#2026/13Scotland restricts cosmetic non-surgical procedures for under-18s and sets new premises rules
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The law bans certain non-surgical cosmetic procedures for anyone under 18 in Scotland and restricts where these procedures can be provided. It covers procedures that pierce or penetrate the skin, including treatments using needles, chemicals, medicines, heat, cold, light, lasers, sound or electricity, where the procedure falls within the listed categories. Businesses offering aesthetic treatments will need to check age controls, premises rules and any further requirements set by Scottish Ministers. Healthcare treatment, clinical trials and some already licensed activities are carved out. The Act also updates rules on death certification and cremation authorisation, affecting medical reviewers and related administrative processes.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Bans specified non-surgical procedures for people under 18 in Scotland.
- Limits where covered non-surgical procedures can be provided and allows further rules by Scottish Ministers.
- Updates arrangements for death certification and cremation authorisation.
Obligations
What this law requires
Do not provide a covered non-surgical cosmetic procedure to any person under 18 in Scotland.
Do not provide a covered non-surgical cosmetic procedure outside the specified permitted premises in Scotland.
Treat procedures that pierce or penetrate the skin using a needle, chemical, medicine, heat, cold, light, laser, sound, or electricity as covered non-surgical procedures when they fall within the Act’s listed procedure categories.
Apply the Act’s restrictions only to covered non-surgical procedures, excluding procedures provided by or on behalf of the health service, procedures by healthcare providers for preventing, diagnosing, or treating illness, clinical-trial procedures, and activities already licensed under Part 2 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
Comply with any further restrictions or requirements imposed by Scottish Ministers relating to the provision of covered non-surgical procedures.