Regulation
UK cosmetic treatment regulation tracker
A dated record of what has actually changed in UK cosmetic-treatment regulation, newest first, each entry tied to a primary source. Last reviewed 20 August 2026. The most recent change is Royal Assent for Scotland's Non-surgical Procedures Act on 12 May 2026.
Last reviewed · How we research and check this
Where each nation stands today
| Nation | Licensing in force | Position |
|---|---|---|
| England | No | Power exists under s.180 Health and Care Act 2022. Tiers confirmed August 2025; further consultation expected 2026. |
| Scotland | Not yet | Act received Royal Assent 12 May 2026. Provisions expected in force September 2027. |
| Wales | Yes, partly | Acupuncture, body piercing, electrolysis and tattooing licensed under Part 4 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017. Injectables not covered. |
| Northern Ireland | No | No scheme. Councils asked the Health Minister for one in 2022. |
What has changed, newest first
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Royal Assent
The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill received Royal Assent, making Scotland the first UK nation with primary legislation specifically covering non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Provisions are expected in force from September 2027.
Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill
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Bill introduced
The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill
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Government response published
The Government published its response to the 2023 consultation on licensing non-surgical cosmetic procedures, confirming a three-tier red/amber/green risk model. Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers were placed in the amber tier; microneedling and chemical peels in green. A further consultation on detail was signalled for 2026.
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Requirements applied
Infection prevention and control training requirements and premises standards took effect for special procedures in Wales — acupuncture, body piercing, electrolysis and tattooing, which includes semi-permanent make-up.
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Power created
Section 180 of the Health and Care Act 2022 gave the Secretary of State power to introduce a licensing scheme for cosmetic procedures in England. The power has not yet been exercised.
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In force
The Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 came into force, making it a criminal offence in England to administer botulinum toxin or cosmetic fillers to under-18s for cosmetic purposes, or to arrange it.
How this page is maintained
Entries are added only when something has actually happened — a Bill introduced, an Act given Royal Assent, a requirement commenced, a Government response published. Proposals, speculation and press coverage are not entries. Each one carries the primary source it came from, and the page is reviewed on the date shown at the top.
If you spot something missing or wrong, tell us — we would rather correct it than carry it.
Common questions
Is cosmetic treatment licensing in force anywhere in the UK?
Partly. Wales licenses four special procedures — acupuncture, body piercing, electrolysis and tattooing, which includes semi-permanent make-up — under Part 4 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017. No other UK nation has a licensing scheme in force for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and none of the four licenses injectables.
What was the most recent change?
Scotland's Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill received Royal Assent on 12 May 2026. Its provisions are expected to come into force in September 2027.
When will England's licensing scheme start?
No date has been announced. The Government published its consultation response on 7 August 2025 confirming a red/amber/green model. A further consultation on the detail is expected during 2026, and the resulting regulations will need parliamentary approval.