Health Canada has extended the Corded Window Coverings Regulations Compliance date from May 1st, 2021 until April 30th, 2022. The new Regulations serve an important purpose to help eliminate the strangulation hazard associated with corded window coverings and protect the health and safety of children. Businesses that don’t comply with these regulations will be subject to fines and reputational damage.
The regulations fall under the authority of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). Therefore, a window covering product is within scope of the Regulations, and all of the requirements apply, if: a) it is a “corded window covering” as defined in the Regulations; and b) it is a “consumer product” as defined in the CCPSA;
In the CCPSA, “consumer product” means a product, including its components, parts or accessories, that may reasonably be expected to be obtained by an individual to be used for non-commercial purposes, including for domestic, recreational and sports purposes, and includes its packaging.
Determining whether a corded window covering product is a “consumer product” depends on how it was obtained (can a consumer obtain it?) and what it is used for (commercial or non-commercial purposes).
If consumers can obtain a corded window covering product for their own non-commercial (residential) use, then it is a “consumer product” even if the same product may also be installed in commercial buildings (office buildings, restaurants, etc.).
A corded window covering that is sold exclusively to commercial entities and used exclusively for commercial purposes is not a “consumer product” and therefore, is not subject to the Regulations.
For general information regarding the Regulations, please see the following links:
- Corded Window Coverings Regulations
- Industry guidance related to the Corded Window Coverings Regulations
- Notice to Stakeholders
If you have any questions pertaining to the Regulations or, guidance documents or supplementary guidance videos, please contact a Health Canada Consumer Product Safety Office via email: ccpsa-lcspc@hc-sc.gc.ca or telephone at 1-866-662-0666 (toll-free within Canada and the United States).