Scotland's Non-surgical Procedures Act 2026: What Clinics Must Do

Updated 18 October 2026

The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 12 May 2026.

What it does

  • Bans listed procedures, including injectables, ablative laser, chemical peels, thread lifts and microneedling, for under 18s.
  • Limits procedures to permitted premises, such as registered independent clinics and hospitals.
  • Fines of up to £20,000, with enforcement by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Timetable

  • Parts in force from 13 May 2026 and 22 July 2026.
  • The premises offence cannot start before 6 September 2027.

What to do now

If you are not yet registered with HIS, plan for it. Registered clinics need a complaints procedure that meets Regulation 15, with a reply within 20 working days.

Sources

This page is general information, not legal advice.