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Wales has become the first UK nation to introduce mandatory licensing rules for people who run or work in tattoo and body piercing studios.

Acupuncture and electrolysis treatments will also be covered by the change, with practitioners required to apply for a licence, which will be renewable every three years.

The new laws came into place on Friday November 29.

Under the new rules, applicants – including people who are already registered to carry out procedures – will have to apply for a “special procedures practitioner” licence, costing £203.

Each business will also have to apply for an “approved premises certificate” for their workplace, costing an additional £385.

The measures, introduced by the Welsh Government, aim to reduce the hygiene and safety risks of these procedures.

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.

“We want to see these special procedures take place hygienically, safely and in appropriate environments and the licensing scheme will provide assurance that the appropriate standards are being met.”

He added: “The requirements of the scheme will enable local authorities to apply a robust and consistent approach to regulation across Wales, including more effective powers to deal with anyone who operates illegally.”

Samantha Matthews, head of nursing for infection prevention and control at Public Health Wales, welcomed the new rules and said: “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.”

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service