Regulations for the use of Lasers & Pulsed Light Devices in the UK
England:
In England, Laser and IPL users providing simple non-surgical and non-medical cosmetic laser and IPL treatments are controlled by local authority Environmental Health Officers
These treatments include:
- Tattoo Removal
- Hair Reduction
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Wrinkle Reduction
- Laser Lipolysis
In Parts of England laser and IPL users will require a “Special Treatment License” and will need to apply to the local council, this is different to any treatment license issued for tattooing.
A list of full requirements should be available from each council & borough you intend to be working in. In our experience some EHO's are far stricter than others, so always best to check with then first!
Wales:
In Wales all users of lasers and IPL machines whether for simple cosmetic treatments or medical use need to register with the Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW)
Northern Ireland:
In Northern Ireland all users of lasers and IPL machines whether for simple cosmetic treatments or medical use need to register with the Northern Ireland Standards Authority.
Southern Ireland:
In Eire the regulations are similar to England and the advice of your local council should be sought
Scotland:
In Scotland the regulations are similar to England and the advice of your local council should be sought.
The current regulations came into force during October 2010 and are still valid as of September 2017
For clinic with medically trained staff offering more invasive, surgical treatments with Laser/IPL, registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required.