Terms & Conditions

By applying for membership with the Council for Piercing and Tattoo Professionals (CPTP), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before completing your membership application.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the services of the Council for Piercing and Tattoo Professionals ("the Council," "we," "us," "our"), including applying for membership, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not apply for membership or use our services.

The Council reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Continued membership after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

2. Membership Categories

2.1 Professional Membership

Open to individuals actively working as tattoo artists, piercers, permanent makeup artists, or microblading specialists who meet the Council's qualification and safety standards.

2.2 Patron Membership

Open to individuals or businesses that support the Council's mission but are not practicing body art professionals.

2.3 Honorary Membership

Awarded at the Council's discretion to individuals who have made significant contributions to the body art industry.

2.4 Partner Membership

For individuals or businesses that refer members to the Council and earn commission on successful referrals. Separate terms apply to the Partner Program.

3. Membership Fees & Payment

3.1 Fee Structure

• Professional Membership: R850.00 per year
• Patron Membership: R2,500.00 per year
• Honorary Membership: No fee
• BAC Online Course (Non-members): R550.00 one-time fee

3.2 Payment Terms

• Membership fees are payable annually in advance
• Payments are processed securely through PayFast
• Membership is activated only upon successful payment confirmation
• Fees are non-transferable

3.3 Refund Policy

Membership fees may be refunded under the following conditions:

• Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to membership@bodyartcouncil.co.za
• Approved refunds will be processed within 7 working days
• A 50% penalty fee applies to all membership refunds
• No refunds will be issued after 7 days of membership activation
• Refunds are not available for members terminated for code of conduct violations

4. Code of Conduct

As a member of the Council, you agree to:

• Professionalism: Conduct yourself with integrity, honesty, and professionalism at all times
• Client Welfare: Prioritize client health and safety above all else
• Informed Consent: Obtain proper informed consent from all clients
• Accuracy: Provide accurate information about your qualifications and services
• Confidentiality: Respect client confidentiality
• Continuing Education: Stay current with industry standards and best practices
• Respect: Treat fellow members, clients, and the public with respect
• Compliance: Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership.

5. Safety Standards Compliance

All Professional members must comply with the Council's Safety Standards, which include but are not limited to:

• Proper sterilization of equipment
• Use of single-use needles and disposable materials where appropriate
• Maintenance of a clean and hygienic work environment
• Proper waste disposal procedures
• Bloodborne pathogen training and certification
• First aid and emergency procedures
• Regular health and safety inspections

The full Safety Standards document is available at standards.html and is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

6. Directory Listing

6.1 Public Directory

Professional members may opt to be listed in the public directory. Information displayed may include:

• Name and business name
• Location
• Specializations
• Professional biography
• Website URL
• Contact email (optional)

6.2 Disclaimer

6.3 Updating Information

Members are responsible for keeping their directory information accurate and up to date. To update your listing, log into your member account or contact us.

7. Termination of Membership

7.1 Voluntary Termination

Members may terminate their membership at any time by providing written notice to membership@bodyartcouncil.co.za. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed according to Section 3.3.

7.2 Involuntary Termination

The Council reserves the right to terminate or suspend membership for:

• Violation of the Code of Conduct
• Failure to comply with Safety Standards
• Providing false or misleading information
• Non-payment of fees
• Criminal conviction related to professional practice
• Conduct that brings the Council into disrepute

7.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Directory listing will be removed within 7 days
• Right to use Council branding and logos ceases
• Access to member-only resources is revoked
• Certificate of membership becomes void

8. Disciplinary Procedures

The Council follows a fair disciplinary process for alleged violations:

1. Complaint Received: Written complaints are reviewed by the Ethics Committee
2. Investigation: Preliminary investigation to determine if there is a case to answer
3. Notification: Member notified in writing of allegations
4. Response: Member given opportunity to respond within 14 days
5. Hearing: If necessary, a disciplinary hearing is conducted
6. Decision: Committee issues written decision with reasons
7. Appeal: Member may appeal within 14 days of decision

Possible outcomes include: dismissal of complaint, warning, suspension, or termination of membership.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by South African law:

• The Council provides membership services "as is" without warranties of any kind
• The Council is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• The Council's total liability is limited to the membership fees paid in the 12 months preceding a claim
• The Council does not guarantee that its services will be uninterrupted or error-free
• The Council is not responsible for the actions or omissions of its members
• The Council is not liable for any loss or damage arising from directory listings or member-client interactions

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Council, its officers, directors, employees, and volunteers from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your breach of these Terms and Conditions
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• Your professional services provided to clients
• Your use of Council materials or branding
• Any dispute between you and a client

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

11.2 Mediation

Any dispute arising from these Terms shall first be referred to mediation. The parties agree to participate in good faith in mediation before resorting to litigation.

11.3 Jurisdiction

Any unresolved disputes shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

12. Changes to Terms

The Council reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the website. Material changes will be communicated to members via email. Continued membership constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

13. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or notices regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact:

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By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms and Conditions.