business that conducts the following activities is classified as higher risk and requires a licence from Council:

  • Body piercing
  • Implanting a natural or synthetic substance into a person's skin, for example hair or beads
  • Scarring or cutting a person's skin using a sharp instrument to make a permanent mark, pattern or design
  • Tattooing.

Note: It is critical that all employees that are conducting the higher risk activities hold qualifications in infection control. Proof of infection control qualifications is required.

Who doesn't need a licence?

  • Hairdressers
  • Beauty therapists providing facial or body treatments including the application of cosmetics, manicures, pedicures, application of, or mending artificial nails and hair removal by electrolysis or wax
  • Skin penetration procedures that are not mentioned above, for example closed ear or nose piercing.

Fact sheets and helpful information

The following publications from Queensland Health provide helpful information for business operators:

Infection Control Guidelines for Personal Appearance Services 2012

See Also

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