In order to inform consumers and economic operators about puzzle mats that may contain harmful chemical substance formamide, we announce the following:

Formamide (CH3NO, CAS no. 75-12-7) is an amide of formic acid which is, among other things, used as a solvent / plasticizer for the manufacture of puzzle mats, that results in presence of formamide residues in these puzzles. Formamide is a chemical substance that belongs to the CMR substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and substances toxic to the human reproductive system. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are no regulations prohibiting or restricting placing on the market of children's toys containing formamide. The procedure of transposition of the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC), prescribing that substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic categories 1A, 1B or 2 may not be used in toys, toy components or different micro-structural parts of toys, is ongoing in BiH.

Taking into account reasonable expectations of consumers in terms of product safety, as well as good practice in the field of product safety in Republic of Slovenia and other EU Member States, MSA BiH draws the attention of manufacturers, importers and distributors to the necessity of providing proof / statement confirming that the puzzle mats they put on the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina do not contain formamide, and that formamide was not used in the process of production. In case they do not have a document certifying that formamide was not used in the process of production, economic operators must provide the results of laboratory analysis and risk assessment showing that formamide is present in such quantity that is not harmful to the health of children.

MSA BiH monitors development of the situation in the EU, and will timely inform the public of Bosnia and Herzegovina about any new findings and further steps to be taken. In case that the presence of foam puzzle mats containing formamide is confirmed, MSA BiH will consider taking measures to protect consumer health, in cooperation with the inspection bodies of the entities and Brčko District. So far, no information on the withdrawal of puzzle mats containing harmful chemical substance formamide from the market have been published through the EU system for rapid exchange of information on dangerous products (RAPEX).

For more information regarding the issue of foam puzzle mats, see the document published by the Public Health Institute in Maribor, Republic of Slovenia.