How PSA Fits Into the Piercing Industry

Last updated: 27 May 2025

All professional body piercing studios in the UK must be registered with their local authority. This is a legal requirement that remains in place regardless of any membership, training, or third-party validation a studio may have. Local councils are responsible for inspecting and licensing studios in their area, and while the core principles of hygiene and safety are shared across the UK, the way inspections are carried out — and how often — can vary significantly depending on the region.

The Piercing Standards Agency (PSA) does not replace this council registration process. Instead, our role is to support studios in meeting and exceeding those legal expectations, particularly where local guidance may be limited, inconsistent, or unclear. In some regions, studios receive detailed feedback and regular visits from Environmental Health Officers. In others, the process may be lighter-touch or less structured. Our aim is to bridge that gap by offering reliable, practical advice and encouraging a shared understanding of best practice — not to create an additional layer of bureaucracy.

Some UK piercers also choose to join peer-based membership groups such as the UKAPP. These organisations often have their own standards, philosophies, and criteria for membership. For some studios, this provides a sense of community, shared values, and recognition within a specific professional circle. However, these groups are not regulatory authorities and are not recognised by government bodies. They operate independently and reflect the priorities of their own membership, which may not represent the full range of practices or beliefs within the UK industry.

The PSA is not a membership group. We are here to complement, not compete with, existing systems — whether that’s local authority licensing, insurance requirements, or peer-led collectives. Our focus is clarity, accessibility, and consistency. We want all studios — regardless of size, style, or location — to feel confident in what is expected of them and supported in achieving it.