On November 28, 2022, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously on their Final Rule for “Safety Standard for Operating Cords on Custom Window Coverings” published in the Federal Register. The rule states that the operating cords on custom window coverings longer than 8 inches are a strangulation hazard to children under the age of 8. Any operating cords on custom window coverings must now be tested and certified to meet the requirements of this final rule. Additionally, any custom window coverings advertised as “children’s products” must be further tested by a CPSC certified third party vendor prior to public release.
While this decision was originally proposed with a year-long implementation date, it has since been amended to a 180-day effective date. Meaning, all manufacturers and retailers must abide by this new rule, effective May 30, 2023.
An additional adjustment within this rule affects both stock and custom window coverings as of December 28, 2022. This rule declares that operating cords and inner cords in stock window coverings and inner cords on custom window coverings are considered substantial product hazards and authorizes the CPSC to enforce any pre-existing requirements for these coverings.
On November 30, 2022 the Window Covering Manufacturer’s Association (WCMA) filed a lawsuit challenging this new rule. WCMA has been voluntarily in accordance with the American National Standards Group (ANSI) since 1996. The WCMA is currently in the process of finalizing the seventh update to the ANSI/WCMA voluntary safety standard. According to the WCMA, their updated voluntary safety standard is based on analysis of actual incident data along with the technical expertise of the industry.
The WCMA further conclude that the six-month rule will serve to eliminate availability of products as the industry must develop new products for this major transition. This fact was stated in the CPSC staff briefing when they acknowledged that the industry would need a minimum of two years to develop new products.
For more information on this legal challenge, you can download the Press Release from the WCMA here.
On January 11, 2023, the US Court of Appeals granted the WCMA Motion to Stay the CPSC rule. What does this mean for our industry? The final outcome remains to be seen but over the next few months both the WCMA and the CPSC will file briefs to the court, and after that the D.C. Circuit will hear oral argument. For additional information, download the latest Press Release here
Over the past few years many of our partners have taken steps to emphasize the safety of their family-friendly lines and our industry as a whole is committed to ensuring the safety of children and pets.
Horizons Shades has employed what they deem a “sleek safety sleeve” which is a patented product of their design that fully covers the cord on the backside of the window covering. This mechanism prevents the cord from being easily accessible while still aligning with the stylistic aesthetic of their product line. Horizons also offers their “Cordless One Controls” which features a patented lift system operated remotely and completely cord-free.
Norman USA advertises their “Best for Kids” line that has exclusively cord-free or inner cord only products. Graber offers systems that apply tension pulleys and tie-down devices that utilize the Continuous Cord Loop system but keeps the cords taut. Graber also includes lines of both cordless and remotely motorized options deemed “Best for kids” by an independent third party.
Solatech provides window covering manufacturers and fabricators with technology solutions that improve and streamline their business. As such, we find it paramount that we remain updated and informed about the latest industry news and guidance. If you need assistance navigating these changes in our system or want further guidance on how this impacts retail operations, contact us for support today!
If you would like to remain informed about industry news and other relevant topics, sign up for our newsletter here.