It's one of the most-searched questions in our industry: can anyone buy cosmetic tattoo supplies? And close behind it: do you need a licence to do cosmetic tattooing in Australia? As a supplier connected to a nationally accredited training academy, we get asked this constantly — so here's the honest, practical answer.
Can anyone buy a PMU machine or pigments?
Technically, yes. In Australia, cosmetic tattoo machines, pigments and cartridges aren't scheduled or restricted the way some medical devices or poisons are, so there's no law stopping a retailer from selling them to the general public.
But “can you buy it” and “should you use it” are two very different things. Reputable suppliers — us included — stock these products for trained cosmetic tattoo and PMU practitioners, and students enrolled in accredited training. Cosmetic tattooing is a skin-penetration procedure. Done without proper training and infection control, it carries real risks of scarring, infection and poor healed results — for the client and for your reputation. Buying a machine is easy; using it safely and legally is what takes training.
So do you need a licence to do cosmetic tattooing in Australia?
There isn't a single national “cosmetic tattoo licence” you apply for. Instead, working legally and safely comes down to three things — and they vary by state and local council:
1. Recognised training
The nationally recognised qualification is the SHB50321 Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing. It's the benchmark employers, insurers and councils look for, and it covers the theory, technique and safety you need to actually work on clients. You can explore accredited pathways through our partner, Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085).
2. Infection control
You'll also need an approved infection-control unit — most commonly HLTINF005 (Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments). This is a legal requirement in Queensland and is preferred (and often required) across other states and territories. It's the unit councils typically ask for when you register a skin-penetration premises or apply for a Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services licence.
3. Premises and council registration
Wherever you work from — a studio, a rented room, or home — the premises usually needs to be registered with your local council as a skin-penetration / personal appearance services business, and it must meet infection-control standards. Requirements differ between councils, so this is the step to confirm locally before you start.
Because rules vary by state and territory, always check the current requirements with your local council or state health department. This article is general information, not legal advice.
What about students — can they buy supplies?
Yes. If you're enrolled in accredited training, you'll need supplies to practise — machines, pigments, cartridges and practice skins — and we supply students as well as qualified practitioners. Practising on practice skins and models, under the guidance of your course, is exactly how you build skills before you ever touch a paying client.
How we approach it at Ink & Beauty Co
We supply trained practitioners and students across Australia, and every product we stock is tested through Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085) before it reaches our shelves — so you're buying gear a working trainer actually uses on real students and clients. If you're just starting out, we can point you toward training as well as supplies, and help you choose the right machine, pigments and cartridges for the work you want to do.
The short version? Anyone can buy the tools. But to do cosmetic tattooing well — and legally — you need the training, the infection-control ticket, and your council sign-off behind you. Get those in place, and we'll make sure you're kitted out properly.
Ready to get started? Shop the full cosmetic tattoo range, or get in touch if you'd like a hand choosing your setup.