2023
New Standard Eliminates Pull Cord Lift System Technology
window blind with eight safety tassels

As a direct result of our advocacy, WCMA eliminated deadly pull-cord lift systems from all window-covering products in the United States.  These systems included hazardous cords that contained loops created by cord connectors that several children strangled on.  Continuous loop beaded chains and cord systems on custom products are allowed…
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2022
2022 Window Covering Safety Standard Gets Negative Votes In Eight Attempt
Beaded Looped chain on Shade

The WCMA’s 8th attempt to address looped cords on window covering products in the proposed WCMA A100.1-2022 failed to remove or adequately address dangerous loop cords on custom products. Overall, in the history of the CPSC’s in-depth investigation reports and medical examiner reports data shows that looped operational cords have…
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2019
Health Canada Publishes Corded Window Covering Regulations
Minister

Health Canada published the new Corded Window Coverings Regulations which restricts the length of cords and the size of loops allowed on window coverings both custom-made and off-shelf sold in Canada, to avoid the possibility of getting wrapped around a child's neck. *Heath Canada Minister Taylor and founder, Linda Kaiser…
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2018
Seventh attempt to update safety standard, WCMA eliminates cords on stock
Child opening window shade with long hazardous loop.

WCMA publishes new standard segregating stock products from custom-made products, eliminating deadly cords on stock products. Hazardous cords continue to be sold on all custom-made products in the USA. WCMA promises to reopen standards within six months to address hazards on custom products.  The next standard doesn't open until 2022.

2017
National Department of Defense Act
National Department of Defense Act

  The National Department of Defense Act removed hazardous operating cords from military housing on post after dozens of children died.  Units were replaced with cordless Products.

2016
Study On Effectiveness of Safety Devices in Child’s Access to Hazardous Cords
Study On Effectiveness of Safety Devices in Child’s Access to Hazardous Cords

Sponsored by the CPSC, A study showing the effectiveness of safety devices verified consumers preferred cordless lift systems over all others for safety.

Canada Withdraws from Standard Development Process
harmonize

Health Canada immediately withdraws from the ANSI/WCMA standard development process claiming full alignment with the new American voluntary standard was not appropriate in consideration of health, safety, and trade law risks in Canada. Health Canada begins the CWC regulation process to remove hazardous cords from window coverings in Canada

2015
CPSC votes for an ANPR for Rulemaking
CPSC votes for an ANPR for Rulemaking

CPSC votes for an ANPR for Rulemaking extending the rulemaking process.

IKEA Goes Cordless
IKEA Goes Cordless

IKEA removes hazardous cords from shelves globally.  1/3 of Canadian deaths disappear.

2014
Sixth attempt of safety standard is limited
Sixth attempt of safety standard is limited

  Another ANSI standard update for editorial changes and warning tags. CPSC notes the ongoing threat of pull cord and looped operational cord hazards and asks the industry to reopen ANSI standard. Standard is not opened until 2017.