The British Beauty Council is celebrating a monumental shift in the aesthetic landscape following the unanimous passing of the Scottish Parliament’s Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill.
For years, The Council has championed the necessity of rigorous standards around aesthetics in order to professionalise the sector, with this legislation representing a definitive step toward raising the reputation of the industry and safeguarding the public.
This Bill introduces long-overdue regulations for high-risk non-surgical procedures, including Botulinum Toxin, dermal fillers, and other advanced aesthetic treatments. By requiring these procedures to be performed by or under the supervision of designated healthcare professionals within registered, regulated premises, Scotland is setting a high bar for clinical excellence.
After giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament in support of the regulation, Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief of Policy & Sustainability at the British Beauty Council said: “the current environment, characterised by significant variations in standards, has often left both consumers and reputable practitioners vulnerable. This new legal framework provides the consistency and accountability the sector has been crying out for.”
Key features of the new legislation include:
- Age Restrictions: Making it illegal for under-18s to receive cosmetic procedures, addressing the immense pressure social media places on young people.
- Enhanced Oversight: Granting Healthcare Improvement Scotland the power to inspect premises and intervene in unsafe practices.
- Transition Support: the period between now and September 2027 for businesses to upgrade facilities, train staff, and meet new requirements.
The Scottish Government has outlined its commitment to working alongside clinics and salons during the transition period, ensuring that those dedicated professionals who already uphold high standards are supported while bringing the entire sector up to a clear, safe and enforceable playing field.
The Council will continue to collaborate with the Scottish Government to ensure the smooth enactment and implementation of the Bill, whilst also ensuring that these standards feed into the work also underway in England and the rest of the UK.
For full details of the Bill visit: Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill.
