Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (November 2):

Question:

     It is learnt that tattooing involves skin penetration procedures which pose a risk of infections to customers and technicians providing such services. Regarding the regulation of tattooing services, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) given that except in specific circumstances, it is an offence under the Tattooing of Young Persons Ordinance (Cap. 323) to tattoo any person under the age of 18 years, whether the Government took the initiative in the past five years to inspect tattoo parlours or conducted investigations upon receipt of complaints, and of the number of persons prosecuted;

(2) whether, apart from Cap. 323, there is other legislation regulating tattooing services and practitioners; if so, of the details;

(3) whether it has considered making reference to the practices of other industries to encourage the tattoo industry to provide training and certificate courses so as to certify the professional qualifications of practitioners, thereby protecting consumers' rights and interests; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) whether it has considered making reference to overseas practices to impose regulation on practitioners of the tattoo industry or premises providing tattooing services through a licensing system, so as to ensure that their service quality and hygiene conditions meet the required standards; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     In consultation with the Security Bureau, the Education Bureau and the Department of Health (DH), the reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:

(1) According to records, there was no prosecution made under section 3 of the Tattooing of Young Persons Ordinance in the past five years. Upon receiving complaints relating to the Tattooing of Young Persons Ordinance, the Police will follow up and handle them in accordance with the established mechanism. The Police have not kept statistics on the inspections and investigations relating to the Tattooing of Young Persons Ordinance.

(2) and (4) Body tattooing and piercing are not considered as a "medical procedure". To safeguard public health and prevent infection of disease, the DH has published the "Recommended Guidelines on Infection Control For Skin Penetration Practice", covering essential infection control principles related to skin penetration practices, as well as information related to environmental hygiene and handling of instruments and equipment. Operators should follow the guidelines and take necessary precautionary measures to protect themselves and clients from infectious diseases, and ensure that skin penetration is only carried out to clients who fully understand the risks and problems involved.

     Apart from the Tattooing of Young Persons Ordinance, the Government has no other legislation regulating tattooing services and operators, and has no plan to impose further regulation.

(3) The Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (QF) defines clear and objective standards applicable to qualifications in the academic, vocational, professional, as well as continuing education sectors, promoting lifelong learning. The Beauty and Hairdressing Industry Training Advisory Committee under the QF has developed Specification of Competency Standards for the Beauty Industry, which includes clusters of competencies related to beauty tattooing and embroidering. Training bodies may make reference to such information for the development of relevant courses.

Ends/Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:05

NNNN