The Scottish Parliament has passed the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill.
The Bill introduces a new framework to regulate Non-surgical cosmetic treatments and strengthen client safety across the beauty industry.
The Bill, introduced on October 8, 2025, follows the Government’s earlier consultation on the regulation and licensing of Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, which ran from December 2024 to February 2025.
It aims to ensure that procedures such as dermal fillers, microneedling and chemical peels are carried out safely, by appropriately trained practitioners, and within licensed premises that meet strict hygiene and safety standards.
On Tuesday 18 March 2026, the Scottish Parliament passed the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill.
This Bill is expected to come into force in Scotland in September 2027.
Key points of the Bill
The Bill will make the following key changes:
- Ban certain procedures for under-18s: Treatments such as dermal fillers and strong chemical peels will no longer be permitted for clients under 18 years old.
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Licensed healthcare professionals regulated by UK bodies – including doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other allied health professionals – will be permitted to carry out non-surgical procedures in approved premises. Procedures may be carried out by someone acting under the direction of one of these regulated professionals.
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The restricted procedures can only be carried out in 'permitted premises' – as defined in the Bill.
- Government powers to expand regulation: The Scottish Government will have powers to amend the list of regulated procedures and to define who can perform them, what qualifications are required, and how compliance is enforced.
These procedures are defined as those which:
- pierce or penetrate the skin
- are not provided as part of NHS healthcare
- are not delivered for medical treatment purposes
- are not already licensed under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
A full list of regulated treatments is detailed in the Bill:
- Ablative laser treatment
- Chemical peel
- Dermal microcoring
- Injectable procedure (excluding tattooing)
- Intravenous procedure
- Licensed procedure carried out with prescribed anaesthetic
- Licensed procedure carried out on an intimate area (except non-ablative laser hair removal)
- Microneedling 1.5 mm or deeper
The Scottish Government will have powers to expand or amend the list of regulated treatments.
This means there could be changes to the list of procedures covered by the Bill, who can provide these procedures, training and qualification requirements, and the creation of additional offences.
When will the new beauty treatment regulations take effect?
The Bill is expected to come into effect in September 2027.
Enforcement powers and penalties
Under the new legislation Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) will have powers to:
- Enter premises where they suspect Non-surgical procedures are being provided illegally
- Search premises and seize equipment or records to gather evidence
- Take action against unregistered premises or unauthorised practitioners
The penalties for breaking the legislation are:
- Fines up to £2,500 for unlicensed practice
- Fines up to £1,000 for failing to notify authorities of major changes in circumstances
- Additional sanctions for breaching licence terms or providing misleading information
Why the Bill was introduced
The Scottish Government has stated that the purpose of the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill is to ensure all Non-surgical treatments are safe, hygienic, and appropriately regulated, protecting both clients and practitioners.
The Government also highlighted that such procedures may pose physical or psychological risks to young people, leading to the decision to restrict them to adults.
In addition, the Bill includes updates to the Certification of Death (Scotland) Act 2011, clarifying when reviews of medical certificates can be requested and simplifying rules for cremations of people who die elsewhere in the UK.
Industry groups’ reactions to the new Bill
The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (Babtac) has been a contributor to the development of this Bill through its role within the Scottish Government’s Interventions Expert Group.
Lesley Blair MBE, Babtac’s chief executive and chair, said, “We are absolutely delighted after all our years of supporting and advising Scottish Government that this Bill has finally been published.
“We are also grateful to have played an instrumental part in the revisions ahead of publication, both through our own submission, as well as my contribution as a part of the Scottish Government's Interventions Expert Group.
“We are thankful that all of our recommendations were accepted, and the Bill now reflects a proportionate approach to regulation without impacting client safety and professional standards, which is imperative for the future of the sector in Scotland.
“This is a very positive step forward and Babtac will continue to support and advise both the Scottish and the wider UK government with insights and recommendations in line with measures to ensure a safer beauty industry.”
Summary
The publication of the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill marks a major milestone in Scotland’s approach to aesthetic and wellbeing treatment regulation. With a focus on proportionate safety measures, age restrictions and professional standards, the legislation is expected to set a precedent that could influence future regulation across the UK.
