Council is responsible for the routine inspection of skin penetration premises to ensure the premises and the procedures carried out comply with the Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2022.
Council may also carry out inspections in response to:
- Hygiene complaints,
- disease notifications,
- concerns raised by members of the public or other agencies.
Skin penetrating procedures carry risks of transmitting disease and infections. If your business provides treatments involving skin penetration, there are specific requirements in place to keep your customers and the public safe. Businesses of this type must be registered with Council and are monitored for compliance with health and safety regulations.
What is skin penetration?
The Public Health Act defines "skin penetration" as acupuncture, tattooing, cosmetic tattooing, ear and body piercing, hair removal and any other procedure (whether medical or not) that involves penetrating the skin.
Skin penetration can include, but is not limited to:
- Tattooing
- Cosmetic tattooing
- Manicure and pedicures (including cuticle cutting & foot skin removal)
- Waxing
- Ear & body piercing
- Colonic Lavage (irrigation)
- Single blade (cutthroat) razor shaving
- Scarification (formed by cutting or branding the skin by various methods)
- Acupuncture or dry needling (only for unregistered practitioners*)
*The Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) has approved accreditation standards under section 47 of the National Law to ensure that graduates of an accredited and approved Chinese medicine program are qualified for general registration in the Chinese medicine profession to practise safely and competently as an Acupuncturist.
Exemptions: Procedures performed in medical or dentistry practices are exempt. However, these services must be carried out by a registered, licensed medical practitioner or dentist, or a person acting under the direction or supervision of either. This also includes prescription only medicines (injections) such as botulinum toxin (Botox) and injectable hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. These medicines can only be administered by a registered medical practitioner or a nurse practitioner.
Starting a New Skin Penetration or Beauty Treatment Business
1. Confirm Development Approval
Before beginning any works or opening a skin penetration or beauty treatment business, you must ensure the premises has development consent. This approval is typically granted through a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).
If you're unsure, book in a session to with Councils business advisors at Lets Chat Business.
2. Ensure the Premises Meets Health Requirements
The design, construction and fit‑out of skin penetration clinics and beauty salons with the Schedule 2 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. Additionally Skin Penetration clinics must also comply with the Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2022.
Beauty treatment premises are also encouraged to follow best practices, which are detailed in the NSW Health Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings policy directive.
3. Register Your Business with Council
All skin penetration business operators—including home‑based businesses—must register with their local Council before carrying out any procedures.
Submit your details by completing the Skin Penetration or Beauty Premises Owner Details form and emailing it to: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
4. Access Additional Information
For more detail on specific types of skin penetration businesses, browse the resources available in the links section below.