South Carolina Piercing Laws

The laws governing body piercings are enforced by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The laws include provisions for facility licensing and sanitation as well as operating requirements for body piercing technicians.

Facility

• South Carolina requires that body piercing facilities be registered with the state. Once an applicant meets all of the certification requirements and pays the annual $300 licensing fee, an operating permit is issued.

Technicians

• Body piercing technicians must be at least 18 years old and possess current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications. In addition, technicians must attend DHEC-approved courses on the topics of blood-borne pathogens and body piercing infection control. Body piercing technicians must comply with all OSHA guidelines.

Inspections and Restrictions

• Body piercing facilities are subject to routine inspection by DHEC to ensure ongoing compliance of licensing requirements. These inspections may occur with or without notice and in response to a complaint. Facilities are prohibited from performing piercings on minors or persons under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.