Industry guidance related to the Corded Window Coverings Regulations: Overview

Overview

This document provides information about the safety requirements that apply under the Corded Window Coverings Regulations (the Regulations) to corded window coverings that are manufactured, imported, advertised or sold in Canada.

The Regulations, which came into force in 2021, serve an important purpose to help eliminate the risk of strangulation associated with corded window coverings and help protect the health and safety of children.

Who these guidelines are for

• Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of corded window coverings
• Testing laboratories
• Other interested parties who are affected by the Regulations

Introduction

The intent of this document is to:

• give an overview of the requirements for corded window coverings
• provide additional guidance on the requirements concerning cords
• provide awareness of the test method used by Health Canada for assessing compliance to the Regulations

This document is not intended to substitute for, supersede or limit the requirements under the applicable legislation. In case of any discrepancy between this guide and the legislation, the legislation will prevail. To obtain information on the legislative requirements for corded window coverings not covered in this document, refer to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) and its Regulations.

This guide may be updated without notice. For the most recent version of the guide, consult the Canada Consumer Products Safety Act guidelines and reports under "Industry Guidelines".

Legislation

Corded window coverings manufactured, imported, advertised or sold in Canada are subject to the CCPSA and the Regulations.

The Consumer Product Safety Program administers and enforces the CCPSA and its Regulations. The Program operates as a post-market regulatory regime, meaning that there is no pre-market review or approval of consumer products by Health Canada. It is the responsibility of industry to ensure that the products they supply to the Canadian market comply with the CCPSA and its Regulations.

In addition to the product-specific requirements summarized in this document reflecting the Regulations, it is prohibited to manufacture, import, advertise or sell any consumer product that is a "danger to human health or safety" as defined in the CCPSA (see paragraphs 7(a) and 8(a)).

Industry is responsible for the safety of their products. They are responsible for making sure that their products do not pose a danger to human health or safety.