Restrictions on CCA-treated timber products

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) reviewed the use of copper chrome arsenate (CCA) as a timber treatment, reinforcing its status as a safe, durable and inexpensive way to preserve wood for most outdoor purposes (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, 2005).

CCA can continue to be used on timber intended for outdoor uses such as telegraph poles, fencing and landscaping.

The APVMA requires restrictions on certain timber products that children may be exposed to. Consequently, since 12 March 2006, it has been an offence to sell CCA preservative chemical for treating timber products intended for use as garden furniture, picnic tables, exterior seating, children’s play equipment, patio and domestic decking, and handrails.

Products that are not garden furniture, picnic tables, exterior seating, children’s play equipment, patio and domestic decking, and handrails may continue to be treated with CCA, but these products are required to be marked with the words ‘Treated with copper chrome arsenate’.

See the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority