Following evaluation under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), a decision has been taken to renew the following active substance approval. This affects Northern Ireland (NI).
- Creosote (CAS No: 8001-58-9 EC No: 232-287-5) in product type 8 – until 31 October 2029
The renewed approval is for the preventative treatment of wood to be used as:
- railway sleepers
- utility poles for electricity
- utility poles for telecommunications
Impact on biocidal products
The NI authorisations for creosote wood preservative products have been amended to remove the following non-renewed uses:
- preventative and/or superficial treatment of wood used as:
- fence panels, horizontals and posts used in highway fencing, equestrian fencing and animal security fencing
- agricultural tree stakes/supports (fruit, vineyard and hops)
- superficial treatment of wood used as:
- railway sleepers
- utility poles for electricity
- utility poles for telecommunications
Existing stocks of the affected biocidal products cannot be:
- supplied (all stages of the supply chain) in relation to these non-renewed uses in NI after 22 January 2023; and
- used for these non-renewed uses in NI after 23 April 2023.
Impact on wood treated with creosote – non-renewed uses
From 30 April 2023 no creosote treated wood can enter into the supply chain in NI for the non-renewed uses.
Creosote treated wood for the non-renewed uses which entered into the supply chain in NI before 30 April 2023 can continue to be supplied and used in NI.
Impact on wood treated with creosote – renewed uses
From 30 April 2023 creosote treated wood should be labelled in accordance with Article 58 of EU BPR. Find out what other specific information must be included on the label at the EUR-Lex website at the following link:
Find out more about treated articles at the link below:
Take action to remain on the EU Article 95 List
If you are an EU Article 95 supplier for creosote, you must submit all the data, or a letter of access to all the data, relevant for the renewal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by 31 October 2023 to remain on the list.
For any help with related questions please contact chemicals@hseni.gov.uk.