Cosmetic business permit

Cosmetic businesses

We register and inspect businesses that offer acupuncture, cosmetic piercing, electrolysis, semi-permanent skin colouring or tattooing in the Belfast City Council electoral area.

This registration is carried out under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

How do I apply to be registered?

Any business offering acupuncture, cosmetic piercing, electrolysis, semi-permanent skin colouring or tattooing must apply to be registered before they open up. Once registered a certificate of registration will be issued, which should be displayed in the premises.

If you plan to offer acupuncture, cosmetic piercing, electrolysis, semi-permanent skin colouring or tattooing at an event or a convention, email envhealth@belfastcity.gov.uk for advice.

How much does it cost to be registered?

There is a one off fee of £25 per piercing treatment that must be paid on completion of the registration form. Once registered, there is no requirement to register annually, though routine inspections will be carried out. If you move premises or the business operator changes, you will be required to apply for a new registration and pay the £25 fee.

Register online

Apply to register a cosmetic business online (link opens in new window)

You can also request a copy of the registration form by emailing envhealth@belfastcity.gov.uk or call 028 9027 0428.

Register by post

You can complete the application form and return it by post, along with the fee, to:

Health and Safety Unit
Belfast City Council
The Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BP

How do I comply with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985?

Bye laws have been made which set out the conditions that must be met to ensure that your business is run safely. To request a copy of the byelaws that are relevant to your business, email safety@belfastcity.gov.uk.

We will inspect your premises to check that you are meeting the bye laws before your business is registered. During the visit we will look at:

• your treatment area;
• the equipment you use;
• cleanliness of surfaces and equipment;
• handwashing facilities in the treatment area;
• arrangements for the disposal of sharps and contaminated waste; and
• record keeping.

Queries and more information

If you have any queries or complaints about the inspection or the registration process, or to find out if a cosmetic business is registered, contact us.

You can find more information

• A summary of regulation relating to this licence (link opens in new window)
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (link opens in new window)