SUMMER 2024 It is illegal to perform cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections, on children under 18 yet many businesses are falling foul of the law Cosmetic treatments such as lip fillers and the use of botulinum toxin (Botox) have surged in popularity in the UK in recent years. The treatments have also become increasingly commonplace among young people, and a huge number of images are shared via websites and on social media. Such procedures are not risk-free, however, and youngsters need to consider how the treatments could affect their physical and mental health. It is essential that business owners and their employees take reasonable precautions to ensure that young people are not put at risk To safeguard young people from potential risks, the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 was introduced to prohibit people and business owners from administering Botox and cosmetic fillers to those under the age of 18. It is a criminal offence to do so and could result in prosecution. It is even against the law to book an appointment for someone under 18. Trading Standards carries out test purchases on all age-restricted products, in line with government guidelines, as part of its enforcement duties. Any breach of the law may result in legal action, including prosecution. Since the Botox and cosmetic fillers law was introduced, CEnTSA members have carried out a number of test purchasing exercises using female volunteers aged between 15 and 17. The volunteers attempted to book an appointment for lip filler, either over the phone or face to face at the business premises. Astonishingly, nearly half of the businesses contacted were prepared to make an appointment without verifying how old they were. It is essential that business owners and their employees take reasonable precautions to ensure that young people are not put at risk. Follow the advice below to reduce the chance of falling foul of the law: Age-verification checks Always ask young people to produce proof of their age. If the person cannot prove that they are at least 18 or if you are in any doubt refuse to make an appointment. Operate a Challenge 25 policy The appearance of teenagers does not always match their age, so follow a Challenge 25 policy, by which a customer is asked to produce proof of age if they look under 25. Staff training Ensure your staff are properly trained on how to refuse making an appointment and deal with aggressive customers. Keep records of staff training and refresh it every six months. Recording refusals Maintain a refusals log and ensure staff understand how it should be used. Signage - Make customers aware of the law by displaying posters highlighting the law relating to cosmetic procedures. Also display Challenge 25 posters. If you are a business that offers Botox and lip fillers, contact your local Trading Standards for additional advice and guidance to ensure compliance with the legislation. Further guidance can also be found via the Business Companion website. Credit: Gemma Fisher, Trading Standards Officer Image: iStock / panchanok premsrirut Anonymous Hotline For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service For up-to-date news stories and information, follow us on 0300 303 2636 Is your sector being undermined by unscrupulous traders operating outside the law? Report them via Trading Standards Anonymous Hotline or online and help level the playing field for honest businesses.