EU extends France's creosote-treated wood market restriction to 7 June 2028
French manufacturers and distributors cannot place the restricted creosote-treated wood on the French market until 7 June 2028
Change
On 11 May 2026 the European Commission amended Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/961 to extend the authorisation of France's provisional REACH measure restricting the use and placing on the market of certain creosote-treated wood, replacing '59 months' with '108 months' so the restriction remains authorised until 7 June 2028; the amendment applies retroactively from 8 May 2024.
Why it matters
The amendment keeps France's provisional restriction on the use and placing on the market of certain creosote-treated wood legally authorised until 7 June 2028, applying retroactively from 8 May 2024. It bridges the period before the EU-level revision of the creosote restriction (entry 31 of Annex XVII to REACH) enters into application, so affected wood cannot be legally placed on the French market during the extended window. The restriction's substance is unchanged; the Decision extends its authorised duration.
Implications
- — French manufacturers and distributors of creosote-treated wood must not place the restricted wood on the French market until 7 June 2028 — doing so contravenes the authorised provisional restriction under Article 129 of REACH.
- — The French market surveillance and competent authorities must continue to apply and enforce the provisional restriction, now authorised retroactively from 8 May 2024 through 7 June 2028.
Who is affected
- — French manufacturers and distributors of creosote-treated wood
- — French market surveillance and competent authorities
What to watch
- — 7 June 2028: the authorisation of France's provisional creosote restriction is extended until this date.
- — Pending EU-level restriction: the Commission is preparing an amendment to the creosote restriction in entry 31 of Annex XVII to REACH, proposed to apply 12 months after entry into force.