ARTICLE 7. Mechanical Stud and Clasp Ear Piercing [119325. - 119328.]

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC 7.

in effect

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 119325. Section 119325.

(a) The piercing of the ear with a mechanical stud and clasp device does not constitute body art or body piercing as defined in this chapter. It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this article, to provide uniform and statewide requirements for the performance of ear piercing with a mechanical stud and clasp device. The piercing of an ear with a mechanical stud and clasp device shall only be subject to the requirements in this article. (b) The area within a facility where mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing is conducted shall be safe and sanitary and shall not constitute a threat to the public health and safety, as reasonably determined by the local enforcement agency. (c) The mechanical stud and clasp device that is used to pierce an ear pursuant to this article shall be single-use, presterilized, stud and clasp only. (d) The single-use mechanical stud and clasp device used to pierce an ear pursuant to this article shall meet the jewelry requirements in subdivision (e). (e) Only jewelry made of ASTM F138, ISO 5832-1, and AISI 316L or AISI 316LVM implant grade stainless steel, solid 14-karat through 18-karat yellow or white gold, niobium, ASTM F136 6A4V titanium, platinum, or other materials found to be equally biocompatible shall be placed in newly pierced skin.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 119326. Section 119326.

(a) The local enforcement agency may require a facility that provides mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing services to submit a notification form, which shall be provided by the local enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the facility is located. If the local enforcement agency requires this notification form, the form shall include all of the following information: (1) The address of all facilities within the jurisdiction where mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing will be performed. (2) A statement that the mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of this article. (3) The contact information for the person responsible for compliance with this article and who the local enforcement agency should contact regarding complaints from the public regarding mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing at a facility listed in paragraph (1). (b) Information for more than one location within a single jurisdiction with the same owner or operator may be included on a single notification form. If the local enforcement agency requires notification, it shall provide a notification form that allows the owner or operator of more than one facility in the jurisdiction to provide the required notification for all of its facilities in a single form designed for that purpose. (c) No person shall be required to provide notification until and unless the local enforcement agency makes a form for this purpose available. Facilities performing mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing on the date the local enforcement agency makes the form available shall have five months from that date in which to complete and submit the form. Facilities that begin performing mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing after the form is made available shall be required to submit the form prior to offering services.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 119327. Section 119327.

(a) A person piercing an ear with a mechanical stud and clasp piercing device shall meet the following requirements before providing mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing services: (1) Is at least 18 years of age. (2) Received one hour of training that covers all of the following topics: (A) Proper use of the mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing device. (B) Types of bloodborne pathogens and the prevention of the transmission of bloodborne communicable diseases. (C) Proper hand hygiene. (D) The safe and sanitary use of single-use equipment, including, but not limited to, gloves, towels, and disinfectant wipes. (3) If the person will also be piercing the cartilage of the upper ear, that person shall also receive training on proper techniques for this type of piercing. (b) The training requirements of subdivision (a) shall not apply to an individual who was employed to perform mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing prior to the effective date of this article.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 119328. Section 119328.

(a) A local enforcement agency may charge a one-time facility notification fee in an amount between twenty-five dollars ($25) and forty-five dollars ($45) for each facility operating pursuant to this article. The fee charged shall not exceed the amount reasonably necessary to cover the actual costs of administering and enforcing the provisions of this article. (b) After December 31, 2015, a county may charge a different fee, set by local ordinance, provided that the increased fee is necessary to cover the actual costs of administering and enforcing the provisions of this article. (c) The local enforcement agency may not charge a different fee for facilities based on what part of the ear is being pierced.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026