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Special procedures licensing scheme

In Wales, practitioners and places that offer special procedures must have a license

Special procedures

These include:

  • acupuncture (including dry needling)
  • body piercing
  • electrolysis
  • tattooing (including semi-permanent makeup/microblading)

Practitioners licence

  • practitioners must have a licence to perform these procedures.
  • they can only work in approved places.
  • it is illegal to perform these procedures without a licence or in unapproved places.

Existing practitioners

  • registered practitioners have until 28th February 2025 to apply for a new licence.
  • they will get a temporary licence whilst their application is being checked.

New practitioners

New practitioners must apply for a licence before starting work.

Downloads

  • Special Procedure (Practitoner) Licence Application (DOCX 53 KB)

Approved Premises / Vehicle Certificate

  • all places or vehicles where these procedures are done must be approved.
  • the approval certificate is for the business owner, manager, or practitioner.

Existing Premises

  • places already registered have until 28th February 2025 to apply for approval.
  • a temporary approval will be issued while their application is processed.

New Premises

New places must apply for approval before starting.

Downloads

  • Special Procedures - Approved Premises Application (DOCX 60 KB)

Fees

You can find information on fees for the new licensing scheme by following this link.

National database

A public database of licensed practitioners and approved places will be available soon.

More information

For more details, visit the Welsh Government website or Public Health Wales.

Contact

For application queries regarding the special procedures licensing scheme, please email us at the following address.

Legal Regulatory Services