Creosote Restrictions 2027: AFI Calls for Industry Views on the Future of Agricultural Fencing
With significant restrictions on the use of creosote-treated timber coming into effect from 1 April 2027, the Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) is calling on the fencing industry to share its views on the implications and what action, if any, should be taken.
Under the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) renewal decision, creosote remains approved until March 2033, but its permitted applications will be significantly restricted from April 2027.
One of the key areas of uncertainty surrounds the continued use of creosote-treated timber for safety-critical fencingand how this should be interpreted in relation to BS 8417.
For agricultural fencing contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and landowners, this raises important questions about livestock containment, public safety, material specifications and the potential implications for government-funded fencing schemes.
Does Agricultural Fencing Qualify as Safety-Critical?
Fencing plays an essential role in agricultural safety, from preventing livestock escaping onto public highways to protecting people and animals from foreseeable risks.
However, questions remain over how safety-critical applications should be defined and who is responsible for determining whether a particular installation qualifies.
AFI CEO Pete Clark has prepared a discussion paper exploring these concerns, the potential consequences for the industry and the possible approaches available to the Association.
What Should the AFI Do Next?
The paper considers whether the AFI should seek further clarification and engage with the HSE, Defra and other relevant government bodies, or whether the industry should accept the current position and increasingly move towards alternative products.
As a member-led trade association, the AFI needs to understand the strength of feeling within its membership before determining whether further action should be pursued.
Pete Clark, AFI CEO, commented:
“The industry needs clarity, not more confusion. We need to understand how these restrictions will affect businesses in practice and, importantly, whether our members want the AFI to pursue this issue on their behalf.”
Have Your Say
We encourage contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and everyone involved in agricultural fencing to read the discussion paper and share their views.
Should the AFI challenge the current interpretation and seek greater clarity, or should the industry accept the direction of travel towards alternative products?
Your feedback will help inform the Association’s next steps.
READ THE FULL DISCUSSION PAPER HERE
Please send your comments to info@theafi.co.uk.
Your industry. Your voice. Help shape what happens next.