End of registration of pentachlorophenol pesticides

All pesticides used in Canada must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act. Pesticides are re-evaluated to ensure that they continue to meet health and environmental requirements. Re-evaluation may result in the revocation of a product or product uses. Health Canada may also request changes to a product's label, including risk mitigation measures, use sites and application methods.

Pentachlorophenol is used as a wood preservative for industrial uses such as treating railway ties, transmission line poles and exterior building materials. The updated special review of the active ingredient pentachlorophenol was published on October 4, 2022.

All pesticides containing pentachlorophenol are cancelled.

As of October 4, 2023:

• Any use of pentachlorophenol wood treatment products is prohibited.
• The sale, importation or installation of wood treated with pentachlorophenol is prohibited.

Using unregistered pesticides is a violation of the Pest Control Products Act.

Read the label

All pesticides registered in Canada have a Health Canada-approved label with a registration number. Read the pesticide label carefully, as it contains specific information on how to use it.

To find the most up-to-date label, use our online label search tool or search for "Health Canada pesticide labels" using your favourite search engine.

For more information

• Re-evaluation Note REV2022-02, Update on the special review of pentachlorophenol. The Health Canada-approved label is the official document for enforcement purposes. In the event of any discrepancy with the contents of this factsheet, the information on the label shall prevail.
• Health Canada's Pesticide Compliance Program (PCP) is responsible for the enforcement of the Pest Control Products Act.