US CPSC Issues Final Rules for Window Coverings

SG 139/22

US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has published two final rules aimed at reducing strangulation hazards associated with window covering cords

On November 28, 2022, the CPSC published two final rules designed to protect children aged eight years or younger from the risk of strangulation by window covering cords.

The first final rule establishes a safety standard for operating cords on custom window coverings (16 CFR 1260). It requires the operating cord on custom window coverings to comply with the same requirements as operating cords on stock window coverings in ANSI/WCMA A100.1 - 2018, i.e., each custom window covering shall comply with section 4.3.1 or 4.3.2.5.2, instead of section 4.3.2.

The rule also specifies requirements for:

• Rigid cord shrouds
• Cord retraction devices
• Loop cord and bead chain restraining devices

In addition, the rule prohibits manufacturers and importers of custom window coverings from manufacturing or importing custom window coverings that do not comply with the requirements of 16 CFR 1260 in any 180-day period between November 28, 2022, and May 30, 2023, at a rate that is greater than 120 percent of the rate at which they manufactured or imported custom window coverings during the base period for the manufacturer. The base period for custom window coverings is defined as any period of 180 consecutive days, chosen by the manufacturer or importer, in the 5-year period immediately preceding the date of promulgation of the final rule November 28, 2022.

This rule will become effective on May 30, 2023, and will apply to all custom window coverings manufactured after that date.

The second final rule deems window coverings that fail to comply with one or more of the following requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1 - 2018 to be a substantial product hazard (SPH) under 16 CFR 1120:

Custom window coverings (also known as a custom blind, shade, or shading):

1. Inner cord requirements in sections 4.5, 6.3, 6.7, and Appendices C and D
2. On-product manufacturer label in section 5.3

Stock window coverings (also known as a stock blind, shade, or shading):

1. Operating cord requirements in section 4.3.1: section 4.3.1.1 (cordless operating system), 4.3.1.2 (short static or access cord), or 4.3.1.3 (inaccessible operating cord)
2. Inner cord requirements in sections 4.5, 6.3, 6.7, and Appendices C and D
3. On-product manufacturer label requirement in section 5.3

This rule will become effective on December 28, 2022.

Custom and stock window coverings are defined in the final rules as:

• Custom window covering – has the same meaning as defined in section 3, definition 5.01, of ANSI/WCMA A100.1 - 2018 (incorporated by reference; see § 1120.4), as a window covering that does not meet the definition of a stock window covering
• Stock window covering – has the same meaning as defined in section 3, definition 5.02, of ANSI/WCMA A100.1 - 2018 (incorporated by reference; see § 1120.4), as a window covering that is completely or substantially fabricated prior to being distributed in commerce and is a specific stock-keeping unit (SKU). Even when the seller, manufacturer, or distributor modifies a pre-assembled product by adjusting to size, attaching the top rail or bottom rail, or tying cords to secure the bottom rail, the product is still considered stock. Online sales of the product, or the size of the order such as multi-family housing, does not make the product a non-stock product. These examples are provided in ANSI/WCMA A100.1 - 2018 (incorporated by reference; see § 1120.4) to clarify that as long as the product is “substantially fabricated” prior to distribution in commerce, subsequent changes to the product do not change its categorization.

SGS adds value from concept to finished product. With a full range of services, including product design analysis, component and product testing, auditing, inspection and retail store checks, we help businesses deliver safe, well-designed, functional and durable products to their customers. We have the furniture industry, regulatory and technical expertise required to ensure compliance against relevant standards and/or a manufacturer’s own specifications. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Furniture Services. 

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Dennis Lancion
SGS Connectivity & Products
Technical Manager (Hardlines)
t: +1 (905) 364-3757

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