CPSC Sets New Safety Standard on Cords for Custom Window Coverings

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is setting a new safety standard for operating cords for custom window coverings, it said in a final rule published Nov. 28. Under the standard, cords for custom window coverings will be subject to the same requirements as those for cords on stock window covers under the applicable voluntary standard, CPSC said. The final rule requires that custom window coverings must "meet the requirements for stock window coverings in section 4.3.1 of ANSI/WCMA-2018, meaning that custom window coverings must be cordless, have short cords (8 inches or less), or the cords must be made inaccessible," CPSC said. Methods of making the cord inaccessible include a rigid cord shroud and loop cord and bead chain restraining devices, it said. The final rule takes effect May 30, 2023.