Window Blinds Cords Deemed Deadly: CPSC's Cord Crackdown Begins
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to make certain window covering cords a big safety concern because they can cause strangulation. This affects makers and sellers of custom and stock window coverings with long or looped cords, requiring new warnings and safer designs. Comments on these changes are open until November 23, 2026, so businesses should get ready to update their products and stay safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Custom horizontal blinds: no exposed loops
The proposal would deem exposed continuous loop operating systems on custom horizontal blinds a substantial product hazard, even if a tension device is present. This change targets looped cords that can act like a noose and cause strangulation of children.
Other custom coverings: loops need tension device
For custom window coverings that are not horizontal blinds, exposed continuous loops without an installed tension device would be designated a substantial product hazard. The ANSI/WCMA-2022 standard allows continuous loops on some custom products only if equipped with a compliant tension device, loop restrainer, or rigid cord shroud.
Custom retractable cords limited to 36 inches
The proposal would deem single retractable cord lift systems on custom window coverings with a stroke length exceeding 36 inches a substantial product hazard. ANSI/WCMA-2022 sets a maximum stroke length of 36 inches for a cord retraction device.
Roll‑up shades: cord loop lifts prohibited
The proposal would deem cord loop lifts on stock and custom roll up style shades a substantial product hazard; ANSI/WCMA-2022 defines roll up style shades as flexible sheets without cords. This would prevent use of cord loop lifts on roll up shades.
Noncompliant imports can be seized/refused
If finalized, stock and custom window coverings that violate the rule would be subject to refusal of admission into the United States under section 17(a) of the CPSA, and Customs and Border Protection may seize and forfeit merchandise under the Tariff Act. Importers could therefore face seizure and forfeiture of shipments that do not comply with the listed characteristics.
Custom blinds: no free cords over 8 inches
If you make, import, or sell custom window coverings, free‑hanging operating cords that are accessible to children and longer than 8 inches are proposed to be designated a substantial product hazard. The ANSI/WCMA-2022 standard (effective June 1, 2024) requires such cords to be inaccessible or 8 inches or shorter, so manufacturers of custom products would need to remove, shorten, or make those cords inaccessible.
Failure to report an SPH can bring penalties
A product listed as presenting a substantial product hazard would trigger the reporting requirements of section 15(b) of the CPSA; manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers that fail to report may face civil penalties under section 20 and criminal penalties under section 21. Products presenting an SPH may also be subject to voluntary or mandatory corrective actions under sections 15(c) and 15(d).
Custom systems must have warning labels/tags
The NPRM would deem the absence of a required warning label and warning tag on (1) continuous loop operating systems containing a tension device and (2) single retractable cord lift systems on custom window coverings a substantial product hazard. Custom manufacturers would need to include the specified labels and tags referenced in ANSI/WCMA-2022 sections 5.1 and 5.2.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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