Scanpole Creosote Update
Scanpole would be grateful AFI members to know that its is business as usual for Scanpole creosote fencing.
Scanpole has for many years only made & sold made fencing in line with BS8417 service factor D.
Where the need for wood preservation is essential. For use where conditions give rise to very high risk of failure and/or where failure of timber components would result in serious danger to structure or persons.
Scanpole’s poles and fencing posts meet the requirements of this decision.
As a result, the decision does not require any changes to the manufacture or sale of creosote-treated products.
Scanpole also has Pole+ Copper oil range of 40 year fencing and will continue to sell both ranges side by side.
Creosote Renewal 1 April 2026 – United Kingdom
Regulatory Status
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has renewed the approval of Creosote for another seven years for industrial and professional use in the UK. The next renewal cycle is to be completed before 31 March 2033.
This decision confirms creosote’s continued role in critical infrastructure applications and provides long-term regulatory certainty.
Approved uses
- Railway sleepers
- Utility poles
- Fencing UC3: horizontal bars in; agricultural, equestrian, industrial and highways fencing. (BS 8417 Service factor D)*
- Fencing UC4: Post/stakes for agricultural, equestrian, industrial and highways fencing.
(BS 8417 Service factor D)* - Surface treatment of wood for the above uses when modified at the point of installation.
All other uses will be phased out. A grace period of 12 months is granted for the placing on the market of treated wood for uses that are not being renewed. These uses must not be placed on the GB market on and after 1 April 2027.
Sustainability
Performance and Carbon Impact
- Creosote-treated timber offers 40+ years of service life, reducing replacement frequency and conserving forest resources.
- Derived from coal tar, a by-product of steel production, creosote requires no additional natural resource extraction.
- Compared to concrete, plastic and other alternatives, creosote-treated wood demonstrates significantly lower embodied carbon and energy demand over its lifecycle.
Supply and Cost Stability
- Creosote is a co-product of coal tar distillation, ensuring predictable availability as long as aluminium production continues in Europe.
- Competing preservatives often require complex blending and imported chemicals, introducing cost volatility and higher carbon footprints.
- Creosote’s supply chain is mature and resilient, supporting long-term planning and cost efficiency.
Creosote-treated timber offers a unique combination of long-term durability, cost-efficiency and proven reliability.
* Where the need for wood preservation is essential. For use where conditions give rise to very high risk of failure and/or where failure of timber components would result in serious danger to structure or persons.