Legislation tabled by Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley, will today secure Royal Assent.
The “Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act” will ban under 18’s from being able to receive cosmetic Botox or fillers. The Act will also require a doctor, registered medical practitioner, or a health professional to administer such procedures where there is a medical need in under 18s – a requirement which is currently not in place.
Ms Trott introduced the Bill after being selected fourth in a Private Members’ Bill ballot in January 2020. And, having gained cross-party backing in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Bill will today be approved by Her Majesty The Queen.
Reacting to the news, Laura Trott MP said:
“No child needs cosmetic Botox or fillers. I'm delighted that today my Bill has passed, banning the dangerous and unnecessary procedures which can ruin children's lives. This is a big step forward in protecting young people, particularly women, from unscrupulous providers. I'm grateful for the cross-party support for these measures, and to the Department of Health - particularly Minister Nadine Dorries - for their support of the Bill."
Botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and laser hair removal account for nine out of 10 non-surgical treatments performed in the UK. And, the latest analysis by the Department for Health estimated that as many as 41,000 botulinum toxin procedures may have been carried out on under-18s in 2020 and that more than 29,300 dermal filler procedures may have been undertaken on under-18s since 2017.
Ashton Collins, Director at Save Face said:
“We are beyond delighted that this law has been passed. We have been campaigning for greater protection for young people who are being targeted, exploited, and harmed by unscrupulous practitioners since 2014. We are extremely grateful to Laura Trott MP for taking action on this extremely important issue and it has been a privilege to have been able to offer our support and contribute to her Bill. It truly is a monumental step forward which will help safeguard the people most at risk to falling into unsafe hands.”
The Bill, which has been officially enshrined in law today, is expected to come into force in Autumn 2021, so businesses have time to familiarise themselves with the legislation, train staff, and make sure any necessary adaption to processes or systems can be introduced to full ensure compliance.
