DPA - photo image:4420:4::0

The ban on young teenagers is going in effect because of the health risks that can come from the fashion trend. Nipple and genital piercings for those under 16 are outlawed outright. Parents can give their permission for ear, nose and navel piercings.

"Personally, I can't see why any child under the age of 16 would want to expose their genitalia to a stranger just to fulfil the needs of a fashion or a trend," he said.

Piercings have the risk of hepatitis B or C, toxic shock and blood poisoning.

Operators who choose to break the law will faces heavy fines. If they are found to have carried out an intimate piercing on a minor they will have to pay up to $22,000. Other piercings completed without parental permission will carry a possible $3,000 fine.