WCAA Official Statement to the CPSC Proposed Changes to the Custom Window Treatment Cord Standards
The Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) would like to make you aware of some potential changes that could affect US Cord Standards. These changes will affect everyone in our Industry including Interior Designers, Workrooms, Window Treatment Retailers and Installers.
WINDOW TREATMENT CORD STANDARDS PROPOSED CHANGES BY CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has proposed significant changes to the operating cords on custom window coverings. The proposed rule would require operating cords on custom window coverings to meet the identical requirements for operating cords on stock window coverings, as set forth in 2018.
The current ANSI standard requires stock window coverings to have the following:
No operating cords (cordless);
Inaccessible operating cords; or
Operating cords shorter than 8 inches in any position.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
The rule making process allows interested parties to submit comments to the CPSC regarding these changes. The CPSC originally proposed that these new standards go into effect 2 years after the publication of the final rule, however, they have now made an amendment that they go into effect within 180 days of their vote which could be as early as October of 2022.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23RD
An important reminder when making comments: Before enacting a consumer product safety rule, the CPSC must consider, and make appropriate findings to be included in the rule, on certain issues.
For a complete summary of the rule and more information click below.
If you would like to submit a personalized comment, please click the link below and use the “Submit a Formal Comment” button at the to-right of the page.
We have gathered some information that we believe is important and that you may want to consider when making your comments. Please make your comments specific to your businesses point of view.
Lastly, we are sharing this information with not only our WCAA Members but also our entire community that includes Interior Designers, Workrooms, Window Treatment Retailers and Installers. Please forward this email to anyone that you feel could benefit from knowing this information and would like to comment. Also, click on the buttons below to find a PDF of this information that can be shared in your social media or your own email blast.
As the WCAA learns more about this fast-changing situation we will continue to provide resources for businesses to determine their own path forward. Please visit our Safety page on our website for additional information and resources.
Thank you,
WCAA Board of Directors