Advisories and alerts

Change to licensing requirements for tattoo removal

From 1 July 2016, Businesses in Queensland that undertake tattoo removal procedures involving skin penetration will be required to hold a 'higher risk personal appearance service' licence. Individual staff members who undertake these procedures will be required to hold approved infection control qualifications. Currently approved courses have a course code of HLTIN402C.

Businesses that remove tattoo pigment by laser will not be affected.

This amendment to the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Regulation 2003 takes effect from 1 July 2016.

For more information contact the public health regulation team.

Tattoo inks

Tattoo ink contamination has been identified by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  These inks can be purchased online, so it is worth monitoring international advisories.

Industry news and advice

Find links to Queensland Health industry news and advice on treatments covered within the personal services industry.

Visit the European Medicines Agency or US Food and Drug Administration websites to find the latest international information.