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Government announces new regulations for aesthetic and non-invasive procedures

The UK Government has confirmed that it will introduce a licensing scheme to regulate aesthetic and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, in a move that aims to improve public safety and raise professional standards across the industry.

The announcement follows a public consultation process and years of campaigning from industry bodies, including The Joint Council for

Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and the British Beauty Council. The Government has outlined a tiered approach to regulation based on the level of risk associated with procedures. One of the key elements of the new framework is that only registered clinicians will be able to perform the riskiest procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lifts, these high-risk procedures must be undertaken by organisations that are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). In addition, procedures involving botulinum toxin or fillers will now become properly licenced through a new local authority licensing scheme.

It will be illegal to administer regulated and licensed procedures to young people under the age of 18 unless it has been authorised by a clinician, and practitioners will need to meet strict standards on education, training, infection control, patient safety, and insurance before they can operate legally.

The highest-risk procedures are the priority for regulation. A public consultation on the wider scope of treatments, including those considered medium- and low-risk, is expected early next year.

While there will be no immediate changes to the way practitioners operate, the announcement signals the start of a significant shift in how the aesthetic sector is governed.

“This Government is taking action to protect those seeking treatments, support honest and competent practitioners, and root out the cowboys as part of our Plan for Change,” said Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth.

“This isn’t about stopping anyone from getting treatments – it’s about preventing rogue operators from exploiting people at the expense of their safety and keeping people safe,” Smyth added.

UKHSA issues warning over botulism caused by fake toxin

41 cases of botulism poisoning have been recorded in England following the suspected use of unlicensed ‘Botox-like’ products between 4 June and 6 August 2025, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said in a statement.

The agency is warning people to be aware of the symptoms of botulism after a group of individuals sought help, after experiencing adverse reactions following botulinum toxin injections.