England's Aesthetics Licensing Scheme: Where It Stands

Updated 18 October 2026

Section 180 of the Health and Care Act 2022 allows a licensing scheme for non surgical cosmetic procedures in England. At the time of writing it is not yet in force and no start date has been set.

What the government has said

  • August 2025: highest risk procedures, such as filler to the breasts, buttocks and genitals, to be limited to qualified healthcare professionals in CQC registered settings.
  • A tiered green, amber and red model, with local authority licensing for lower risk procedures.
  • Age restrictions are intended, and Parliament will debate the rules before they start.

What to do now

  • Keep consent, records and complaints handling to CQC standard.
  • Join a voluntary register such as JCCP or Save Face.
  • Offer patients an independent complaints route.

Sources

This page is general information, not legal advice.