The cosmetics industry is fighting for mandatory master craftsman certification.

The cosmetics trade is committed to modernizing and standardizing training and having it included in Annex A of the Crafts and Trades Code. At the same time, it aims to achieve greater social recognition of the profession.

When consumers seek cosmetic services, it's not always easy to assess the quality offered by beauticians. Currently, there are no minimum training requirements for this profession, neither in terms of time nor subject matter. The profession is listed in Appendix B of the German Crafts Code. Since July 2021, it has been classified as a craft trade that does not require a license (Appendix B1). Previously, it was considered a craft-like trade (Appendix B2). Nevertheless, even today, no specific qualifications are required to practice this profession independently.

Industry representatives are working to change this at various levels. At the federal level, the Federal professional association of beauticians in Germany The German Association of Cosmeticians and Beauticians (BBVKD) is advocating for mandatory master craftsman certification in the cosmetics trade. Its goal is: "We want to modernize and standardize the training for cosmeticians, elevate the profession – while simultaneously protecting existing rights – to the top tier of the skilled trades register (Handwerksrolle A), and achieve greater social recognition for our profession." To this end, the association established the "Working Group for the Top Tier of Skilled Trades Register" specifically for this purpose at the beginning of 2021.

Quality of work and consumer protection

Mandy Rechenberger is the head of the Cosmeticians' Guild of the State of BrandenburgShe serves on the board of the BBVKD and also in the working group of the national association. "Our goal is standardized training and mandatory master craftsman certification," she says. A state-recognized dual vocational training program has existed in this trade since 2002. The training regulations stipulate a uniform three-year apprenticeship nationwide. Since 2015, cosmetic professionals have also been able to have their expertise and leadership skills certified with the master craftsman title.

To achieve mandatory master craftsman certification, members of the working group have consulted with various members of the Bundestag and held numerous discussions. At the state level, they are in close contact with the three chambers of skilled crafts in Brandenburg. In Bavaria, discussions with Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) have been ongoing since 2022, reports Karin Huber-Ittlinger, Chairwoman of the [organization name missing]. State Association of the Bavarian Cosmetics TradeShe is also involved in the working group on the trade register A. The most important arguments in favor are the quality of work and consumer protection. For this reason alone, a master craftsman's qualification in the cosmetics trade is urgently needed.

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"Currently, people can call themselves certified beauticians after just two days of training," explains Huber-Ittlinger. However, this requires more advanced knowledge and expertise. "We work on people – much like hairdressers. It's also about the quality of work and customer safety," adds Mandy Rechenberger. She believes this is even more crucial in the beautician trade: "Cosmetic devices are becoming increasingly important." This absolutely demands sound knowledge and expertise. "Completely different, even permanent, damage is possible here," says Rechenberger. That's why she can't understand why a master craftsman's qualification isn't yet mandatory.

However, support is now coming from the political sphere. "The cosmetics trade must be subject to mandatory master craftsman certification because it is relevant to health," is the current demand of [the organization/group]. Ministry of Economic Affairs in BavariaAiwanger intends to advocate for the introduction of a master craftsman's qualification in the cosmetics trade. "I support the demand of our cosmeticians in Bavaria for the introduction of a master craftsman's qualification. Cosmeticians work on the body, including permanent makeup. This can only be done by people who are well-trained and know what they are doing." Currently, there is a risk that unqualified individuals are performing procedures in backyards and causing lasting harm to their clients.

"We urgently need mandatory master craftsman certification here."

The ministry has confirmed that Aiwanger has addressed his demand to Federal Minister of Economics Katharina Reiche. The federal government will decide on the introduction of mandatory master craftsman certification. Aiwanger stated, "We urgently need mandatory master craftsman certification here." He argued that it would ensure a uniformly high level of qualification in the cosmetics industry. "This fosters trust and transparency and provides both the industry and consumers with the highly qualified professionals they need." Perhaps this will bring the cosmetics trade closer to its goal and lead to its inclusion in Annex A of the Crafts and Trades Code.

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