The Scottish Government has introduced the Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill, marking a significant step toward formal regulation of non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic treatments across Scotland. The proposed legislation aims to improve safety standards for clients while supporting responsible practitioners through clearer regulatory frameworks.
The Bill was formally introduced on 8 October 2025, following a public consultation on regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures that ran from December 2024 to February 2025. The consultation gathered views from industry professionals, organisations and the public on how best to ensure procedures are carried out safely and responsibly.
More recently, on 27 January 2026, the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee recommended that Parliament approve the general principles of the Bill. The committee supported a two-tier regulatory approach, ensuring that higher-risk procedures are only carried out under appropriate supervision within licensed and regulated premises.
The committee also acknowledged concerns raised by industry professionals, recommending transitional support and guidance to help practitioners adapt to the new framework. It further suggested that sanctions should be strengthened to discourage unsafe or irresponsible practice.
Key Measures Within the Bill
According to the Scottish Government, the legislation introduces several important measures:
- Ban on procedures for under-18s, including treatments such as dermal fillers and strong chemical peels.
- Mandatory licensing requirements for premises carrying out procedures that pierce or penetrate the skin, including injectable and advanced skin treatments, ensuring hygiene and safety standards are met.
- Expanded government powers to amend the list of regulated treatments, define qualification requirements, and establish enforcement measures.
The legislation applies to procedures that:
- pierce or penetrate the skin,
- are not delivered as NHS healthcare,
- are not provided for medical treatment purposes,
- and are not already regulated under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
A full list of regulated treatments is included within the Bill, with flexibility for future updates.
When Could Regulations Come Into Effect?
The Bill is currently progressing through the Scottish Parliament during the present parliamentary session, which runs until May 2026. If approved, it will introduce a mandatory licensing system for specific non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing treatments.
Part 1 of the Bill would make it illegal to perform regulated procedures on anyone under 18 or to provide them from unlicensed premises. Ministers would also gain powers to introduce further restrictions, qualification requirements, and enforcement procedures where necessary.
Treatment Reclassification Following Consultation
Following consultation feedback, several treatments were reclassified as lower risk and moved into Group 1, meaning they no longer require medical oversight. These treatments include:
- Radiofrequency treatments
- High-frequency ultrasound (non-intimate use)
- Photorejuvenation
- Fruit peel or glycolic acid peels affecting only the viable epidermis
- Cryolipolysis
- Cryotherapy
- Electrocautery (advanced electrolysis)
They now join treatments already recognised as lower risk, such as:
- Microneedling to a depth of 1.5mm
- Laser hair and tattoo removal
- Laser treatments for acne scarring, sun damage and non-ablative rejuvenation
- IPL and LED therapies
Purpose of the Bill
The Scottish Government states the aim of the Bill is to ensure non-surgical treatments are carried out safely, hygienically and by appropriately trained practitioners, protecting both clients and professionals. It also recognises that such procedures can present physical or psychological risks to young people, prompting restrictions for those under 18.
The legislation also includes updates to the Certification of Death (Scotland) Act 2011, clarifying procedures relating to medical certificate reviews and cremation processes for individuals who die elsewhere in the UK.
What Happens Next?
The Bill remains at Stage 1, where a lead committee reviews its principles. MSPs will debate and vote on these principles before the legislation moves through further parliamentary stages.
Industry organisations have welcomed progress on regulation. The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (Babtac), which contributed through the Scottish Government’s Interventions Expert Group, described publication of the Bill as a positive step towards proportionate regulation that supports safety and professional standards across the sector.
Industry Impact and Looking Ahead
The proposed legislation represents a major milestone in Scotland’s regulation of aesthetic and wellbeing procedures. With increased focus on client protection, practitioner standards and responsible practice, the Bill could influence future regulatory approaches across the wider UK aesthetic sector.
Practitioners and businesses are now watching closely as the Bill moves through Parliament and prepares to reshape how non-surgical procedures are governed in Scotland.
Source & Credit: This article is based on reporting originally published by Professional Beauty. Original article available at: https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/scottish-government-opens-consultation-for-aesthetic-treatments
