Impacts of New Health Canada Regulations on Window Coverings
On May 1st, 2022, Health Canada introduced new regulations that have had a significant impact on the window coverings industry. Due to safety concerns regarding the potential choking hazards of strings, cords, and chains, many popular products have been discontinued. Among the most notable products that will no longer be carried in Canada are many types of horizontal blinds, as these are designed with two sets of strings for raising and lowing the blinds. The best available alternatives for replicating the slatted look of these blinds are dual shades, which have alternating bands of sheer and opaque fabric, and horizontal sheers, which have vanes of opaque fabric that run horizontally between two vertical sheets of sheer fabric and can be turned sideways for greater privacy. Horizontal blinds will still be available using a tilt only system, which prevents them from being raised, but keeps their look and functionality otherwise intact. Another type of product that is no longer available is the ‘top-down, bottom-up’ style of shades that can be opened from the top down. These products require strings to hold up the blinds when they are detached from the top of the window opening, so they fail to comply with the new regulatory standards. Roman shades, which are raised and lowered using a pair of strings running down the back of the fabric, will be temporarily unavailable until a new system is developed to operate them. The regulations also effect those products that can still be sold by limiting the control options that are available for adjusting them. Shades can no longer be sold with lose chains as the operating mechanism, so they must now be operated using a concealed chain, crank or pump system, or through motorization. Exemptions do exist for businesses, so check with our friendly staff to see if these products are still an option for your business. When looking for new window coverings for your home in Canada, it is important to be aware of these changes.
Important: This article was accurate at the time of publishing, but no longer reflects the current state of the window treatment industry in Canada. Follow the link below for up-to-date information.
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