Commons committee calls for national licensing framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures

A House of Commons committee has backed the introduction of a comprehensive national licensing framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, adding further momentum to long-running efforts to strengthen regulation of the rapidly expanding aesthetics sector. The recommendation is likely to be of particular interest to licensing authorities, environmental health practitioners and businesses operating in areas where cosmetic treatments already sit alongside existing local licensing regimes.

The recommendation forms part of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee’s inquiry into the science and regulation of hair and beauty products and treatments. The committee supports the implementation of a broad England-wide licensing framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, replacing what has been described as a fragmented patchwork of local regulatory arrangements. The committee also endorsed a broader scope for the proposed scheme, including consideration of procedures such as tattooing, piercing and electrolysis where appropriate.

The development is significant because powers to introduce a national licensing scheme already exist under Section 180 of the Health and Care Act 2022. Those provisions enable the Secretary of State to create regulations requiring both practitioners and premises undertaking specified non-surgical cosmetic procedures to be licensed. Government consultation and response documents have previously confirmed that licences would be administered by local authorities.

Focus on a national licensing framework

For licensing practitioners, the committee’s support for a national framework is arguably the most significant aspect of the report.

The CIEH welcomed the committee’s backing for a broad licensing system, arguing that a single national approach would avoid duplication and inconsistencies arising from different local licensing regimes. The organisation has previously highlighted the challenges faced by businesses offering multiple treatments that may currently be subject to differing regulatory requirements depending on location.

The wider policy debate reflects longstanding concerns that regulation has not kept pace with the growth of the aesthetics market. Government consultation documents have noted that there are currently limited restrictions on who can perform many non-surgical cosmetic procedures, despite the potential for serious complications where treatments are carried out by inadequately trained practitioners, using unsuitable products or from inappropriate premises.

Parliamentary and government reports over several years have repeatedly identified the need for stronger controls, minimum standards for practitioners, and improved public protection measures for consumers seeking cosmetic treatments.

Relevance for licensing authorities

While regulations implementing the Section 180 licensing powers have not yet been introduced, the committee’s recommendations are likely to increase pressure for further progress on the development of the national scheme.