The Scottish Government has announced plans to introduce new safety regulations aimed at overseeing the non-surgical cosmetic industry and protecting patients receiving treatments such as botulinum toxin (botox) and dermal fillers. The forthcoming Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Act is scheduled to come into effect within the next year.
As part of the government’s five-year legislative agenda, the Act will establish regulations specifically targeting non-surgical treatments performed for cosmetic or lifestyle reasons to ensure patient safety. The proposed legislation mandates that these procedures be conducted only in regulated premises and introduces appropriate standards for service providers.
A public consultation on regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCP) was launched last year. The proposals suggest that independent clinics and healthcare providers offering these treatments should be regulated either by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) or licensed by local authorities. Licensing of practitioners and setting minimum qualification standards are also key elements under consideration.
Once the Act is passed by Parliament, detailed requirements and implementation mechanisms will be finalized.
Leading industry bodies such as the British Beauty Council—which Cosmetics Business sponsors—and other organizations including the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) have long advocated for stricter regulation to better protect consumers.
Victoria Brownlie, Chief Policy and Sustainability Officer at the British Beauty Council, welcomed the move, stating, “This is a significant step forward in enhancing the reputation and standards of the beauty industry. We commend the Scottish Government for taking action to regulate this sector.”
She added, “Since our establishment, we have championed raising standards, education, and accountability. It is now essential that all four nations of the UK work collaboratively to ensure effective and consistent implementation, delivering safer, more professional services that the public can trust.”
Lesley Blair MBE, CEO of BABTAC, described the announcement as “a major advancement in client safety and professional standards.” She noted that with frequent media reports of botched treatments, consumer awareness and the ability to identify qualified professionals have never been more critical.
BABTAC pledges to continue supporting the Scottish and UK governments by providing insights and guidance to ensure the final legislation is robust, enforceable, and subject to ongoing evaluation.
This move follows earlier regulatory actions in the UK, such as England’s 2021 ban on cosmetic injectables for under-18s. Additionally, new remote prescribing rules introduced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) require all cosmetic injection clients to have direct consultations with medical professionals, effective from June 1.
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