The Scottish Government today (25 June 2026) published its long-awaited analysis and response to the national consultation on the regulation and licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) warmly welcomes the publication, which marks a major step forward in protecting public safety and professionalising the aesthetics sector across Scotland.

 

The Scottish Government’s proposals—shaped by over 2,200 responses and extensive stakeholder engagement—lay the foundation for a new legislative framework to regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including injectables and advanced skin treatments. A dedicated Bill, announced as part of the 2025–26 Programme for Government, will now be brought forward to implement the recommendations.

 

The JCCP supports the Scottish Government’s measured, evidence-based approach, which reflects the overwhelming public support for tighter regulation—98% of respondents agreed that further regulation was required. The proposals strike a balance between upholding safety standards and recognising the diversity of practitioners delivering these services and some unique circumstances relating to isolated rural areas. The JCCP will always consider the impact of any regulatory changes on the specific issues related to enhancing patient safety.

 

Key measures include:

· A three-tier grouping of procedures, determining who can perform them and in what settings, based on risk and complexity.

· When necessary, updating existing standards and implementing appropriate mechanisms to address any new procedures that emerge.

· Practitioner and premises licensing for non-HIS (Healthcare Improvement Scotland) regulated providers, ensuring minimum training, hygiene, and insurance standards.

· The restriction of higher-risk procedures to specific healthcare professionals within regulated settings, as identified during the consultation.

· The proposed supervision requirements are especially important to understand, as they provide a structured way to maintain safety and accountability.

· Strong support for HIS and local authority inspection and enforcement powers.

· The introduction of legal penalties for individuals or businesses acting outwith the law

· A clear commitment to public safety with an age limit of 18 for most procedures, particularly those carried out in intimate areas.

 

David Sines, Executive Chair and Registrar of the JCCP, said:

“This is a landmark moment for the aesthetics industry in Scotland. We commend the Scottish Government for listening carefully to public and professional voices and producing a framework that puts safety, accountability, and professionalism first. This response aligns with many of the JCCP’s recommendations to the Scottish Government to safeguard the public and uphold high standards of practice.”

 

As other UK nations consider similar reforms, this Scottish model offers a valuable benchmark. The JCCP is committed to ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and other key stakeholders to ensure that the proposed licensing and regulatory systems are implemented effectively, fairly, and with the necessary support for all parts of the sector.

 

For further information and to read the full response, visit gov.scot.

To review the revised proposals, please click here.