The Scottish government has announced plans to regulate the aesthetics sector with new safety rules aimed at protecting those getting treatments such as botulinum toxin and fillers.
The Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures Bill will be introduced within the next year.
Part of the Scottish government’s five-year legislative plan, the bill will “regulate the delivery of certain non-surgical procedures offered for cosmetic or lifestyle purposes to support the safety of those who undergo the procedures” it said in the proposals.
Procedures will only be allowed at regulated premises while appropriate standards for service providers will be brought in.
A consultation on regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCPs) was launched last year.
Among the proposals were that independent clinics or health care settings where these procedures take place should be regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), or premises licensed by the local authority.
Licensing for practitioners was also suggested, along with minimum qualification standards.
The full details of the requirements and how they will be implemented are expected to be agreed as the bill passes through Parliament.
The British Beauty Council, of which Cosmetics Business is a patron, along with others in the industry including the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) have long called for stricter regulation to protect consumers.
“This is a hugely positive step forward in raising the reputation and standards of the aesthetics sector and I commend the Scottish government for taking steps to regulate the industry,” said Victoria Brownlie, Chief Policy and Sustainability Officer at the British Beauty Council.
“After advocating for improved standards, education and accountability since our inception, next we must ensure all four nations across the UK come together to ensure collaboration and effective implementation to achieve the desired outcomes of safety, professionalism and public confidence in aesthetic services."
The announcement is a “huge step forward for client safety and professional standards” said Babtac CEO Lesley Blair, MBE.
“With the media regularly reporting treatments going wrong, our industry is under scrutiny, so it's more important than ever for consumers to be able to identify and support true professionals.”
“We will continue to support and advise both Scottish and the wider UK government with insights and recommendations to ensure the final Bill is valid, robust and enforceable, while allowing provision for ongoing evaluation.”
The industry body said it is continuing to push for stronger regulation in the rest of the UK.
A ban on Botox and fillers for teenagers under the age of 18 was introduced in 2021 in England.
From 1 June, anyone seeking cosmetic injectables must have a direct appointment with a medical professional under new rules for remote prescribing brought in by the The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
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