FSB Scotland today welcomed further regulation of the cosmetic industry as an opportunity to root out rogue operators and protect independent practitioners.
In a submission to the Scottish Government consultation on the Regulation and Licensing of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures, FSB Scotland said recent cases of bad practice meant moves to further regulate the industry were necessary.
However, the new regulations must carefully consider the impact on independent practitioners, or risk squeezing out experienced and skilled professionals.
The proposed regulations cover a wide range of procedures including Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microneedling and some dental services.
Vikki Manson, FSB Scotland’s Deputy Head of Policy, said:
“Our members see at first hand the damage caused by botched cosmetic treatments. Clients come to them asking for corrective procedures to put right poor work carried out by unqualified practitioners.
“We therefore welcome further regulation. However, it must not be at the cost of hampering the growth of responsible independent practitioners, or worse still squeezing them out of the industry.
“Key to this will be ensuring regulations and fees are proportionate to the work being carried out, the level of risk involved and the size of the business.
“Our members tell us that current fees are disproportionately high for small businesses and can act as a barrier to expanding services. They therefore believe that reform of the regulator, Health Improvement Scotland, must be included as part of any new regulations.
“The real world practices of modern clinics must also be accurately reflected in the regulations. The Scottish Government should work with responsible practitioners to fully understand the different types of work being carried out and the respective levels of risk involved.
“Given the existing regulatory burden on small businesses, it was disappointing the impact of these proposals has not been measured using a Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) as agreed through the Scottish Government’s New Deal for Business. We look forward to working with officials to ensure the small business impact is adequately considered as proposals progress.”
ENDS
For further information contact
Euan McGrory [email protected] 07734 509227
Notes to Editors
- A full copy of the FSB Scotland submission to the Scottish Government consultation Regulation and Licensing of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures can be found here.
- FSB Scotland is currently carrying out its biggest single piece of research into the views of SMEs in Scotland, The Big Small Business Survey, which can be accessed here.
- The Federation of Small Businesses is a non-profit, non-party political organisation that offers its members a wide range of business services, including advice, financial expertise, and a powerful voice heard in governments.
- Micro and small businesses comprise almost all enterprises in Scotland (98%), employ more than 900,000 people and turnover £93bn annually.
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