Formamide Restriction for Toy Puzzle Mats Extended Another Year in France

France has recently extended the temporary restriction of formamide in toy puzzle mats. The extension period is for a further 12 months. The new law took effect on October 26, 2015.

Formamide Restriction Due to Reprotoxic Properties

In December 2010, France and Belgium became the first two member states in the European Union (EU) to announce [1] the removal from the market of toy puzzle mats containing excessive levels of formamide (CAS 75-12-7). Formamide is classified as reprotoxic 1B (toxic to reproduction 1B) under Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP Regulation).

CLP Regulation Put in Place in July 2011

In July 2011, France implemented measures to restrict formamide in toy puzzle mats on an interim basis. The law set restriction limits and recognized the use of 1 of 3 designated methods for demonstration of compliance. The validity of the restriction was for a period of 1 year, until July 2012. This temporary restriction has since been extended in 2012 [2], 2013 [3] and 2014 [4]; each time for a period of 1 year.

On November 4, 2015, the Decree of October 26, 2015 was published in the Journal officiel de la République Française (JORF, Official Gazette of the French Republic) to extend the temporary restriction of formamide in toy puzzle mats for an additional year, from October 26, 2015 to October 25, 2016. The limit of no more than 200 mg/kg remains unchanged.

Highlights of the new law are summarized below.

Decree of 26 October 2015
Journal officiel de la République française, 4 November 2015

Jurisdiction
France

Substance
Formamide

Scope
Toy puzzle mats

Requirement
Less than 200 mg/kg

Effective Date
26 October 2015
(until 25 October 2016)

References:

[1] Safeguards Newsletter – Belgium and France Prohibit Formamide in Puzzle Mats – December 2010

[2] Safeguards Newsletter – France Extends Temporary Ban for Formamide in Puzzle Mats – August 2012

[3] Safeguards Newsletter – France Extends Restriction of Formamide in Toy Puzzle Mats – August 2013

[4] Safeguards Newsletter – France Extends Restriction of Formamide in Puzzle Mats – October 2014

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