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New Canadian Corded Window Covering Regulations for Improved Child Safety
Health Canada – New Corded Window Covering Regulations for Improved Child Safety

NEW CANADIAN CORDED WINDOW COVERING REGULATIONS FOR IMPROVED CHILD SAFETY

 

 
What are the new Canadian window covering regulations?

In order to eliminate strangulation risks to children due to accessible cords, Canada is enforcing new Corded Window Covering Regulations in Canada as of May 1, 2022. 

While there are many specifics in the new regulations, some of the key changes include the following:

  1. A reachable cord with one free end must not exceed 22 cm in length when it is pulled in any direction by the gradual application of force attaining 35 N
  2. A reachable cord with no free end must not exceed 22 cm in length between two consecutive contact points when it is pulled in any direction by the gradual application of force attaining 35 N
  3. If a reachable cord is pulled in any direction by the gradual application of force attaining 35 N, the perimeter of any loop, whether it is existing, created or enlarged, must not exceed 44 cm

These requirements apply not just to the lift cords, but also to inner cords and cords inside the window frame (including those found on horizontal blinds, top-down bottom-up shades & skylight shades), cords on the backside of certain shades (e.g. roman & bamboo shades), and any other reachable cords.

 Note that this is just a brief overview of some of the requirements. For more details and specifics on the new Canadian Corded Window Covering Regulations, please click here.

continuous cord loop

Continuous Cord Loop

Faux Wood & Wood inner cords

Inner cords on Horizontal Blinds

Roman & Bamboo Shades back cords

Back cords on Roman and Bamboo Shades

Standard cord lift

Standard Cord Lift

Top down bottom up

Top-Down Bottom-Up Inner Cords

When do these new regulations take effect?

These new regulations will be enforced for any window coverings shipped as of May 1st, 2022. 

You will see product changes on the Select Blinds Canada site as of April 11th, since we need to be sure that any blinds which would not comply with the new regulations ship by April 30th.

 
What do these new regulations cover?

These new regulations apply to all window coverings for consumer use in Canada from all manufacturers and retailers, regardless of whether the window coverings are manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada from any other country.

 
Can I still buy the same types of window coverings as before?

These regulations require changes to many window coverings.

1. Most blinds & shades will still be available, just without a reachable corded lift system. Most window coverings will now be raised and lowered through a shrouded continuous cord loop, cordless lift systems, power wands, or motorization/automation. In addition, certain products will have some new types of lift systems (e.g. wand lift).

Cordless Lift

Motorization

Power Wand

2. Certain products and options will not be available any longer due to the way they operate with internal cords, including:

  • Mini/aluminum blinds
  • Top-down bottom-up shades with inner cords
  • Pleated shades

3. Certain blinds will operate differently than before. For example:

  • Some faux wood and wood blinds are tilt-only (these blinds will always be in the lowered position, without the ability to raise the blinds). Select Blinds Canada also has fully operational faux wood and wood blinds which can be raised & lowered that comply with the new safety regulations.
  • Top-down bottom-up shades are now available with inner bands (which operate similarly to the previous top-down bottom-up shades with inner cords). In addition, there are also two-fabric top-down bottom-up shades.
 
I am looking for window coverings which are no longer available on your site. Will I be able to find them anywhere else?

We manufacture our window coverings through some of the top factories in Canada and internationally. We are confident that we have the widest selection of products and features available. There are certain types of window treatments, such as pleated shades and mini blinds, which we don’t expect will be available in Canada from any other on-line or in-store retailer. 

 
What if I want to match other blinds I already have in my home, and these blinds are no longer available due to the new regulations?

We will offer recommended substitutes wherever we can on the site. And be sure to order free samples so that you can best match new window coverings to your existing blinds or shades. And remember, most window coverings will still be available in the same fabrics and colours with cordless/motorized lift systems.

Please also feel free to contact one of our Design Consultants by chat, email or phone at 888-685-1735. We are here to help you find exactly what you need!

 
What if my windows are too high to raise & lower with a cordless lift system?

Most blinds and shades will be offered with lift system options that can work with taller & oversized windows, including shrouded continuous cord lift systems and motorized solutions. In addition, for some cordless blinds you will have the option of adding an extension pole which can be used to raise & lower the blinds.

 
Are the window coverings I see on the site the only ones which will be available from Select Blinds Canada in the future?

Definitely not! Select Blinds Canada is constantly innovating and developing new window coverings, designs/fabrics and features so that you can find the perfect blinds, shades or shutters for your home. We will continue to add new products monthly.

 
What should I do with the corded window coverings that I already have in my home?

The new regulations only apply to new window coverings sold as of May 1st, 2022, so you can continue to use your existing window coverings.

However, cordless blinds & shades that comply with the new regulations are the safest choice for any home with kids and pets, so now might be the right time to replace some of your older, corded window coverings. 

If you do plan to keep your current corded window coverings, we recommend the following to provide the safest environment for kids:

  • Install only cordless blinds and shades in baby nurseries and kids’ rooms.
  • Ensure that pull cords are secured with a cord cleat, and that continuous-loop cords are anchored to the wall or floor.
  • Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of all window coverings.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and read all warnings. Corded window coverings become a greater risk if they are not properly installed.
  • Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys far away from any windows with corded blinds/shades.
  • Keep all cords high enough so that they are out of the reach of children.
  • Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords.
  • Lock cords into position whenever blinds or shades are lowered.
  • Never tie knots in cords and untie any knots that form. Also remove any devices that form dangling loops anywhere on the cords.
 
I have other questions – can you help?

Absolutely. These new regulations mean a big change for your window covering choices in Canada. If you have any other questions, please contact us by chat, email or phone at 888-685-1735. We are here to help!

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