Beauty and Cosmetic Registrations

You must be registered if you carry out certain treatments as part of a business.

Do I need to be registered?

If you perform:

Tattooing
Electrolysis
Acupuncture
Cosmetic piercing
Semi-permanent skin colouring

you must be registered to carry out these activities whether at home or in a business premises.

It is an offence to carry out such treatments without being registered with the Local Authority.

You will need to register yourself as well as the premises where you do the treatment and each additional person who operates with you.

If you operate at more than one premises, even if this is in a different Local Authority area, you will need to register each premises and each additional person operating.

You MUST ensure you are able to comply with the requirements of the byelaws. You will need to display prominently a copy of your registration certificate and the byelaws at your premises.

How much does it cost?

There is a one-off registration fee of £208.37 for yourself and your premises. Each additional person is charged at £68.31.

How do I apply?

Before applying, please ensure to carefully read the byelaws to ensure that you can comply with them.

The easiest way to apply and pay is online. Download the form below, complete it and attach it when prompted.

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Tattooing, Acupuncture and Cosmetic Services Form (DOCX 267.45KB)

Alternatively email your application form to: EnvSafetyHealth.DUE@dudley.gov.uk or, print your application form and send it to:

Dudley MBC - Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Environmental Safety and Health
Council House
Priory Road
Dudley
DY1 1HF

If you do not apply online, you must pay the fee over the telephone: 0300 555 2345. Please note, you will need to select to speak directly to an operator to make your payment.

We aim to process your application within 21 days. Please contact us if you have any queries about the process.

You cannot start trading until your application is fully processed by us and you have received and are displaying your registration certificate. If you have not heard from us within 21 days, please contact us at Envsafetyhealth.DUE@dudley,gov.uk

Do I need a licence for other beauty treatments?

Some treatments may be regulated by other Enforcement Agencies. For example:

laser hair or tattoo removal
some types of teeth whitening

The following treatments do not at present require registration:

sauna
facials
pedicure
massage
sun beds
leg waxing
nail manicure
eyelash tinting

However, premises used for these activities must comply with health and safety legislation.

Hairdressers and barbers

Any person wishing to carry on business as a hairdresser/barber must comply with the byelaws made by the Borough Council of Dudley under Section 77 of the Public Health Act 1961.

Frequently asked questions

The registration lasts as long as the business proprietor or operation of the business does not change. If a new person takes over the business or the premises changes, then you must re-register or notify us. Please contact us if you are no longer running the business.

No, your registration cannot be refused by the Council. However, you may be subject to enforcement action if you do not comply with the necessary standards laid out in the bylaws.

The legislation does not require the keeping of a cosmetic treatment public register. However, every registered person and premises must display a registration certificate and a copy of the byelaws in a prominent place.

If you are concerned about the standards or practices within a local business or are concerned that they do not appear to be registered please use the Cosmetic/Beauty Business Advice and Complaints form.

Hygiene rating scheme

We are proud to operate a Hygiene Rating Scheme for any business offering cosmetic skin piercing, acupuncture, permanent and semi-permanent skin colouring.