What is the law?
Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021
Starting from 1st October 2021, the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act were enforced, bringing about the following changes:
It will be considered a criminal offence to administer botulinum toxin or fillers through injection for cosmetic purposes to individuals under 18 years old in England.
It will be unlawful to arrange or schedule appointments for these treatments for individuals under 18 in England.
Non-compliance with the new law may lead to criminal prosecution and an unlimited fine.
Who will be impacted by this new law in England:
All individuals in England, not just businesses, fall under this law, including providers of clinical healthcare services, regulated healthcare professionals, commercial cosmetic procedure providers like beauty therapists, mobile aesthetic practitioners, and individuals conducting procedures informally.
The law applies regardless of whether the individual under 18 is a resident of England or just visiting, they cannot undergo these procedures while in England, even with the consent of an adult over 18.
Covered substances and treatments under the new law include:
Botulinum toxin medicines
Cosmetic fillers used for cosmetic purposes altering the appearance of the person injected.
In cases where treatments are necessary for clinical reasons:
The treatments can still be approved for individuals under 18 by a registered medical practitioner (doctor).
Registered healthcare professionals like registered nurses, dentists, and pharmacists can administer the treatments to individuals under 18 under a doctor's guidance.
Legislative background:
The Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021, effective from 1st October 2021, aims to protect children from potential health risks associated with botulinum toxin and cosmetic fillers, ensuring these treatments are only available following a doctor's assessment and performed by regulated healthcare professionals.
The full and detailed text of the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 can be found at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/19/contents/enacted.
