Canada Bans Corded Blinds: Regulations and Alternatives
Shutters, blinds, and shades can make or break your home décor. However, your options for window coverings will become a lot fewer this May when Health Canada starts to enforce the Corded Window Coverings Regulations (CWCR). Learn about the regulations to make an informed decision on sophisticated, stylish, and safe window coverings in 2022 and beyond.
Health Canada Corded Blinds Regulation Guide
The 30 child deaths from strangulation by corded window coverings (CWCs) between 1989 and 2009 were preventable tragedies that illustrated a need for better regulation. Therefore, Health Canada moved to ban CWCs. The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) of 2010 states that Health Canada can only regulate CWCs sold to individuals for non-commercial purposes. Blinds sold exclusively to commercial entities are not subject to the ban, so commercial buyers need not be worried about any new enforcement.
Health Canada has banned corded blinds with free-hanging cords or loops over 22cm to promote child safety in a residential setting. The new rules also regulate small parts and lead content in window coverings, additional measures the agency felt had gone unaddressed in previous regulatory initiatives.
Although the regulations technically went into effect on May 1, 2021, Health Canada did not enforce them proactively. Instead, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency focused on promoting awareness of and urging compliance with the new rules. So far, Health Canada has only enforced them based on incidents and complaints. However, as of May 1, 2022, the agency will begin proactive compliance monitoring.
Due to Health Canada window regulation activities, consumers’ choices for window coverings will diminish significantly. Fortunately for them, design companies have been working hard to develop elegant, cost-effective, and child-safe options in compliance with the government.
Alternatives to Corded Blinds
Consumers can order many new window coverings with motorized opening and closing. Smart systems like PowerView® offer a convenient alternative that you can operate from your smartphone or via remote control. Furthermore, this system can integrate with home automation suites like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for convenient and safe remote operation.
Window treatment installers can outfit shades with cordless opening mechanisms such as LiteRise® and SimpleLift®. Both systems allow the user to open and close shades and blinds with a touch of the hand. LiteRise® provides smooth operation for shades and looks clean and elegant without hanging cords or tassels. On the other hand, SpringRise® has a contoured bottom rail. On blinds, this system pairs well with PowerView® to provide safe remote opening, closing, and tilting of your blinds.
For a simple, budget-friendly solution, concealed cord tensioners keep cords taut and are safe for children and pets. Finally, as an affordable alternative to the systems above, concealed controls fully comply with Health Canada’s CWCR
PowerView®
LiteRise®
UltraGlide®
Concealed Control
Which Alternative is Right for You?
Deciding which style and color of window treatments fit your budget can be daunting. With the impending enforcement of Health Canada’s CWCR, you need to consult a knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable firm that will customize the perfect solution for your needs. At Fenêtre Déco, we will work with you and your family to design and install window coverings that are beautiful, practical, and safe.
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION
To schedule your first appointment, submit a request through our website, and one of our agents will contact you in the next 24 hours. During the appointment, we will help you choose from a variety of styles and colors that best suit your budget.
