Trading Standards Officers test traders on checking age for U18’s ‘Botox’ & fillers enquiries
Did you know that it is illegal to administer cosmetic fillers or Botox to people under the age of 18 for anything except genuine medical reasons?
Last month our Trading Standards officers have been calling round establishments which offer botulinum toxin or dermal fillers and testing to see if they enquire as to the age of the prospective client. Our officers called and enquired for fillers for their ‘daughter’, but the appointment could only be done after school hours. 37 businesses were called across Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire, and Wokingham. Officers were pleased to report that 34 of those businesses asked for the clients age, and once noted that they were under 18 the business confirmed they were unable to undertake the treatment requested. However, 3 establishments did not verify the age of the ‘daughter’ and were happy to make an appointment.
Officers will now write to all of the establishments involved and confirm if they have passed or failed the test. For those that failed further support will be offered with regards to staff training and their legal obligations and best practise as to when to check the age of prospective clients.
What the law says
From 1 October 2021, the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 made it a criminal offence to administer botulinum toxin (commonly known as ‘Botox’) or a filler by way of injection for a cosmetic purpose to a person under 18 in England, even if they have the permission of someone over 18.
When dealing with under 18’s, only registered medical practitioners such as dentists, nurses or pharmacists are permitted by law to administer cosmetic fillers or Botulinum Toxin, which is an agent used for treatment of specific muscular conditions. Even then, they must be acting under the instructions of a registered medical practitioner.
In some cases, administration of these procedures is still allowed for under 18’s. Registered medical practitioners with appropriate training including nurses, dentists and pharmacists may provide cosmetic fillers or botulinum toxin as part of a medical treatment under the instructions of a registered medical practitioner.
Punishments for acting against The Act will include fines, which vary depending on the severity of the breach. The owner and/or corporate body of a business that has administered fillers or Botox to a person under 18 could also be liable under the law if they have not taken all reasonable steps to prevent it, such as appropriate training of staff, facilitating ID checks or putting appropriate signage in place informing of restrictions.
For more information on the act and on practitioners’ responsibilities click here.
If you are aware of an establishment offering these treatments to under 18’s please contact our Trading Standards team on 01635 519930 or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
