EPM – International Association of Ear Piercing Market Specialists
International Association of Ear Piercing Market Specialists (EPM)
According to the International Association of Ear Piercing Market Specialists (EPM), ear piercing is the piercing of the earlobe or upper flat ear cartilage using sterile piercing earrings inserted through modern, hand‑pressed ear‑piercing instruments equipped with sterile disposable cartridges. This ear piercing definition highlights a hygienic, closed‑cartridge system in which the specialist does not come into contact with the sterile earring—an important principle for health authorities assessing procedural safety. [epmeurope.org]
How Ear Piercing Works Today
Modern systems rely on gentle, hand‑pressed instruments that combine piercing and earring insertion in one step. A sterile, single‑use cartridge containing a sharp, sterile earring is placed into the device; during the procedure, only the earring touches the skin, and the instrument itself requires only sanitisation, not sterilisation.
Alternative methods exist, such as piercing with a sterile hollow needle, commonly used for cartilage. Both methods are considered safe and sterile when performed correctly, with consumers choosing based on personal preference rather than safety differences.
Who Performs Ear Piercing in Europe?
Across Europe, ear piercing may be performed by jewellers, beauty salons, clinics, physicians, pharmacies, piercing studios, hairdressers, or midwives, depending on national traditions and regulations. Piercing studios often use cartridge systems for earlobes and hollow needles for cartilage, reflecting established practice distinctions.
EPM members – STUDEX, Caflon, and Inverness – represent major manufacturers of sterile ear‑piercing systems. While each maintains its own technology, all align with EPM’s safety and hygiene principles.
Ensuring Safe Standards
Understanding what ear piercing is – and the standardised procedures behind it – is essential for European health authorities assessing training, hygiene, and regulatory alignment. EPM continues to support policymakers, educators, and providers in harmonising or applying safe, transparent, and consumer‑protective ear‑piercing practices across Europe.