Curtain Exports to the US: CPSC Rule 15(j) and Cord Rules

US Market and CPSC Federal Safety Legislation

Compliance with cord safety requirements on window coverings in the US is a legal mandate [1], [2].
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal public agency established to protect public safety against unreasonable risks of injury and death arising from consumer products [4].
Under federal safety rule 15(j) promulgated by the CPSC, window coverings failing to meet operating cord and permanent warning label requirements are designated as a 'substantial product hazard' [1], [2].
Products that do not fulfill these conditions cannot clear US customs [1], [2].

ANSI/WCMA Standards and Technical Cord Requirements

The CPSC 15(j) rule is based on the specified sections of the ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 standard developed by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) [1].
The rule imposes requirements on operating and inner cords in ready-made (stock) window coverings [2], [3].
According to the regulation, operating cords on stock mechanical blinds must either feature a completely cordless design (including spring or motorized systems), be manufactured such that free hanging cord length is 8 inches (approximately 20 centimeters) or shorter, or be enclosed inside a mechanical casing inaccessible to users and children [2], [3].
Similarly, inner cords located behind the fabric or within inner channels of the curtain mechanism must be entirely enclosed from physical access by children or limited to a shortness that prevents the formation of a hazardous loop [2], [3].
These technical mandates directly govern product engineering and assembly designs of suppliers exporting roller blinds, zebra blinds or venetian blinds to the US [2].

Custom Order Curtains, Court Ruling and Best for Kids Program

The mandatory federal standard developed by the CPSC for custom-ordered products was vacated by a 2023 decision of the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit resulting from litigation brought by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) [5].
Under the independent 'Best for Kids' program, products are tested in an independent laboratory for cordless design or inaccessibility of cords; products passing the test bear the Best for Kids label [6].