Body piercing regulation in the UK

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In the UK, the body piercing industry is largely unregulated. Tattooing and body piercing studios must be licensed [1] but there are no national standards to reduce health risks or specific requirements for professional competence, leading to concerns over infection and proper practice. [2] [3]

Unlike tattoos, there is no minimum age for most piercings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, people must be over 18 to have their genitals pierced (including female nipples). In Scotland, under-16s must have a parent or guardian's assistance and the parent or guardian must be present during the piercing. [4] [5] In Wales, it is an offence to pierce or arrange to pierce the tongue, genitals or nipples of under-18s. [6]

In 2013, a tattooing and piercing guidance toolkit was released, aiming to promote national safety and consistency across the industry by informing local authorities and businesses about good standards of practice. [7] This toolkit was endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), Public Health England (PHE), the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), and the Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union (TPIU). It addressed health concerns such as the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses. [2]

Considered regulation

Wales is the only UK country planning a compulsory licensing scheme for tattoo parlours and piercing studios. The legislative work for this scheme was due to be brought in during 2020, but the scheme was delayed by Brexit and the Covid pandemic. [8] Under this legislation, technicians who have a poor history of infection would be prevented from moving counties and setting up new businesses. [9]

In 2011, the Welsh government proposed that under-16s should not be allowed to have cosmetic piercings without their parents' permission; however, this was not implemented. [10]

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Ear piercing is one of the oldest forms of body modification. It occurs when holes are created on the ear lobes or cartilage to allow the insertion of decorative ornaments, such as earrings. Ear piercing in children has been around for centuries as part of ritualistic and cultural traditions but has continued to become a worldwide mainstream fashion statement. It is extremely common in Nigeria, India, Brazil and Hispanic countries.

References

  1. ↑ Smith, Louise (12 May 2010). "Regulation of tattooing and body piercing businesses" (PDF).
  2. 1 2 "PHE supports new tattooing and body piercing guidance". GOV.UK. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  3. ↑ RSPH. "RSPH calls for overhaul of infection control in UK shops offering tattoos and piercings". www.rsph.org.uk. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  4. ↑ Staff, The Mix (25 September 2012). "Tattoo & Piercing | What Age Can You Get A Tattoo In The UK?". The Mix. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  5. ↑ "Children and body piercing – Basic Body Piercing Advice" . Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  6. ↑ "Wales ban on tongue and intimate piercings for under 18s". BBC News. 1 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  7. ↑ "Tattooing and body piercing guidance Toolkit | National Resource for Infection Control (NRIC)". www.nric.org.uk. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  8. ↑ "Stricter rules for tattoos and piercings in Wales". BBC News. 24 January 2023. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  9. ↑ "Tattoo parlours pose infection risk, warn health experts". BBC News. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  10. ↑ "Parents 'should approve skin piercings for under-16s'". BBC News. 18 October 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
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