Key Summary
- The medicine watchdog is cracking down on unlicensed botulinum toxin products following a spike in botulism cases across England
- Unlicensed botulinum toxin products are being smuggled into the UK, mainly from South Korea
- Since May 2023, more than 4,700 vials of unlicenced botulinum toxin have been seized
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned that those involved in the illicit trade of Botox could face prison.
The medicine watchdog is cracking down on unlicensed botulinum toxin products following a spike in botulism cases across England.
Between 4 June and 6 August, 41 confirmed cases of botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition causing paralysis, were reported.
The MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit has come across evidence that some sellers and practitioners, often untrained, are obtaining unlicensed botulinum toxin products illegally and offering injections in unsafe, unregulated settings.
The treatments are being delivered in informal settings such as domestic bedrooms and kitchens, hair salons, and through mobile beauty services.
Members of the public are often lured in by advertisements on social media promising quick and cheap results.
The Criminal Enforcement Unit is investigating the illegal trade in botulinum toxin products and those caught could face up to two years in prison.
The head of the Criminal Enforcement Unit, Andy Morling, said, “Anyone involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin – whether through organised networks or informal sales from kitchen tables, hair salons, or via social media – is breaking the law and endangering lives. The 41 individuals we’ve seen between June and August left seriously ill represent the devastating human cost of this trade.
“We are working across the country to identify those responsible, seize illegal products, and bring cases to court.”
Since May 2023, the Criminal Enforcement Unit, working closely with its partners in Border Force, has seized more than 4,700 vials of unlicenced botulinum toxin both at the border and inland.
Almost all of the seized products originated in South Korea, including brands such as Botulax, reNTox, Innotox, and Toxpia, which are not authorised for sale in the UK.
The Criminal Enforcement Unit also works with social media companies to remove illegal listings.
