Certification and Safety
All elou toys are duly certified and tested by several competent authorities, among which we highlight:
Certification CE: SGS – Société Générale de Surveillance (France)
Mechanical tests: CATIM – Portuguese technological centre for the metal working industry
All products comply with the strictest European quality and safety standards established by the CE designation for children toys under EN 71-1 (Mechanical and physical properties), EN 71-2 (Flammability) and EN 71-3 (Specification for migration of certain elements).
In addition to European certification, we also have certification agreements in line with the main guidance provisions for the United States of America, ASTM (US Toy Safety Regulations).

Besides cork, all components used in the production of our toys are duly certified. The inks and sealants used are natural, 100% antiallergic and free of any polluting substance (phthalates, flavourings or heavy metals).
2001/65 / EC (ROHS) – Concentration test of metals and pigments
SGS – Société Générale de Surveillance (France)
Phthalates & PCP – Toxicity Test
SGS – Société Générale de Surveillance (France)
Safety and Care
The nature of cork requires, however, some care:
• Being a natural material, the colour of the products may vary within a certain shade spectrum.
• Due to its molecular composition, slight variations in the weight and volume of the products may occur depending on the change in conditions in time and space, such as temperature, humidity, longevity and other natural factors in the life cycle of the articles themselves.
• Although all products are certified for early developmental ages, it is advised to let children play under the supervision of a responsible adult, especially during the child’s teething phase. Its light and soft nature allows the child, with effort, to remove small pieces of cork that can be ingested.
This is only a precautionary recommendation since:
• All products comply with bite safety requirements for recommended age;
• The cork’s cellular composition does not constitute any danger to the organism, even in case of ingestion;
• Its molecular structure does not form sharp edges even when cut or broken.
• Cork is waterproof and therefore easy to clean. To clean a cork toy, use a damp cloth and then let it dry. Do not use corrosive cleaning agents.
• Although waterproof, bath toys must not exceed 1 hour of permanent contact with water. Afterwards, it should be cleaned with a dry towel and left to dry at room temperature. Only after a good drying time, of approximately 4 hours, can the product be returned to the water.
Exceeding time in water or a drying time less than indicated, can later cause the volumetric increase and weight variations of the toy.
• The nature of cork toys is not indestructible. During the production process, we were able to control the hardness of the toy. However, one of the principles underlying the elou brand is the spontaneity naturally associated to the act of playing. Cork is a durable material, however, when subjected to excessive friction actions, it can perish and break into small pieces – this is a normal outcome due to the natural structure of the raw material used.
The natural depreciation of the product, derived from its continued handling, cannot be used as a reason for complaint, since it is a fundamental characteristic of the sustainable concept.