Creosote restrictions UK: What the new rules mean for timber treatment
Creosote has been used for decades as a highly effective wood preservative, particularly where timber needs to withstand moisture, rot, insects and demanding outdoor conditions. It has traditionally been widely used for applications including agricultural fencing, timber structures, railway sleepers and utility poles.
However, the use of creosote in Great Britain is becoming increasingly restricted. Following a review by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), approval for creosote was renewed in April 2026, but only for a limited range of specialist applications. The decision represents another significant step towards the long-term reduction and potential phased withdrawal of creosote from many traditional timber treatment applications.
Is creosote now banned in the UK?
Not completely. This is an important distinction.
The HSE has renewed the approval of creosote under the Great Britain Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR), but the permitted uses are now much narrower. Creosote remains authorised for:
- Railway sleepers
- Transmission poles
- Safety-critical fencing requiring compliance with BS8417 Service Factor D
- Certain surface treatments associated with these approved uses when modified at the point of installation
The current approval is due to expire on 31 March 2033. However, the HSE has indicated that the longer-term phasing out of creosote should be considered as alternatives become available. For many other applications, the situation is considerably more restrictive.
What changes from April 2027?
From 1 April 2027, creosote-treated timber will no longer be permitted to be newly placed on the GB market for a number of uses that have traditionally relied on creosote treatment. These include:
- Non-safety-critical fencing
- Tree stakes
- Marine applications
- Environmental barriers
- Industrial landscape retaining timbers
- Cladding for non-residential buildings
This means that businesses involved in fencing, agriculture, landscaping, construction and other sectors that have traditionally specified creosote-treated timber will need to consider alternative timber preservation systems.
There are transitional arrangements for timber that has already entered the supply chain. The HSE decision provides a 12-month period of grace for the placing on the market of creosote-treated timber for uses that are no longer being renewed.
Why is creosote being restricted?
Creosote has excellent preservative properties, which explains its long history of use. It provides timber with strong resistance to moisture, fungal decay and insect attack and can deliver a very long service life in demanding environments.
However, creosote has also been subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny because it contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are classified as carcinogenic.
The HSE’s assessment identified creosote as meeting several exclusion criteria under the GB BPR, including classifications relating to carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity and persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity.
The continued approval for a small number of specialist uses reflects the fact that regulators have recognised the particular technical and safety requirements associated with some infrastructure applications, while also taking account of the availability of alternative treatments.
What does this mean for farmers and fencing contractors?
The changes are particularly relevant to the agricultural and fencing sectors.
Creosote-treated timber has historically been valued for applications where timber is exposed to the weather, ground contact and repeated wetting. The new rules mean that businesses can no longer assume that creosote-treated timber will remain available for general fencing and other traditional applications.
Farming UK has highlighted the potential impact on agricultural fencing, with the changes expected to affect general fencing, tree stakes and other non-safety-critical applications from 2027.
For businesses specifying or purchasing timber, it is therefore important to review existing specifications and consider alternative preservative systems before the 2027 changes take effect.
What about DIY and domestic use?
Restrictions on creosote for domestic and amateur use have existed for many years.
Creosote-treated timber cannot generally be sold for domestic applications such as garden fencing, sheds, landscaping or other DIY projects. Members of the public are also not permitted to apply professional-grade creosote products themselves.
The latest HSE decision primarily affects the remaining professional and industrial uses rather than introducing a new ban on domestic use.
What alternatives are available to creosote?
As the permitted uses of creosote become more restricted, alternative timber preservation systems are becoming increasingly important.
The most suitable creosote alternative will depend on the timber species, intended service life, exposure conditions and whether the timber is above ground, in ground contact or exposed to particularly demanding environments.
For many applications, modern timber preservatives and factory-applied treatment systems can provide effective protection against fungal decay and insect attack without relying on creosote.
When choosing an alternative, it is important to consider the complete application rather than simply looking for a direct one-for-one replacement. Factors such as moisture exposure, ground contact, expected service life and the required treatment class should all be taken into account.
A phased withdrawal rather than an immediate ban
The latest regulatory decision marks a significant change in the availability of creosote, but it is not an immediate blanket ban.
Creosote remains authorised for a small number of specialist infrastructure applications until at least 2033. At the same time, its use for many traditional commercial, agricultural and landscaping applications is being phased out.
The HSE has specifically recognised that alternatives may become available for the remaining permitted applications and has stated that the longer-term phasing out of creosote should be considered.
For businesses that have historically relied on creosote-treated timber, the message is clear: now is the time to review timber treatment specifications and investigate suitable alternatives for applications that will no longer be permitted from April 2027.
Need help choosing an alternative timber treatment?
If you are looking for an alternative to creosote for a particular timber application, the correct product will depend on how and where the timber is being used. Speak to our technical team for advice on suitable wood preservatives and protective coatings for your project.