Consumer and Business Services (CBS) is monitoring the tattoo industry to ensure compliance with laws designed to protect members of the public when accessing tattoo services.

Anyone who does tattooing or runs a tattoo business, including those who sell or supply tattoo equipment, must comply with the Tattooing Industry Control Act 2015. They must notify CBS of their intention to work in the industry so that appropriate checks can be made. Certain people can be disqualified from providing tattoo services, including members of organised crime gangs and their associates.

Industry members are also required to notify CBS within 14 days of any change in their circumstances – e.g. personal or business address details, directorship changes, attendance at tattoo events, and any change that may result in disqualification.

Tough penalties, such as heavy fines or time in prison, may apply to anyone in the tattoo industry who breaches the legislation. For example, a person would breach the Act if they do not provide the required information to CBS, provide false or misleading information to CBS, or they provide tattoo services when they are disqualified.

Tattoo artists, suppliers and all tattoo businesses - including those who hire a chair in a tattoo parlour to provide tattoo services – are strongly encouraged to read the information brochure Rules for the tattoo industry to make sure they know their responsibilities and are fully compliant with the law.

For more information

Visit the web page SA.GOV.AU - Tattoo industry for more information about responsibilities for the tattoo industry.

See the brochure Rules for the tattoo industry.