The UK’s medicine watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has intensified its efforts to crack down on the sale and supply of fake Botox injections. Sellers of these unlicensed products could face up to two years in prison, as stated in the Human Medicines Regulations of 2012. This comes in response to a rise in botulism cases linked to these illicit injections.
Between June 4 and August 6, 2025, a total of 41 individuals were affected by botulism, a potentially fatal condition affecting the nervous system that can lead to paralysis if untreated. Botulinum toxin, the substance behind Botox, must be administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. Mishandling it can lead to severe health issues.
Through its criminal enforcement unit, the MHRA has already seized over 4,700 vials of unlicensed botulinum toxin imported mainly from South Korea. The agency’s head of the criminal enforcement unit, Andy Morling, highlighted the grave risks posed by criminals exploiting the popularity of cosmetic treatments for profit.
Experts, including Aenone Harper-Machin from the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), welcomed the MHRA’s strong actions. They emphasize the importance of safeguarding the public from unregulated and risky cosmetic procedures.
To tackle this issue, the MHRA is increasing public awareness and deploying more resources to identify those involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin. Clinic operators and practitioners offering anti-wrinkle injections and fillers will soon be required to obtain licenses from their local authorities to ensure adherence to strict standards.
The initiative aims to protect consumers from the dangers of uncertified products and to bring offenders to justice. It represents a firm stance against the underground trade of counterfeit beauty products that can have severe consequences for public health.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/30/sellers-of-fake-botox-jabs-could-be-jailed-for-two-years-medicine-watchdog-warns
