Skin Penetration Regulation

The Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2012 regulates body decorating and grooming practices carried out by people who are not registered as health professionals.


Tatooing.The Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2012 regulates body decorating and grooming practices carried out by people who are not registered as health professionals. The regulated businesses include:

  • tattooing
  • ear piercing
  • hair removal
  • any other procedure (whether medical or not) that involves skin penetration such as body piercing, hair removal using wax or electrolysis, cosmetic enhancement and semi-permanent make-up, and any beauty treatment which involves the deliberate penetration or removal of the skin.
  • any other procedure prescribed by the regulations (which now includes colonic lavage)

The regulation specifies procedures to prevent disease transmission, requires operators to be registered with the local council and empowers environmental health officers to carry out inspections and undertake enforcement action (if required).

Registration with council can be done by filling in the Skin Penetration Business Details Form and returning it to Council with the approved fee of $100.  It is the responsibility of the business to notify and register with council under the legislation,

Guidelines, codes of practice and fact sheets are available at the following website or for further information contact council’s environmental health team on (02) 6499 2222 or visit NSW Health Skin Penetration Website.

Contact Us