Part 1 of our series exploring Scotland’s new aesthetics legislation and what it means for practitioners.
Scotland’s aesthetics industry is preparing for significant regulatory changes. New legislation has now been passed that will affect where certain non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be carried out, how they are regulated and the standards businesses will need to meet.
For practitioners across Scotland, these changes represent an important step towards improving patient safety and establishing more consistent standards throughout the industry.
But what exactly is changing, and what should you be doing to prepare?
As a Scottish pharmaceutical supplier working closely with aesthetics professionals across the UK, we want to help our customers understand the changes and what they could mean for their businesses.
Importantly, this legislation applies to Scotland only. England is developing its own regulatory framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, which we’ll explore later in this article.
In this first instalment, we look at Scotland’s new legislation, the treatments it covers and the key dates practitioners should be aware of.
What is Scotland’s New Aesthetics Legislation?
On 17 March 2026, the Scottish Parliament passed the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill. It received Royal Assent on 12 May 2026, becoming the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Act 2026.
The legislation introduces a new regulatory framework for higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, with a particular focus on patient safety, appropriate clinical environments and professional oversight.
One of the most significant changes is that certain treatments will only be permitted in specified healthcare settings.
The Act also introduces restrictions on providing covered procedures to anyone under the age of 18.
Although the legislation has passed, the main premises restrictions cannot take effect before September 2027, giving businesses time to understand the requirements and prepare.
Which Aesthetic Treatments Will Be Affected?
The legislation covers a range of procedures considered to carry a higher level of risk.
These include:
Botulinum toxin injections
Dermal filler treatments
Microneedling at depths of 1.5mm or greater
Radiofrequency microneedling, regardless of needle depth
Ablative laser treatments
Certain deeper chemical peels
Dermal micro-coring
Thread lifts
The Act distinguishes between cosmetic procedures and treatments carried out for medical purposes, with procedures intended to treat illness falling outside its scope.
For practitioners offering several different treatments, understanding which services fall within the legislation will be an important first step.
Where Will Aesthetic Treatments Be Allowed To Take Place?
One of the biggest changes concerns the premises where higher-risk cosmetic procedures can be performed.
Under the new legislation, these treatments will only be permitted in what the Act describes as “permitted premises”.
These include:
Healthcare Improvement Scotland registered clinics and hospitals
Independent clinics and hospitals registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) will be permitted to offer covered procedures, subject to the relevant requirements.
Independent clinics must also be run or managed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor, dentist, nurse independent prescriber, midwife independent prescriber or pharmacist independent prescriber.
Registered pharmacies
Registered pharmacies are also included within the permitted premises framework.
Certain GP and dental practices
GP and dental practices that also provide NHS services are included without requiring separate HIS registration under this framework.
For practitioners currently operating from beauty salons, rented treatment rooms or other non-clinical premises, these requirements could have significant implications.
It’s worth reviewing your current premises arrangements early, particularly if you anticipate needing to register with HIS or make changes to your business structure.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland, which already regulates independent healthcare services in Scotland, will also have powers to inspect premises under the new framework.
Will Practitioners Need Additional Qualifications?
This is likely to be one of the biggest questions for aesthetics professionals.
While the Act establishes the framework for regulating higher-risk procedures, further regulations are expected to clarify exactly who may perform or supervise treatments and what training or qualifications will be required.
Scottish Ministers are required to lay draft regulations addressing these matters within three years of the main premises offence coming into force.
This means some of the finer details have yet to be established.
For now, practitioners should avoid making assumptions about future eligibility based solely on their current qualifications or experience.
We’ll be following developments closely as further information becomes available.
What About Lower-risk Aesthetic Treatments?
Not every aesthetic procedure will fall under the same regulatory arrangements.
Lower-risk treatments, such as shallower microneedling, certain lighter chemical peels and non-ablative laser procedures, are being addressed through a separate local authority licensing framework.
The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Non-surgical Procedures) Order 2026 has now been made, with the licensing framework scheduled to begin on 6 September 2027.
Practitioners offering both higher-risk and lower-risk procedures may therefore need to consider more than one set of regulatory requirements.
Understanding how your individual treatment portfolio is classified will be essential when planning ahead.
When Will The New Rules Come Into Force?
Although the Act is now law, the main premises offence cannot come into force before 6 September 2027.
This transition period provides businesses with an opportunity to prepare for the new requirements.
However, there are still important details to be clarified, particularly around registration processes and practical guidance for existing businesses.
As of October 2026, comprehensive business guidance has yet to be published.
Information released by Healthcare Improvement Scotland in September 2026 indicates that communications from the Scottish Government to affected businesses were still awaited, while HIS was considering how to advise businesses seeking new registrations.
For clinics that may need HIS registration, this is an area worth monitoring closely.
What Should Scottish Aesthetics Practitioners Do Now?
September 2027 might seem some distance away, but preparing early could help avoid unnecessary disruption to your business.
There are several sensible steps practitioners can take now.
1. Review the treatments you currently offer
Identify which procedures are likely to fall within the higher-risk category and which may be subject to local authority licensing.
2. Consider your premises arrangements
Check whether your current treatment location is likely to meet the definition of permitted premises. If you operate from a salon or shared treatment space, pay particular attention to the new requirements.
3. Keep your professional documentation up to date
Maintain accurate records of your qualifications, training, prescribing arrangements and existing clinical procedures. These are good professional practices regardless of how the final regulations develop.
4. Follow official regulatory updates
Keep an eye on announcements from the Scottish Government and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, particularly those relating to registration and professional requirements.
5. Start planning, but avoid unnecessary changes
There is no need to rush into expensive business decisions before the full guidance is available. Understanding your likely obligations now will put you in a better position to respond when further details are confirmed.
What About Practitioners In England?
While Scotland has passed its new legislation, these changes do not apply to practitioners operating in England.
England is developing its own regulatory framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, but the proposed arrangements are different.
On 21 October 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care launched a consultation on new restrictions for higher-risk cosmetic procedures.
Under the proposals, certain treatments, including deep chemical peels, dermal micro-coring and non-resorbable facial fillers, would be restricted to specified healthcare professionals working for Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered providers.
These professionals would include doctors, dentists and appropriately qualified independent prescribing nurses, midwives and pharmacists.
More commonly performed treatments, such as anti-wrinkle injections and lip fillers, are expected to fall under a separate licensing scheme. The government remains committed to introducing this framework, although a date has not yet been confirmed.
The current consultation closes on 13 January 2027, with the proposed regulations planned to progress through Parliament in spring 2027.
For practitioners in England, the important point is that these proposals are not yet in force. Existing legal and professional requirements continue to apply.
As a supplier supporting aesthetics professionals across the UK, we’ll also be following England’s proposed changes and sharing updates as further details emerge.
Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?
Scotland’s new legislation represents an important development for the aesthetics sector, with greater emphasis on patient protection, professional accountability and appropriate treatment environments.
There are still questions to be answered, particularly around practitioner eligibility, supervision requirements and how the transition will work in practice.
At Teleta, we recognise that regulatory changes can create uncertainty, particularly for independent practitioners and smaller clinics.
Our aim is to help our customers stay informed with clear, practical information as the legislation develops.
This is the first article in our Scotland aesthetics legislation series. We’ll continue to follow official announcements and explain what new developments mean for practitioners as we move towards September 2027.
If there’s a particular aspect of the legislation you’d like us to explore, we’d welcome your questions. Please feel free to contact our team.
This article is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Practitioners should refer to official government guidance and the relevant legislation when assessing their own regulatory obligations.
OK, sometimes we don’t want to type in the website address… EVERY TIME… we want to visit that site. Sometimes we would just like to click a button! So, add Teleta to your mobile phones home screen! It’s pretty straight forward: iPad or iPhone Launch “Safari” app. This does not work from the “Chrome” app …
Last week was ‘eventful’ to say the least! Clear government guidance, although trying to keep us all safe, has been pretty irregular and susceptible to interpretation or quick changes of direction. That said, it is much clearer now and we can’t wait to see your social media light up again with all the treatments and …
Operating times through Festive Period 2020 Due to Government restrictions, as of Tuesday 22nd of December, deliveries to businesses currently residing within a T4 restricted area will be delivered on 29th of December Monday 21st December – OPEN Tuesday 22nd December – OPEN Wednesday 23rd December – OPEN (9am-1pm) Orders from this date will be …
Operating times and delivery schedules through Easter Period 2022 Due to the Bank Holiday on Monday, 18th April 2022, we have a change to our delivery schedule: Thursday 14th April – OPEN (Refrigerated orders from this date will be delivered Wednesday, 20th April) Thursday 14th April – OPEN (Non Refrigerated orders, unless Saturday delivery specified …
Scotland’s New Aesthetics Law: What Practitioners Need to Know Ahead of 2027
Part 1 of our series exploring Scotland’s new aesthetics legislation and what it means for practitioners.
Scotland’s aesthetics industry is preparing for significant regulatory changes. New legislation has now been passed that will affect where certain non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be carried out, how they are regulated and the standards businesses will need to meet.
For practitioners across Scotland, these changes represent an important step towards improving patient safety and establishing more consistent standards throughout the industry.
But what exactly is changing, and what should you be doing to prepare?
As a Scottish pharmaceutical supplier working closely with aesthetics professionals across the UK, we want to help our customers understand the changes and what they could mean for their businesses.
Importantly, this legislation applies to Scotland only. England is developing its own regulatory framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, which we’ll explore later in this article.
In this first instalment, we look at Scotland’s new legislation, the treatments it covers and the key dates practitioners should be aware of.
What is Scotland’s New Aesthetics Legislation?
On 17 March 2026, the Scottish Parliament passed the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill. It received Royal Assent on 12 May 2026, becoming the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Act 2026.
The legislation introduces a new regulatory framework for higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, with a particular focus on patient safety, appropriate clinical environments and professional oversight.
One of the most significant changes is that certain treatments will only be permitted in specified healthcare settings.
The Act also introduces restrictions on providing covered procedures to anyone under the age of 18.
Although the legislation has passed, the main premises restrictions cannot take effect before September 2027, giving businesses time to understand the requirements and prepare.
Which Aesthetic Treatments Will Be Affected?
The legislation covers a range of procedures considered to carry a higher level of risk.
These include:
The Act distinguishes between cosmetic procedures and treatments carried out for medical purposes, with procedures intended to treat illness falling outside its scope.
For practitioners offering several different treatments, understanding which services fall within the legislation will be an important first step.
Where Will Aesthetic Treatments Be Allowed To Take Place?
One of the biggest changes concerns the premises where higher-risk cosmetic procedures can be performed.
Under the new legislation, these treatments will only be permitted in what the Act describes as “permitted premises”.
These include:
Healthcare Improvement Scotland registered clinics and hospitals
Independent clinics and hospitals registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) will be permitted to offer covered procedures, subject to the relevant requirements.
Independent clinics must also be run or managed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor, dentist, nurse independent prescriber, midwife independent prescriber or pharmacist independent prescriber.
Registered pharmacies
Registered pharmacies are also included within the permitted premises framework.
Certain GP and dental practices
GP and dental practices that also provide NHS services are included without requiring separate HIS registration under this framework.
For practitioners currently operating from beauty salons, rented treatment rooms or other non-clinical premises, these requirements could have significant implications.
It’s worth reviewing your current premises arrangements early, particularly if you anticipate needing to register with HIS or make changes to your business structure.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland, which already regulates independent healthcare services in Scotland, will also have powers to inspect premises under the new framework.
Will Practitioners Need Additional Qualifications?
This is likely to be one of the biggest questions for aesthetics professionals.
While the Act establishes the framework for regulating higher-risk procedures, further regulations are expected to clarify exactly who may perform or supervise treatments and what training or qualifications will be required.
Scottish Ministers are required to lay draft regulations addressing these matters within three years of the main premises offence coming into force.
This means some of the finer details have yet to be established.
For now, practitioners should avoid making assumptions about future eligibility based solely on their current qualifications or experience.
We’ll be following developments closely as further information becomes available.
What About Lower-risk Aesthetic Treatments?
Not every aesthetic procedure will fall under the same regulatory arrangements.
Lower-risk treatments, such as shallower microneedling, certain lighter chemical peels and non-ablative laser procedures, are being addressed through a separate local authority licensing framework.
The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Non-surgical Procedures) Order 2026 has now been made, with the licensing framework scheduled to begin on 6 September 2027.
Practitioners offering both higher-risk and lower-risk procedures may therefore need to consider more than one set of regulatory requirements.
Understanding how your individual treatment portfolio is classified will be essential when planning ahead.
When Will The New Rules Come Into Force?
Although the Act is now law, the main premises offence cannot come into force before 6 September 2027.
This transition period provides businesses with an opportunity to prepare for the new requirements.
However, there are still important details to be clarified, particularly around registration processes and practical guidance for existing businesses.
As of October 2026, comprehensive business guidance has yet to be published.
Information released by Healthcare Improvement Scotland in September 2026 indicates that communications from the Scottish Government to affected businesses were still awaited, while HIS was considering how to advise businesses seeking new registrations.
For clinics that may need HIS registration, this is an area worth monitoring closely.
What Should Scottish Aesthetics Practitioners Do Now?
September 2027 might seem some distance away, but preparing early could help avoid unnecessary disruption to your business.
There are several sensible steps practitioners can take now.
1. Review the treatments you currently offer
Identify which procedures are likely to fall within the higher-risk category and which may be subject to local authority licensing.
2. Consider your premises arrangements
Check whether your current treatment location is likely to meet the definition of permitted premises. If you operate from a salon or shared treatment space, pay particular attention to the new requirements.
3. Keep your professional documentation up to date
Maintain accurate records of your qualifications, training, prescribing arrangements and existing clinical procedures. These are good professional practices regardless of how the final regulations develop.
4. Follow official regulatory updates
Keep an eye on announcements from the Scottish Government and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, particularly those relating to registration and professional requirements.
5. Start planning, but avoid unnecessary changes
There is no need to rush into expensive business decisions before the full guidance is available. Understanding your likely obligations now will put you in a better position to respond when further details are confirmed.
What About Practitioners In England?
While Scotland has passed its new legislation, these changes do not apply to practitioners operating in England.
England is developing its own regulatory framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, but the proposed arrangements are different.
On 21 October 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care launched a consultation on new restrictions for higher-risk cosmetic procedures.
Under the proposals, certain treatments, including deep chemical peels, dermal micro-coring and non-resorbable facial fillers, would be restricted to specified healthcare professionals working for Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered providers.
These professionals would include doctors, dentists and appropriately qualified independent prescribing nurses, midwives and pharmacists.
More commonly performed treatments, such as anti-wrinkle injections and lip fillers, are expected to fall under a separate licensing scheme. The government remains committed to introducing this framework, although a date has not yet been confirmed.
The current consultation closes on 13 January 2027, with the proposed regulations planned to progress through Parliament in spring 2027.
For practitioners in England, the important point is that these proposals are not yet in force. Existing legal and professional requirements continue to apply.
As a supplier supporting aesthetics professionals across the UK, we’ll also be following England’s proposed changes and sharing updates as further details emerge.
Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?
Scotland’s new legislation represents an important development for the aesthetics sector, with greater emphasis on patient protection, professional accountability and appropriate treatment environments.
There are still questions to be answered, particularly around practitioner eligibility, supervision requirements and how the transition will work in practice.
At Teleta, we recognise that regulatory changes can create uncertainty, particularly for independent practitioners and smaller clinics.
Our aim is to help our customers stay informed with clear, practical information as the legislation develops.
This is the first article in our Scotland aesthetics legislation series. We’ll continue to follow official announcements and explain what new developments mean for practitioners as we move towards September 2027.
If there’s a particular aspect of the legislation you’d like us to explore, we’d welcome your questions. Please feel free to contact our team.
This article is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Practitioners should refer to official government guidance and the relevant legislation when assessing their own regulatory obligations.
Official Sources and Further Reading
Scottish legislation and guidance
England legislation and guidance
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Last week was ‘eventful’ to say the least! Clear government guidance, although trying to keep us all safe, has been pretty irregular and susceptible to interpretation or quick changes of direction. That said, it is much clearer now and we can’t wait to see your social media light up again with all the treatments and …
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