CPSC to Refuse Imports of Window Covering Cords That Don't Meet Voluntary Standard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is finalizing the addition of window covering cords that don't meet certain requirements of the relevant industry standard to its substantial product hazard list. Under CPSC's final rule, stock and custom window coverings that do not meet industry standards for operating cord length, inner cord size and labeling will be subject to refusal of admission, and importers and manufacturers that import hazardous window coverings will be subject to CPSC corrective action plans and penalties. The final rule takes effect Dec. 28.

The final rule defines a stock window covering 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 preassembled 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 do not make the product a non-stock product." Custom window covering is defined as "a window covering that does not meet the definition of a stock window covering."

"Window coverings include shades, blinds, curtains, and draperies, among other products," CPSC said in the preamble to the final rule. "Both blinds and shades may have inner cords that distribute forces to cause a motion, such as raising, lowering, or rotating the window covering to achieve a consumer's desired level of light control. Manufacturers use inner cords on window coverings to open and close blinds and shades, using a variety of mechanisms, including traditional operating cords, motors, or direct-lift of the bottom rail of the product, to manipulate inner cords. Curtains and draperies do not contain inner cords, but consumers can operate curtains and drapes using a continuous loop operating cord or a wand."

"A cord or loop used by consumers to manipulate a window covering is called an 'operating cord' and may be in the form of a single cord, multiple cords, or continuous loops," CPSC said. "'Cordless' window coverings are products designed to function without an operating cord, but they may contain inner cords." CPSC said window coverings pose a "risk of strangulation to children 8 years old and younger associated with hazardous cords on window coverings."

Stock window coverings covered by the final rule must comply with ANSI/WCMA A100.1 -- 2018, "American National Standard For Safety Of Corded Window Covering Products" standards for operating cords, inner cords and labeling. Custom window covers have to comply with only inner cord and labeling requirements, but CPSC is simultaneously finalizing a new safety standard for custom window coverings that addresses operating cord requirements (see 2211280051). Noncompliance with any of these criteria causes a window covering cord to be a substantial product hazard, CPSC said.

If a window covering offered for import is a substantial product hazard, it will be refused admission, and CBP will have the ability to seize the product and assess civil penalties. Additionally, under the final rule, the importer, manufacturer, distributor or retailer will be subject to reporting requirements, and failure to report will subject it to civil, and possibly criminal, penalties. CPSC also will have the authority to require the importer, manufacturer, distributor or retailer to offer to repair or replace the product, or refund the purchase price to the consumer, under a corrective action plan.