Although the use of creosote, a toxic and carcinogenic chemical is banned since 2003 for consumers, is still being used on wooden railway sleepers, electricity poles and in fencing. Accordingly, the European Commission has presented its decision to strengthen the restrictions on its industrial use.

The Commission's new decision amends the Biocides Directive in order to strengthen the restrictions on the industrial uses of creosote, a toxic chemical known for its use on wooden railway sleepers, electricity poles and in fencing, on the new revision which will come into force on 1 May 2013. Creosote, a carcinogenic substance, may no longer be placed on the EU market unless a company receives an authorisation to do so.

Creosote is an industrial preventative wood treatment with a complex mixture of hundreds of distinct compounds, including bi- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are very harmful for the environment and pose unacceptable risks for future generations, according to the Commission. Creosote-treated wooden sleepers are still widely used by railway companies, especially in rural areas or in places which are difficult to reach among other uses. Life cycle analyses show that in certain cases there are no appropriate alternatives. Accordingly, Member States may authorise its placing on the market for clearly defined uses where no alternatives less damaging to the environment are available. In such cases, strict conditions apply.

With the amendment to the Biocides Directive creosote will be added to Annex 1, the list of active substances with requirements agreed at community level for inclusion in biocidal products. The Biocides Directive aims to harmonise the European market for biocidal products and their active substances, with a view to providing a high level of protection for humans, animals and the environment.