Wales has become the first country in the UK to introduce mandatory licensing for special procedures such as tattoos.

The new rules, which came into effect on Friday, November 29, aim to protect public health by ensuring that only licensed practitioners can perform procedures like acupuncture, body piercings, electrolysis, and tattoos, including semi-permanent makeup.

The Welsh Government introduced these measures to reduce hygiene and safety risks, including bloodborne infections.

Practitioners and those in charge of premises or vehicles where these procedures are performed must complete an infection prevention and control course.

Their premises and vehicles must also meet strict safety standards.

The new licensing scheme affects more than 4,000 practitioners and more than 2,000 premises across Wales.

All individuals, whether new applicants or existing practitioners, must apply for a licence and/or a premises or vehicle approval certificate from their local authority.

Those currently registered with their local authority can continue operating while their applications are processed.

A national register will list all valid licence holders and approved premises in Wales.

However, as local authorities can only upload information as they grant licences and approval certificates, it will take several months for the register to be fully populated.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Keith Reid, said: "This new licensing scheme provides important reassurance for anybody thinking about getting acupuncture, electrolysis, a piercing, tattoo or semi-permanent makeup that the practitioner they use is licensed and the premises or vehicle where the procedure is performed has been approved.

"The compulsory licensing scheme ensures that both clients and practitioners are protected, and I am pleased the measures have been widely welcomed by the industry."

Marie Lowe, owner of Miss Rie's Tattoo Studio in Newport, said: "It's good news for the special procedures industry that these new rules are now in place.

"They will be important in ensuring a consistent approach is taken by all practitioners across Wales and our clients know they are having a procedure by a licensed person in a safe and clean environment."

Ffion Haf Hughes, the owner of Little Wren Beauty & Aesthetics in Caernarfon, added: "The new permanent makeup and tattooing licensing scheme not only elevates industry standards, ensuring safety and professionalism but also instils greater confidence in our clients.

"By adhering to these regulations, we enhance our credibility and commitment to delivering high-quality services, ultimately benefiting both our business and our valued clients."

Public Health Wales (PHW) has been working with the Welsh Government to introduce the scheme.

Samantha Matthews, head of nursing for infection prevention and control at PHW, said: "We welcome the enhanced hygiene standards that licensing will bring.

"The training of practitioners along with inspections of premises will reduce the risks associated with procedures like tattooing, piercing and acupuncture.

"We hope this will not only raise standards and protect health but also offer reassurance to those undergoing such procedures."

The new licensing scheme will enable local authorities to apply a consistent approach to regulation across Wales, including more effective powers to deal with anyone who is operating illegally.