Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has plans to introduce regulations on dermal fillers.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the United Kingdom.

Currently, a dermal filler may be regulated either as a general product, a medicine or a medical device, depending on its composition and intended use. From May 2020 all dermal fillers, irrespective of their composition and intended use, will be regulated as medical devices under Annex XVI of the Medical Device Regulations (EU 2017/745). The Regulations will significantly strengthen the quality assurance and safety of dermal fillers and ensure a consistent legal status of these products on the UK market. This will lead to a stronger market surveillance of these products.

The Government is committed to improving the safety of cosmetic procedures through better training for practitioners, and clear information so that people can make informed decisions about their care. The growth in non-surgical treatments increases the need for consumer protection and we are currently working with stakeholders to strengthen the regulation of cosmetic procedures.

We urge anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure to take the time to find a reputable, insured and appropriately qualified practitioner who is either subject to statutory regulation or on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.