When people discover Naef’s beautiful wooden toys, one of the first questions they ask is: “Are the color stains safe for children?”
It’s a thoughtful and important question — and one that goes right to the heart of what Naef has stood for since 1954: precision, craftsmanship, and trust.
Tested and Proven Safe in Switzerland
Every Naef product is made in Switzerland from carefully selected woods and finished with non-toxic, water-based color stains. These finishes are saliva-resistant and fully compliant with the world’s strictest toy safety standards — including EN 71 Parts 3 & 9, REACH, and AfPS GS 2014:01 PAK. Independent testing by SGS Institut Fresenius, an accredited laboratory, confirms that all Naef colors and materials meet or exceed international safety requirements.
What the Tests Show
In SGS Test Report No. 3988925, Naef toys (including Naef Spiel, Signa, and Dolio) were evaluated for a broad set of potential contaminants. Every category passed with room to spare.
| Substance Category | Result | Limit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead & Cadmium | < 10 mg/kg (PASS) | 500 mg/kg | REACH 1907/2006 |
| PAHs (18 types) | < 0.2 mg/kg each (PASS) | Sum 18 PAH < 1 mg/kg; each of several PAHs < 0.2 mg/kg | AfPS GS 2014:01 PAK Category 1 |
| Azo Dyes | Not detected | ≤ 30 mg/kg | EU 552/2009 (Annex XVII) |
| Organotin Compounds | < 0.01 mg/kg (PASS) | Regulated; consumer products >0.1% Sn prohibited | Decision 2010/425/EG |
| Formaldehyde in Wood | < 0.1 mg / 100 g (PASS) | ≤ 8 mg / 100 g | DIN EN 120 (Perforator) |
| Migration of Elements | All below limits (PASS) | Per-element limits (Al, As, Pb, etc.) | EN 71-3 + A2:2017 |
Together, these results confirm that Naef finishes are non-toxic, saliva-resistant, and safe even for babies who may mouth or handle the toys for extended periods.
What Kind of Stain Is Used?
Naef uses transparent, water-based stains and varnishes rather than opaque paints. This preserves the wood’s natural texture and color depth — the signature Naef look — while ensuring safety for skin and saliva contact. Naef confirms that its base varnishes are approved for the production of children’s toys and that products are tested multiple times, including chemical testing for colors. The finishes meet the strict Category 1 criteria for materials intended to be mouthed (e.g., total PAH < 1 mg/kg; several individual PAHs each < 0.2 mg/kg) as outlined in AfPS GS 2014:01 PAK (per Naef correspondence and SGS report).
“All our base varnishes are approved for the production of children’s toys. Our products are tested multiple times, including chemical tests for colors… Materials intended to be put in the mouth must meet strict limits such as total PAH < 1 mg/kg and each PAH < 0.2 mg/kg.” — Patrick, Naef Spiele AG"
Why Stain Instead of Paint?
- Natural Beauty: The wood grain remains visible, emphasizing craftsmanship.
- Durability: Color penetrates the wood, so it resists chipping and peeling.
- Safety & Sustainability: Water-based stains minimize harmful vapors and environmental impact.
Each piece is then carefully hand-finished and polished to the silky-smooth standard Naef is known for.
Safety You Can See — and Feel
From the first cut of wood to the final polish, Naef treats each toy as both a design object and a legacy piece meant to be handled by generations. That philosophy extends to every color applied — safe, enduring, and beautiful.
Whether you’re choosing a Naef Spiel for a child’s playroom or a Cubicus for your studio shelf, you can be confident that every block, curve, and hue reflects the Swiss precision and integrity that have defined Naef for over seventy years.
Summary
Naef toys use non-toxic, water-based color stains that are independently certified safe under leading European and international toy-safety standards. They contain no harmful chemicals, no heavy metals, and no solvents — only the enduring beauty of wood and color crafted to last.
Sources: SGS Institut Fresenius Test Report No. 3988925 (Naef Spiele AG)