General information only, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with your state or territory regulator before you buy or operate a device. Last reviewed: October 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us.
Laser and IPL rules in Australia are set by each state and territory, not nationally. Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania require a licence to own and to operate cosmetic lasers, and Tasmania also licenses IPL users. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory have no specific cosmetic laser licence, but a laser safety certificate is recommended and is usually expected by insurers.
Laser and IPL licence rules by state at a glance
| State or territory | Licence to own | Licence to operate | IPL licensed? | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Yes, Class 4 lasers | Yes, Class 4 lasers (trainee licence, then supervised hours) | No | Queensland Health |
| Western Australia | Yes, Class 3B and 4 lasers | Yes, Class 3B and 4 lasers | No | Radiological Council of WA |
| Tasmania | Yes (licence covers possession and use) | Yes, IPL and Class 3B and 4 lasers | Yes | Tasmanian Department of Health |
| New South Wales | No | No (laser safety certificate recommended) | No | NSW EPA |
| Victoria | No | No (Department of Health guidelines apply) | No | Department of Health Victoria |
| SA, ACT and NT | No | No (laser safety certificate advisable) | No | State or territory health department |
State by state detail
Queensland (QLD):
- Possession: A possession licence is mandatory to own Class 4 laser apparatus. Applicants must develop a radiation safety and protection plan, ensure equipment complies with Australian standards, and have their apparatus and rooms certified for compliance.
More details: Queensland Health - Use: Operators of Class 4 lasers must hold a use licence. The process involves obtaining a Laser Safety Certificate, an Infection Prevention Control Certificate, applying for a trainee licence, completing supervised practical hours (ranging from 25 to 100 hours depending on the procedure), and then applying for a full use licence.
More details: Queensland Health - IPL Devices: Currently, there are no specific licensing requirements for the possession or use of IPL devices.
Western Australia (WA):
- Possession: A possession licence is required for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Applicants must ensure their equipment complies with relevant safety standards and have appropriate safety protocols in place.
More details: Radiological Council of WA - Use: Operators need a use licence for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Requirements include obtaining a Laser Safety Certificate, an Infection Prevention Control Certificate, and completing supervised practical hours. For tattoo removal, attending a specific course is mandatory.
More details: Radiological Council of WA - IPL Devices: No licensing requirements exist for the possession or use of IPL devices.
Tasmania (TAS):
- Possession and Use: All users of IPL and Class 3B and Class 4 laser devices must be licensed by the Department of Health. Applicants need to demonstrate adequate clinical supervision from a full licence holder to practice independently.
More details: Tasmanian Department of Health
New South Wales (NSW):
- Possession and Use: There are no specific licensing requirements for the possession or use of lasers and IPL devices for cosmetic purposes. However, obtaining a Laser Safety Certificate is recommended to comply with standards and secure insurance.
More details: NSW EPA
Victoria (VIC):
- Possession and Use: No specific licensing requirements exist for the possession or use of lasers and IPL devices for cosmetic purposes. The Department of Health provides guidelines emphasizing the importance of proper training and safety protocols.
More details: Health Victoria
South Australia (SA), Northern Territory (NT), and Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
- Possession and Use: Currently, there are no specific licensing requirements for the possession or use of lasers and IPL devices for cosmetic purposes. Obtaining a Laser Safety Certificate is advisable to ensure compliance with safety standards and for insurance purposes.
Common questions about laser and IPL licences
Do I need a licence to use a laser for hair removal?
It depends on your state. Queensland requires a use licence to operate a Class 4 laser, Western Australia requires one for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers, and Tasmania licenses users of IPL and Class 3B and 4 lasers. The other states and territories have no specific cosmetic licence, but a laser safety certificate is recommended. Confirm the laser class of your device with your supplier.
Is IPL regulated the same way as laser?
No. Tasmania is the only state that licenses IPL users. Queensland and Western Australia license lasers but not IPL. On a multi-technology platform, check each applicator, because a laser applicator on an IPL platform is a laser.
What is a laser safety certificate?
A laser safety certificate shows you have completed a course in the safe operation of lasers and IPL. It is part of the licence process in Queensland and Western Australia, and elsewhere it is recommended and usually expected by insurers.
Which Alma systems are lasers and which are IPL?
Soprano ICE Platinum, Soprano Titanium Special Edition, Alma Pixel CO2 and Alma Hybrid are laser systems. Alma Harmony combines AFT (IPL) applicators with laser applicators. Ask Alma Lasers Australia for the laser class of your exact configuration when you apply for a licence.
It’s essential to consult local health departments or regulatory bodies for the most current information, as regulations can change.
This overview is provided for general information only and may be out of date. Alma Lasers Australia accepts no liability for reliance on it. Always verify current requirements with your state or territory regulator and a specialist compliance consultant before acting.