Short answer: Corded blinds are not banned in Canada, but since May 1, 2022 every corded window covering sold here must meet Health Canada's Corded Window Coverings Regulations (SOR/2019-97). Any cord a child could reach must be 22 cm or shorter, and any reachable loop must be 44 cm or less around. Many older blinds do not meet these rules.
Key takeaways
- The rules apply to products sold, advertised or imported in Canada from May 1, 2022.
- Reachable cords: 22 cm maximum. Reachable loops: 44 cm maximum perimeter.
- The limits are designed around the size of a one-year-old child.
- Cordless and motorized products are the simplest way to be safe.
- Older blinds are not illegal to own, but replacing them in children's rooms is wise.
This article summarizes public Health Canada guidance for homeowners. It is not legal advice. For the full regulation, see the Corded Window Coverings Regulations (SOR/2019-97) on the Justice Laws website.
Why the rules exist
Children have died in Canada after becoming entangled in window covering cords. It happens quickly and silently, often in a bedroom, with a crib or bed near a window. After years of voluntary standards that did not solve the problem, Health Canada introduced some of the strictest corded window covering rules in the world.
What the rules say, in plain English
Health Canada's guidance to industry sets out the key safety requirements:
1. Reachable cords must be 22 cm or shorter. That limit applies whether the cord is at rest or pulled with force (up to 35 newtons, about the force of a determined toddler).
2. Reachable loops must be 44 cm or less in perimeter. Again, at rest or when pulled.
3. Why those numbers? Health Canada based them on a one-year-old: 22 cm is too short to wrap around a young child's neck, and a 44 cm loop is too small to pull over a child's head.
4. Unreachable cords must stay unreachable. If a design keeps cords out of reach, it has to stay that way for the life of the product, and the parts that do it must not come off without a tool.
5. Small parts and lead. Parts a child could access are tested for choking hazards, and outward-facing surfaces are restricted in lead content.
The rules apply to companies that manufacture, import, advertise or sell corded window coverings in Canada, and they came into force on May 1, 2022.
Are corded blinds illegal?
No. Owning corded blinds is not illegal, and corded blinds can still be sold, as long as they meet the rules. In practice, the requirements mean most new products are now cordless, motorized, or use short cords and tensioned loops that cannot be pulled into a dangerous shape.
What about the blinds I already have?
The rules govern products sold from 2022 onward. They do not make homeowners remove older blinds. But if your blinds have long pull cords or loose loops and young children live in or visit your home, Health Canada's advice is to act:
- Replace them with cordless or motorized products, starting with children's bedrooms and play areas. This is the safest option.
- If you cannot replace them yet, cut any looped cords, keep cords tied up high and out of reach, and move cribs, beds and furniture away from windows so children cannot climb to reach cords.
The safest options today
| Option | How it works | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Cordless lift | Raise and lower by hand from the bottom rail | Cellular, roller, Roman, zebra, sheer, wood, faux wood |
| Motorized | Remote, switch, app or voice; nothing to pull | Almost all shades |
| Wand control | A rigid wand tilts slats or draws verticals | Wood, faux wood, aluminum, vertical |
| Tensioned continuous loop | Chain fixed to the wall so it cannot hang free | Larger roller and Roman shades |
Room-by-room safety
- Nursery and kids' rooms: cordless or motorized only. No exceptions.
- Living rooms: cordless or motorized; keep sofas and climbable furniture away from windows.
- Bedrooms where grandchildren sleep over: worth upgrading too.
- Pets: cats and dogs get tangled in cords as well. Cordless helps them too.
How we approach this at Atlantic Shades
Every product we make meets Health Canada's regulations. In homes with children, we recommend cordless or motorized products for every window, and where a continuous loop is needed on a large shade, we install the tension device every time. It is not optional. If you have older corded blinds, we will happily take them away when we install your new ones.
See cordless and child-safe blinds · Book a free measure
Frequently asked questions
Are corded blinds banned in Canada?
No. Corded blinds can still be sold in Canada, but since May 1, 2022 they must meet Health Canada's Corded Window Coverings Regulations: reachable cords no longer than 22 cm and reachable loops no larger than 44 cm in perimeter.
Do I have to replace my old corded blinds?
The law does not require homeowners to remove older blinds. Health Canada recommends replacing corded blinds with cordless products where children live or visit, or at least cutting loops and securing cords out of reach.
Are cordless blinds more expensive?
Usually only slightly, and cordless is now standard on many products. Motorized shades cost more but remove cords entirely.
Are continuous loop chains safe?
When the loop is fixed to the wall with a tension device so it cannot hang free, it meets the safety requirements. Never remove or skip the tension device.
What are the safest blinds for a nursery?
Cordless or motorized blinds and shades with no reachable cords, ideally with blackout fabric and side channels for naps.
Related: Best blackout blinds for bedrooms and nurseries · Are motorized blinds worth it? · How long do blinds last?
Sources: Health Canada, Industry guidance related to the Corded Window Coverings Regulations: Safety requirements; Corded Window Coverings Regulations (SOR/2019-97).