PIERCING STANDARDS AGENCY
Setting the standard for safe piercing.
WHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU?
Piercing you can trust
Our core mission is piercing you can trust. This means ensuring that clients can rely on studios to follow consistent hygiene protocols, that piercers work to defined professional standards, and that the industry continues to evolve in a safer, more transparent direction.
Why Was the PSA Set Up?
The Piercing Standards Agency (PSA) was created to provide consistent, accessible standards for professional body piercing in the UK. While local authorities are responsible for licensing and inspection, their guidance can vary significantly from region to region. The PSA exists to bridge that gap - offering clarity where regulation is unclear, and practical support where industry information is inconsistent or difficult to access.
By publishing non-binding standards and structured guidance, the PSA aims to help studios navigate their legal responsibilities with greater confidence, and raise awareness of safe, sustainable practice across the industry. The PSA offers standards without affiliation. Instead, it functions as a reference point: a place studios can turn to when they want to do things well — and want to be sure they’re doing them right.
Where We Fit
The Piercing Standards Agency is not a substitute for local council registration or a replacement for peer organisations like the UKAPP. We exist to support the wider industry — by offering practical guidance, promoting consistent hygiene standards, and helping studios demonstrate their professionalism to the public.
Our goal is to complement existing structures, not compete with them. Whether you're registered with your local authority, a UKAPP member, or operating independently, PSA aims to provide tools that raise confidence and clarity across the industry.
What We Do
Why It Matters to Customers
PSA standards are written for studios, but they also benefit the people they serve. When a studio chooses to follow consistent, evidence-informed guidance, it helps create a safer, more transparent experience for clients — regardless of where they are or who they see.
While piercing styles may vary, good practice should not. Clear hygiene protocols, suitable equipment, and reliable aftercare advice are essential in every studio. The PSA makes it easier for piercers to meet those expectations — and easier for customers to feel confident in the care they receive.
Latest Articles
Maintaining Standards
Professional standards are the foundation of a safe and trusted piercing industry. We offer clear guidance for studios on hygiene, equipment, workspace setup, and procedural consistency — all designed to meet or exceed UK health expectations.
Whether you're updating your protocols or just starting out, our approach helps studios build credibility, reduce risk, and stay inspection-ready.
Public Register
The Public Register is a transparent list of studios that have committed to meeting core hygiene and procedural standards. Each studio provides verified details about their setup, services, and compliance status.
The register helps clients make informed choices — and gives studios a way to publicly demonstrate their commitment to safety, professionalism, and accountability.
Supporting Studios
We provide straightforward resources to help studios stay compliant, consistent, and confident in their practice — without unnecessary complexity.
From printable checklists to training guides, our materials are built to support piercers at every stage, whether you're setting up your first studio or reviewing your current procedures.