Scottish Government publishes Non-Surgical Procedures Bill for beauty industry regulation

The Scottish Government has published the Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill, introducing 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.

Key points of the new Bill

According to the Scottish Government, the Bill will make the following key changes:

  • Ban on 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.
  • Licensing and safety standards: Specific non-surgical procedures that pierce or penetrate the skin, including injectable and advanced skin treatments, can only be performed in licensed premises that comply with new safety and hygiene requirements.
  • 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 Schedule 1 of the Bill, with the option for future amendments.

When will the new beauty treatment regulations take effect?

The Scottish Government confirmed that the Bill will progress during the current parliamentary session, which runs until May 2026. Once approved, it will create a mandatory licensing system for specific non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures.

Part 1 of the Bill will make it illegal to perform regulated procedures on anyone under 18, or to offer them from unlicensed premises.

The Bill also gives Ministers the power to introduce further restrictions in the future, including setting qualification requirements and enforcement procedures for practitioners.

Background: reclassification of beauty treatments following consultation

The introduction of this Bill follows the Scottish Government’s earlier decision to reclassify several beauty treatments based on responses to its consultation on non-surgical aesthetic regulation.

After feedback from industry professionals and organisations, several treatments were moved from higher-risk categories (Groups 2 or 3) into Group 1, meaning they are now recognised as lower risk and do not require medical oversight.

These reclassified treatments include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • High frequency ultrasound (for non-intimate use)
  • Photorejuvenation
  • Fruit peel or glycolic acid chemical peels that affect only the viable epidermis
  • Cryolipolysis
  • Cryotherapy
  • Electrocautery (advanced electrolysis)

These now join Group 1 treatments such as:

  • Microneedling to a depth of 1.5mm
  • Laser hair and tattoo removal
  • Laser treatments for acne scarring, sun damage, and non-ablative skin rejuvenation
  • IPL and LED therapies

Why the Bill was introduced

The Scottish Government has stated that the purpose of the Non-Surgical Procedures 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.

What happens next

The Bill is currently at Stage 1, meaning it has been referred to a lead committee in the Scottish Parliament for consideration.

Following the committee’s report, MSPs will debate and vote on the general principles of the Bill. If approved, it will proceed through the remaining stages before becoming law.

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 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.