BABTAC Comments as the Scottish Government Publishes Non-Surgical Procedures Bill Following Consultation

The Scottish Government has published its Non-Surgical Procedures Bill for Scotland, designed to bring more robust yet appropriate regulation for the Scottish beauty industry.

Key points of the Bill

• Certain procedures, such as dermal fillers and strong chemical peels, will be banned for the under-18s. 
• Specific non-surgical procedures, such as those which pierce or penetrate the skin, can only be carried out in licensed premises that meet strict safety standards. 
• The Scottish Government will have powers to expand or amend the list of regulated treatments and to set future rules on who can perform them, what qualifications are required, and how compliance is enforced.

Amongst the key contributors that consulted on this industry-changing bill was the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC), as part of their decade-long role as the beauty industry representative in the Scottish Government’s Inventions Expert Group. 

BABTAC’s CEO and Chair, Lesley Blair, says

“We are absolutely delighted after all our years of supporting and advising Scottish Government that this Bill has finally been published (yesterday the 8th October). 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.” 

The Scottish Government has stated that the Bill will be progressed during the current session of the Scottish Parliament, which is scheduled to conclude in May 2026.