In order to eliminate strangulation risks to children due to accessible cords, Canada is enforcing new Corded Window Covering Regulations in Canada as of May 1, 2022.
These requirements apply not just to the lift cords, but also to inner cords and cords inside the window frame (including those found on horizontal blinds, top-down bottom-up shades & skylight shades), cords on the backside of certain shades (e.g. roman & bamboo shades), and any other reachable cords.
These new regulations will be enforced for any window coverings shipped as of May 1st, 2022.
You will see product changes on the Select Blinds Canada site as of April 11th, since we need to be sure that any blinds which would not comply with the new regulations ship by April 30th.
These regulations require changes to many window coverings.
1. Most blinds & shades will still be available, just without a reachable corded lift system. Most window coverings will now be raised and lowered through a shrouded continuous cord loop, cordless lift systems, power wands, or motorization/automation. In addition, certain products will have some new types of lift systems (e.g. wand lift).
2. Certain products and options will not be available any longer due to the way they operate with internal cords, including:
3. Certain blinds will operate differently than before. For example:
I am looking for window coverings which are no longer available on your site. Will I be able to find them anywhere else?
We manufacture our window coverings through some of the top factories in Canada and internationally. We are confident that we have the widest selection of products and features available. There are certain types of window treatments, such as pleated shades and mini blinds, which we don’t expect will be available in Canada from any other on-line or in-store retailer.
What if I want to match other blinds I already have in my home, and these blinds are no longer available due to the new regulations?
We will offer recommended substitutes wherever we can on the site. And be sure to order free samples so that you can best match new window coverings to your existing blinds or shades. And remember, most window coverings will still be available in the same fabrics and colours with cordless/motorized lift systems.
What if my windows are too high to raise & lower with a cordless lift system?
Most blinds and shades will be offered with lift system options that can work with taller & oversized windows, including shrouded continuous cord lift systems and motorized solutions. In addition, for some cordless blinds you will have the option of adding an extension pole which can be used to raise & lower the blinds.
Are the window coverings I see on the site the only ones which will be available from Select Blinds Canada in the future?
Definitely not! Select Blinds Canada is constantly innovating and developing new window coverings, designs/fabrics and features so that you can find the perfect blinds, shades or shutters for your home. We will continue to add new products monthly.
What should I do with the corded window coverings that I already have in my home?
The new regulations only apply to new window coverings sold as of May 1st, 2022, so you can continue to use your existing window coverings.
However, cordless blinds & shades that comply with the new regulations are the safest choice for any home with kids and pets, so now might be the right time to replace some of your older, corded window coverings.
If you do plan to keep your current corded window coverings, we recommend the following to provide the safest environment for kids:
I have other questions – can you help?
Absolutely. These new regulations mean a big change for your window covering choices in Canada. If you have any other questions, please contact us