France to Lengthen Formamide Restriction in Toy Puzzle Mats

France recently extended the temporary restriction of formamide in toy puzzle mats. The extension period is for a further 12 months and took effect on 1 August 2013.

History of Formamide Restriction in Toy Puzzle Mats

In December 2010, Belgium and France announced the removal of toy puzzle mats from shelves due to excessive quantities of formamide; a substance classified as reprotoxic (toxic to reproduction) (1).

In July 2011, France restricted formamide in toy puzzle mats temporarily. This temporary restriction recognized the use of one of three designated methods and their corresponding limits for demonstration of compliance. The restriction was, however, valid until July 2012 (2).

In August 2012, France extended the temporary restriction of formamide in toy puzzle mats for a period of 12 months; extending the validity period from 1 August 2012 to 31 July 2013 (3). This new law restricted formamide content to no more than 200 mg/kg.

On 4 August 2013, Decree of 1 August 2013 was published in the France Official Gazette to extend the temporary restriction of formamide in toy puzzle mats for another year; from 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2014 (4). The limit of no more than 200 mg/kg remains unchanged.

Latest Status of Formamide Restriction in France

Highlights of the new law are summarized below:

- Jurisdiction: France.
- Regulation: Decree of 1 August 2013.
- Substance: Formamide.
- Scope: Toy puzzle mats.
- Requirements: below or equal to 200 mg/kg.
- Effective date: 1 August 2013 (until 31 July 2014).

References:

(1) SGS SafeGuards No. 211/10, December 2010 (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/SGS-Safeguards-21110-Belgium-and-France-Prohibit-Formamide-in-Puzzle-Mats-EN-10.pdf)
(2) SGS SafeGuards No. 142/11, August 2011 (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-14211-france-specifies-methods-and-limits-for-formamide-in-puzzle-mats-a4-en-11.pdf)

(3) SGS SafeGuards No. 129/12, August 2012 and references therein, (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-1291212-france-extends-temporary-ban-for-formamide-in-puzzle-mats-a4-en-12.pdf)

(4) Decree of 1 August 2013 suspending the placing on the market of toys ‘puzzle mats’ containing formamide, Page 13307, Official Gazette No. 0180 of August 4, 2013, (http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?dateTexte=&categorieLien=id&cidTexte=JORFTEXT000027800747&fastPos=4&fastReqId=1604382968&oldAction=rechExpTexteJorf)

About SGS Services for Toys and Juvenile Products
Throughout a global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a range of services, including analytical and chemical testing (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juvenile-Products/Toys/Testing/Chemical-Testing.aspx) as well as consultancy for restricted substances, including formamide, in toys for France, the EU and international markets.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SGS experts for further information.

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Hing Wo Tsang
TJP Information and Innovation Manager
Consumer Testing Services
SGS Hong Kong Limited
5/F Manhattan Centre
8 Kwai Cheong Road
Kwai Chung, NT, Hong Kong, China

t: +852 2774 7420
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juvenile-Products.aspx

This release was published on openPR.