[Aunt Sally]

I believe that it is only available to professionals for the treatment of buildings that have previously been treated with creosote.  Not for new uses.

[Yorkie]

In July 2003, it became an offence for the general public to purchase and apply Coal Tar Creosote, however, the product is still available for sale to tradespeople. This means the traditional user such as the agricultural community, builders, etc. are still able to purchase Coal Tar Creosote, providing they do not resell to the general householder. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that only genuine tradespeople are supplied.

But you didn't mention the rest of the restriction, which is that it is only legal for professionals to use it on previously creosoted wood.  It isn't permitted for them to use it on fresh wood, so to speak.

Edit: Aunt Sally got there first.

In relation to the several posts on this thread (i.e. not any one particular poster), creosote was banned for very good reasons, namely carcinogenic risks.  If someone wants their hens to live in freshly creosoted wood, inhaling it, and producing eggs that are then eaten, that is their choice.

The forum's position on the suggestion or endorsement of nasties such as this is clear.  I don't think there is anything more usefully to add and so I am locking this thread.


[edited to depersonalise post]