Craigavon Borough Council

Licence summary

If you offer tattooing, acupuncture, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, or electrolysis in Northern Ireland, you must be registered with your local district council.

If you work from premises, they must also be registered.

Once registered, you will be issued with a certificate of registration.

Some guidance notes are available on registration: Note to Businesses on Requirement of Article 14 - Requirements for Cosmetic Body Piercing, Semi Permanent Skin Colouring, Tattooing and Electrolysis

Eligibility Criteria

You must provide specific information including details of your premises and any previous convictions for practicing without a licence in this field.

A fee of £25 is charged for such registration.

Regulation Summary

Applicants should be aware that it is an offence to carry on the businesses mentioned above unless they are registered with the Council.

Should you be found guilty of such an offence you may be fined up to £1000.

The Council has made bye- laws in relation to the operation of such establishments - a copy of these will be made available on receipt of your application or can be accessed by following the links below.

Your premises will be inspected following receipt of your application to ensure compliance with the appropriate bye- laws.

Any breach of the appropriate bye- laws may result in a fine of up to £1000.

Anyone found guilty of the breach of the bye- laws may also have their registration suspended or cancelled by the courts.

A summary of the regulation
Legislation about control by district councils of acupuncture, tattooing, ear-piercing and electrolysis
Bye-laws for businesses carrying on Ear-piercing or electrolysis

Bye-laws carrying tattooing
Bye-laws for businesses carrying on cosmetic piercing
Bye-laws for businesses carrying on acupuncture
Bye-laws for businesses carrying on semi permanent skin colouring

Application Evaluation Process

On receipt of a completed application and evidence that there is in force a policy of insurance that covers public liability the premises can be registered. Once registered you will also be required to register the business for the purposes of Health and Safety legislation and an Environmental Health Officer will inspect the premises for compliance with relevant health and safety requirements.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is in the public interest that that all equipment and premises to be used in such activities are inspected and found to be suitable and hygienic before you can begin trading to prevent the transfer of, or contamination from, blood borne, and other, diseases.

If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or telephone the Environmental Health Department on 028 38312400, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Apply online

Apply to register your premises or tell us about any changes for Tattooing, Acupuncture, Semi permanent skin colouring,  Electrolysis or Cosmetic Piercing
(Download Skin Piercing Application)

Forms to download, print and post

Application for Registration Under Article 14 to carry on the Business of Tattooing, Acupuncture, Semi Permanent Skin Colouring, Cosmetic Piercing and Electrolysis
(Download Skin Piercing Application)

Contact Details

Telephone: 028 38312400
Fax: 028 38312444
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Environmental Health Department
Craigavon Borough Council
Lakeview Road
Craigavon BT64 1AL

Register Details

To Follow

Failed Application Redress

Please contact Craigavon Borough Council in the first instance.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact Council in the first instance.
If a registration is suspended or cancelled the registration holder may appeal to the county court.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress

Any complaints about how a premises is operated should be made directly to the Environmental Health Department on 028 38312400, or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Trade Associations

None