The new system, which will mean regular checkups and certification for health and good practice, also covers piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis, and carries a potential penalty for offenders of a fine of up to £2500.

However, the measures cannot be enforced for those tattooing in their own homes, according to the new association.

They claim the problem of home tattooing makes a mockery of the new regulations and poses a health threat.

Morag Wilson, of Yankee Tattoo in Albert Street, said, “This is the first year these regulations have come into force and it means businesses will have to adhere to certain conditions.

“However, home tattooing is still permitted and we are calling for a change of the law.

“There really should be proper standards, with people giving tattoos being trained, licensed and regulated.

“Some of the tattoos done in private homes are of very bad quality, dangerous and there is often nothing that can be done about them.”

Dundee has adopted the new national licensing conditions with no amendments or additions. The Tayside Association of Tattooists now aims to make sure private tattooing is banned.

n The first batch of licence applications for tattoo and body piercing businesses in Dundee were considered by the city council’s licensing committee yesterday.

Eleven applications were granted but three were refused – two for Claire’s Accessories premises at the Overgate and Wellgate centres and one for the Herbmedic centre in the Overgate – following objections by the council’s environmental health and trading standards section.