IoL urges Government to accelerate Section 180 licensing rollout for nonsurgical cosmetic procedures

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has called on the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to publish a clear timetable for implementing the long‑awaited Section 180 licensing scheme for non‑surgical cosmetic procedures, warning that continued delays are leaving consumers at risk and local authorities without the tools they need to regulate the fast‑growing aesthetics sector.

In an open letter sent to Minister of State Karin Smyth MP on 14 August, the IoL said the pace of progress towards delivering the powers set out in Section 180 of the Health and Care Act 2022 has become a significant concern for regulators, licensing practitioners and responsible businesses. The letter notes that “procedures capable of causing significant harm continue to be carried out within a regulatory environment that remains incomplete and inconsistent”.

Local authorities, the IoL said, are eager to begin preparations but cannot do so without clarity on key elements of the new framework, including secondary legislation, licensing standards, practitioner competency requirements, premises conditions, transitional arrangements and commencement dates. “Every delay prolongs a situation in which consumers may struggle to distinguish between competent and incompetent practitioners,” the letter warns.

Kate Nicholls OBE, National Chair of the IoL, said:

“The Institute of Licensing welcomes the Government’s commitment to introducing a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and improving public safety across the aesthetics sector. However, the pace of implementation remains a concern. The powers to act already exist, the need for reform has been clearly established, and local authorities and regulators are keen to begin preparing for the new framework.

“Every delay leaves consumers exposed to avoidable risks and prolongs uncertainty for responsible businesses and enforcement agencies alike. We are urging Government to publish a clear implementation timetable and move forward with delivery of the protections envisaged by Parliament under Section 180 of the Health and Care Act 2022.”

The IoL emphasised that the consultation process has already produced a substantial evidence base and that the legislative powers required to introduce the scheme are in place. The organisation said it “stands ready to assist” DHSC through its national network of licensing practitioners and regulators, offering support in developing guidance, training and implementation arrangements.

Readers can access further information on Section 180 and track developments in the licensing of non‑surgical cosmetic procedures via the IoL’s dedicated resource page.