When considering installing new blinds for your home or business, you may have noticed something peculiar: you can't seem to find corded blinds anywhere. To help keep children safe from strangulation hazards, corded blinds and shades are now banned in the United States.

The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have recently implemented new standards that make corded blinds a thing of the past. But what do these regulations mean, and what are your options if you are looking for new window coverings?

This guide will look at the current regulations of corded blinds and provide some alternative solutions if you are in the market for new window coverings.

Cordless Blinds New Regulation

Studies published by the American Academy of Pediatrics have found over 17,000 children were injured due to strangulation from corded window coverings between 1990 and 2015. In light of these findings, the WCMA and ANSI have established a new standard that all window coverings sold in the United States are free of cords.

This regulation eliminates both inner loops — inside the blinds — and pull cords, which are used to open and close the blinds. Unless your blinds are cordless, they will no longer meet safety standards and cannot be sold in the U.S. These regulations are beginning to be adopted by other countries - including Canada.

To further incentive the use of cordless blinds, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has launched a "Best for Kids" certification. This certification aims to help consumers easily identify window coverings that meet the new safety standards. When shopping for new or replacement options, look for this certification to ensure you select a safe product.

Cordless Blinds Safety Measures

To help protect children from the danger of corded blinds, the CPSC recommends a few safety measures. This includes installing window coverings that are out of reach from children and using cleats or tie-downs to secure cords in place.

Voluntary safety standards for US manufacturers aim to offer only cordless options starting in 2019. The WCMA recommends that custom cords not go beyond 40% of the window's height.

Homeowners can keep their families safe by replacing or retrofitting cords with cordless blinds and installing cleats to hold the lengths of extra cords. Additionally, all cords should be kept out of reach of children at all times. To ensure maximum safety, the CPSC recommends cordless blinds for homes with young children.

What Are New Canada Window Covering Regulations?

As of May 1, 2022, new regulations in Canada have been passed to help ensure the safety of children. These regulations require that all window coverings be free from cords and include specific features to reduce the risk of entanglement or strangulation.

Some of the highlights of the new regulations include:
a reachable cord must not exceed 22 cm in length when pulled by the gradual application of force, attaining 35 N in any direction
the perimeter of any loop created (or enlarged) must not exceed 44 cm.

These may seem like technical details, but the studied effects of these regulations are far-reaching. When enforced, these requirements will help ensure that all window coverings sold in Canada meet the latest safety standards and can help keep children safe from strangulation hazards.

Though these regulations do not prevent homeowners from using cords, it is crucial to understand the dangers and take steps to ensure safety. As such, many manufacturers and retailers have begun to offer cordless options, deciding to use safe window coverings easier and more affordable.

What Are New USA Corded Blinds Regulations?

Since passing the WCMA/ANSI regulations, the US has sought to follow suit in a similar manner to Canada. Current legislation is considering requiring the use of cordless blinds in all public buildings and schools, and enforcing the same regulations as Canada. The US is also looking to sanction the use of corded window blinds by 2023.

What Are the Alternative to Corded Window Blinds?

What options do homeowners have if they want to avoid the dangers of corded blinds? Fortunately, options are available for those looking to make their home safer.

One good option is motorized window blinds, which can be controlled remotely via a wall switch or smartphone app. These are great for those looking to increase safety and convenience.

They also come in various styles and designs, allowing homeowners to choose an option that fits the aesthetic of their space. These Smart Blinds make it easy to open and close window coverings without reaching for cords.

Alternatively, there are also cordless blinds available on the market. These can be opened manually but don’t present any of the hazards that corded ones do. They come in a variety of styles and materials, so homeowners can find an option to match their needs.

What Can I Do with the Corded Blinds I Already Have in My Home?

The regulations passed in Canada only apply to newly manufactured window coverings, so homeowners with existing corded blinds may continue using the ones they already have in their homes. However, it is encouraged that homeowners take steps to ensure that their corded window coverings are as safe as possible.

You can take several steps to help make corded window coverings safer. This includes using cleats to tie up excess cords and keeping them out of reach of children, as well as installing tension devices to keep them away from windows and doors.

Replacing old corded blinds with new ones or retrofitting with our DIY motorized tubular motors that meet the latest safety regulations is also recommended. Avoid tying loops in the cord; if possible, keep the cords out of reach.

Ultimately, taking steps to make your window coverings as safe as possible is recommended. It is also beneficial to educate children on the dangers of window covering cords and how to avoid them. By following these regulations and understanding their impact, homeowners can help ensure a safe and healthy environment for their families.

Final Verdict

The new regulations being passed to ban corded blinds aren't intended to punish homeowners but rather to provide them with safer options. They are a sign of progress in safety standards and can help ensure any window coverings sold to meet the latest requirements.

Motorized blinds and cordless blinds offer excellent alternatives for those looking to increase their home's safety while not sacrificing style or convenience.

Additionally, if homeowners have corded blinds already in their homes, it is encouraged to take all necessary steps to make them as safe as possible. By following the regulations and understanding the impact, families can ensure a safer environment for everyone.

If you are looking for an alternative to your existing window coverings or are in the market for new ones, make sure to check out Go Smart Blinds - the best choice for a safer home. These blinds are easy to install and offer plenty of safety features that make them an excellent choice for any home.

Go Smart Blinds can help home owners create beautiful, convenient, and safe environments for their families - so why not give them a try? With Go Smart Blinds, you can be sure that your window coverings are up-to-date with the latest safety regulations, helping you create a safer home for all.

So what are you waiting for? Get your Smart Blinds today and make your home a safer place!