WCMA Targets Year End for Ballot on Updated Window Covering Standard

The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) June 29 said it will seek by the end of 2016 to develop and submit for balloting an update of ANSI/WCMA A100.1 for corded window coverings. The new standard would be in place sometime after that, followed by updated products as needed.

WCMA also asserted that it will seek to work with CPSC staff, including an open technical meeting as a precursor to the standards discussions. The group explained its optimism:

"As a result of technological advances in the industry, WCMA is optimistic that there is a historic opportunity for this updated standard to further reduce the risk of entanglement and strangulation from window coverings with accessible cords. Ongoing industry innovation and new product development have resulted in the industry’s ability to deliver a variety of consumer accepted options that will allow WCMA to revise the standard using new approaches that will effectively address the risk posed to young children by window coverings with accessible cords."

Meanwhile, CPSC chairman Elliot Kaye called the move "encouraging" and praised the association's commitment to collaboration. He expressed hope that products meeting the new requirements would be in place "as soon as possible in 2018." He stated:

"With the right mindset and commitment from all parties, we can do this and do this quickly. Everyone needs to come together—CPSC, WCMA, consumer safety advocates, manufacturers and retailers—during the coming weeks and months to create a strong, child-protective safety standard. I acknowledge this positive and meaningful step today by the industry, and I urge us all to keep in mind the loss and advocacy of so many parents, especially Linda Kaiser. Let's finally make this happen."

Additionally, five consumer advocacy groups jointly voiced support for the move, asserting that the current version "falls short in protecting children from the risk of strangulation." But they tempered their enthusiasms, explaining:

"In opening the standard, WCMA must prioritize that any revisions will finally address the strangulation hazard posed by accessible cords in an effective way. But today’s announcement does not provide the critical details necessary to know whether that will be the case. We will be at the table to monitor the discussions and press for a standard that effectively addresses the strangulation hazards on all window covering products. The standard should also help reduce the confusion consumers face when purchasing products with unclear safety claims."

The groups are Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Independent Safety Consulting, Kids in Danger, and Parents for Window Blind Safety.

The move follows an improved relationship with CPSC over the past year that has included a technical meeting (PSL, 6/1/15) at which the association and agency addressed points of confusion, showing them possibly closer together than believed.

More recently, CPSC and Health Canada jointly took a positive approach, holding a press event to highlight and praise the industry's developing innovations (PSL, 3/7/16). Nonetheless, the agency has strongly urged action (PSL, 11/2/15), pointing to the still-open ANPR to address strangulation risks (PSL, 1/12/15).