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Products the mandatory standards applies to

Corded internal window coverings are window coverings used inside a home and include:

  • window coverings, such as curtains or blinds with a cord
  • fittings used with a window covering, such as a traverse rod or track.

Products the mandatory standards do not apply to

The Competition and Consumer (Corded Internal Window Coverings) Safety Standard 2014 doesn’t apply to the installation of corded internal window coverings in:

  • caravans
  • mobile homes
  • boats.

Complying with the mandatory standards

There are 2 mandatory standards for blinds, curtains and window fittings.

They apply to:

  • the supply, labelling and components for cord safety of the product and packaging
  • how to install window coverings.

This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.

View the full detail of the mandatory standard.

Supplying blinds, curtains and window fittings

Suppliers of blinds, curtains and window fittings must comply with the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard - Corded Internal Window Coverings) Regulations 2010.

Labelling

Corded internal window coverings must have:

  • a warning label on the retail packaging
  • a warning label or swing tag attached to the cord
  • installation instructions.

Safety warning statement

The warning label on the retail packaging of a corded window covering must contain the words:

WARNING: CURTAIN AND BLIND CORDS HAVE CAUSED THE DEATH OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND MUST BE INSTALLED SO THAT THEY ARE NOT A STRANGULATION HAZARD. FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

The warning label or swing tag attached to the cord must contain the words:

WARNING: Young children have died by wrapping loose curtain and blind cords or chains around their necks. Secure cords or chains with cord guides or keep them out of reach by winding them around a cleat. Move cots and furniture away from window covering cords or chains. Do not remove this label.

Installing blinds, curtains and window fittings

Installers of blinds, curtains and window fittings must comply with the Competition and Consumer (Corded Internal Window Coverings) Safety Standard 2014.

Instructions

The corded internal window covering must be installed according to the installation instructions on the window covering packaging.

Labels and tags

A person installing a corded internal window covering must attach a label to it. It must contain the name and contact details of the person or company who installs the product.

They must not remove any warning label or swing tag supplied with the corded internal window covering.

Cleats and cord guides

A cleat or a cord guide must be installed correctly to keep loose cords secure.

The corded internal window covering must be installed to make sure:

  • a loose cord cannot form a loop 220 mm or longer at less than 1,600 mm above floor level
  • any components for cord safety specified in the installation instructions are used.

No part of a cord guide may be installed lower than 1,600 mm above floor level unless:

  • the cord guide will remain firmly attached to a wall or other structure when subjected to a tension force of 70N
  • the cord is secured or tensioned to prevent the formation of a loop 220 mm or longer.

A cleat used to secure a cord may not be installed lower than 1,600 mm above floor level.

Mandatory standard details

The Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard - Corded Internal Window Coverings) Regulations 2010 sets out the mandatory requirements for corded internal window coverings.

The Competition and Consumer (Corded Internal Window Coverings) Safety Standard 2014 contains the mandatory requirements for installing corded internal window coverings.

The accompanying Explanatory Statement has further information.

When a product does not comply

Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.

Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.

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