New Safety Standard Removes Most Corded Window Coverings from U.S. Market
An updated standard that mandates window covering products sold in the United States be made either cordless or have shorter or inaccessible cords is now in effect. ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022, which went into effect on June 1, 2024, aims to eliminate free-hanging operating cords, free-hanging tilt cords and multiple cords on custom window coverings to significantly reduce any risk of choking or strangulation in young children.
Custom window coverings are defined as any made-to-order product unable to be purchased on a store shelf.
This revised standard is an update to a previous 2022 standard that eliminated continuous cord loops and bead chains on all horizontal slatted custom products. This update further enhances safety by eliminating additional hazards associated with window blinds and other treatments.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, it’s estimated that about nine children under the age of 5 are strangled to death by window cords each year. Furthermore, it’s estimated that 440 children under the age of 8 were strangled to death by window cords between 1973 and 2022.
Says Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) Executive Director Ralph Vasami<https://windowcoverings.org/revised-safety-standard-2022/>: “The revised standard is the strongest safety standard in the world. The elimination of free hanging operating cords, free hanging tilt cords and multiple cords into a cord connector on all custom window covering products is a direct result of ongoing industry innovation, technological advances and new product development.”
While this standard is in effect for custom window treatments created after June 1, 2024, consumers are encouraged to replace any existing window coverings with cord hazards accordingly. Look for the “Best for Kids” certification label on window coverings, which signifies that a product either has no cords, cords that aren’t accessible or cords that are unable to create a hazardous loop.
Consumers can also follow window treatment safety best practices, such as keeping cribs and beds away from window blinds or ordering retrofit kids to make existing corded window treatments safer.
For more information on the ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 standard and on window treatment safety, contact us today.
For related articles: View our sources below
1. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/revised-safety-standard-result-more-100000784.html
… WCMA) Executive Director, Ralph Vasami. “The revised standard is the strongest safety standard in the world. The elimination … of free hanging operating cords, free hanging tilt cords and multiple cords into a cord connector on all made-to-
2. https://windowcoverings.org/revised-safety-standard-2022/
… In addition, the 2022 revision to the standard prohibits the use of continuous cord loops and bead chains … on all horizontal slatted custom products and adds enhanced … The elimination of free hanging operating cords, free hanging tilt … cords and multiple cords into a cord connector on all made-to-order custom
3. https://retrofithomemagazine.com/2024/06/new-standard-will-result-in-vast-majority-of-u-s-custom-window-coverings-being-cordless/
… WCMA) Executive Director, Ralph Vasami. “The revised standard is the strongest safety standard in the world. The elimination of free
4. https://www.windowanddoor.com/blog/window-covering-safety
… cord loops and bead chains on all horizontal slatted custom products. The addition of custom products to the revised standard is significant … This standard eliminates the use of free-hanging operating cords, free-hanging tilt cords
5. https://wcmanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WCMA-Standard-Approved.pdf
… In addition, the 2022 revision to the standard prohibits the use of continuous cord loops and bead chains on … WCMA Executive Director, Ralph Vasami. Corded window coverings will only be available as custom-order products using retractable cord or…. The elimination of free hanging
6. https://www.tuvsud.com/en/e-ssentials-newsletter/consumer-products-and-retail-essentials/e-ssentials-8-2023/usa-cpsc-rule-on-custom-window-coverings-vacated
… The new version3 eliminates the use of free-hanging operating cords, free-hanging tilt cords, and multiple cord connectors on all custom window covering
7. https://windowcoverings.org/window-cord-safety/new-standard/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-new-window-covering-safety-standard/
… 1-2022, strengthens window-covering safety by eliminating the use of free hanging operating cords, free hanging tilt cords and multiple cords into a cord