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Proposed Rule2026-19579

Substantial Product Hazard List: Amendments to Requirements for Window Covering Cords

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Published

September 24, 2026

Issuing agencies

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Abstract

To address window covering cord strangulation risks, the Commission proposes to designate certain window coverings a substantial product hazard. These include products with: accessible free hanging operating cords longer than 8 inches on custom window coverings; exposed continuous loops with and without tension devices on custom horizontal blinds; exposed continuous loops without tension devices on other custom window coverings; lack of a warning on exposed continuous loops and single retractable cords on custom window coverings; presence of stroke lengths longer than 36 inches on single retractable cord lift systems on custom window coverings; and a cord loop lift system on stock or custom roll up style shades.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 184 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 184 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60546-60568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19579]

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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

16 CFR Part 1120

[CPSC Docket No. CPSC-2026-0463]

Substantial Product Hazard List: Amendments to Requirements for
Window Covering Cords

AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: To address window covering cord strangulation risks, the
Commission proposes to designate certain window coverings a substantial
product hazard. These include products with: accessible free hanging
operating cords longer than 8 inches on custom window coverings;
exposed continuous loops with and without tension devices on custom
horizontal blinds; exposed continuous loops without tension devices on
other custom window coverings; lack of a warning on exposed continuous
loops and single retractable cords on custom window coverings; presence
of stroke lengths longer than 36 inches on single retractable cord lift
systems on custom window coverings; and a cord loop lift system on
stock or custom roll up style shades.

DATES: Written comments must be received by November 23, 2026.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments, identified by Docket No. CPSC-2026-0463, by
any of the following methods:
Electronic Submissions: Submit electronic comments to the Federal
eRulemaking Portal at: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments. CPSC typically does not accept
comments submitted by email, except through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. CPSC
encourages you to submit electronic comments by using the Federal
eRulemaking Portal, as described above.
Confidential Written Submissions: If you wish to submit
confidential business information, trade secret information, or other
sensitive or protected information that you do not want to be available
to the public, you may submit such comments by email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#62011211014f0d1122011211014c050d14">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and
docket number. CPSC may post all comments without change, including any
personal identifiers, contact information, or other personal
information provided, to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Do not submit
through this website: Confidential business information, trade secret
information, or other sensitive or protected information that you do
not want to be available to the public. If you wish to submit such
information, please submit it according to the instructions for
confidential written submissions.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments received, go to: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, and insert the
docket number, CPSC-2026-0463, into the ``Search'' box, and follow the
prompts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rana Balci-Sinha, Director, Division
of Human Factors, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Office of Risk
Reduction, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Product Testing
and Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850;
Telephone: 301-987-2584; Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbc9d9dad7d8d2c8d2d5d3dafbd8cbc8d895dcd4cd">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Product Description

Window coverings include a wide range of products, such as shades,
blinds, curtains, and draperies. Generally, the industry considers
blinds as ``hard'' window coverings, made of slats or vanes, and
considers shades as ``soft'' window coverings, typically made of a
continuous roll of material. Window coverings are produced as either
``stock'' products or ``custom'' products. ``Stock'' window coverings
are completely or substantially fabricated prior to being distributed
in commerce, while a ``custom'' window covering does not meet this
definition and is not substantially fabricated prior to being
distributed in commerce. Types of window covering products include, but
are not limited to, horizontal blinds and vertical blinds that are
composed of ``hard'' slats or vanes that are raised and lowered or
traversed; cellular shades, pleated shades, roll up style shades,
roller shades, Roman style shades, and sheer shades, all of which are
composed of a continuous roll of material that is raised and lowered.
A key hazard arises from accessible window covering cords that are
longer than 8 inches because children can wrap such cords around their
necks, or insert their heads into a looped cord, and strangle. A cord
or loop that consumers use to manipulate a window covering, such as to
lift and lower the window covering, is called an ``operating cord'' and
may be in the form of a single cord, multiple cords, or continuous
loops. ``Inner cords'' transfer forces from operating cords to the
components during operation. Cord loop lift systems work to raise a
roll up style shade with the assistance of an operating cord. Both
blinds and shades may have inner cords to raise, lower, or rotate the
window covering to achieve a consumer's desired level of light
control.\1\
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\1\ Manufacturers use inner cords on window coverings to open
and close blinds and shades, using a variety of mechanisms,
including traditional operating cords, motors, or spring-loaded
systems, to manipulate inner cords. Curtains and draperies do not
contain inner cords, but consumers can operate curtains and
draperies using a continuous loop operating cord or a wand.

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[[Page 60547]]

``Cordless'' window coverings are products designed to function
without an operating cord but may contain inner cords. Figures 1
through 6 reflect window covering terminology and examples of different
window covering types.
BILLING CODE 6355-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.001

[[Page 60548]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.002

[[Page 60549]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.003

BILLING CODE 6355-01-C
Figure 1 shows a horizontal blind containing inner cords, free
hanging operating (pull) cords, and tilt cords. Figure 2 illustrates a
roll-up shade containing cord loop lifts and free hanging operating
cords. Figure 3 shows a cellular shade with inner cords between two
layers of fabric and operating cords in the form of a continuous loop.
Figure 4 presents a vertical blind with two operating cords, one in the
form of a looped nylon cord to traverse the blind and the other in a
looped bead chain form to tilt the vanes. Figure 5 shows a Roman shade
with inner cords that run on the back side of the shade and free
hanging operating cords. Figure 6 is a horizontal blind that is
marketed as ``cordless blind'' because it has no operating cords, but
it still contains inner cords.

II. Statutory Authority and Background

A. Statutory Authority

Section 15(j) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) authorizes
the Commission to issue rules identifying any consumer product or class
of consumer products, characteristics whose existence or absence may be
deemed a substantial product hazard under section 15(a)(2) of the CPSA
if: (1) the characteristics are ``readily observable,'' (2) the
characteristics have been addressed by a voluntary standard, (3) the
voluntary standard is effective in reducing the risk of injury, and (4)
products subject to the voluntary standard substantially comply with
the voluntary standard. 15 U.S.C. 2064(j)(1). Section 15(a)(2) of the
CPSA defines a ``substantial product hazard'' (SPH), in relevant part,
as a product defect which (because of the pattern of defect, the number
of defective products distributed in commerce, the severity of the
risk, or otherwise) creates a substantial risk of injury to the public.
15 U.S.C. 2064(a)(2).
A rule under section 15(j) of the CPSA is not a consumer product
safety rule and does not create a consumer product safety standard.
Instead, a product listed in 16 CFR part 1120 that presents an SPH is
subject to the reporting requirements of section 15(b) of the CPSA, 15
U.S.C. 2064(b). A manufacturer, importer, distributor, or retailer that
fails to report an SPH to the Commission may be subject to civil
penalties under section 20 of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2069, and criminal
penalties under section 21 of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2070. A product that
presents an SPH may also be subject to voluntary corrective action or
mandatory corrective action under sections 15(c) and (d) of the CPSA.
15 U.S.C. 2064(c) and (d).
Additionally, a product that is offered for import into the United
States that presents an SPH shall be refused admission into the United
States under section 17(a) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2066(a).
Additionally, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to
seize certain products offered for import under the Tariff Act of 1930
(19 U.S.C. 1595a) (Tariff Act), and to assess civil penalties that CBP,
by law, is authorized to impose. Section 1595a(c)(2)(A) of the Tariff
Act states that CBP may seize merchandise, and such merchandise may be
forfeited if: ``its importation or entry is subject to any restriction
or prohibition which is imposed by law relating to health, safety, or
conservation and the merchandise is not in compliance with the
applicable rule, regulation, or statute.'' Thus, if the Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is finalized, stock and custom window
coverings that violate the rule are subject to CBP seizure and
forfeiture.

B. Overview of the Current 15(j) Rule

The Commission has promulgated several rules under section 15(j) of
the CPSA, codified in 16 CFR 1120.3.\2\ Thus far, the Commission has
deemed as ``readily observable'' product characteristics that are
visually

[[Page 60550]]

observable or observable using a measurement.
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\2\ Previous 15(j) rules address: (1) drawstrings on children's
upper outerwear (76 FR 42502 (July 19, 2011)), (2) integral
immersion protection on handheld hair dryers (76 FR 37636 (June 28,
2011)), (3) minimum wire size, sufficient strain relief, and
overcurrent protection on seasonal and decorative lighting products
(80 FR 25216 (May 4, 2015)); (4) extension cord minimum wire size,
sufficient strain relief, proper polarity, proper continuity, outlet
covers and jacketed cords (80 FR 44262 (July 27, 2015)); and (5)
hazardous operating and inner cords on stock window coverings and
hazardous inner cords on custom window coverings (87 FR 72873 (Nov.
28, 2022)).
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In 2022, the Commission issued a 15(j) rule to address hazardous
operating cords and inner cords on stock window coverings, and
hazardous inner cords on custom window coverings. 87 FR 72873 (Nov. 28,
2022). In that rule, the Commission determined that window covering
characteristics, including cord types (operating cords, inner cords)
and cord length (more than 8 inches long), were ``readily observable''
because they involved visual observation of the presence and
accessibility of a cord, and when cords are present, assessing the
length of the cord using a direct measurement. 87 FR 78873, 72883-84.
Specifically, the Commission determined that three hazardous, readily
observable characteristics of stock window coverings, which are
adequately addressed in the applicable voluntary standard, ANSI/WCMA
A100.1-2018, American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window
Covering Products (ANSI/WCMA-2018), are a substantial product hazard
(SPH): the presence of hazardous operating cords, the presence of
hazardous inner cords, and the absence of a required manufacturer
label. 87 FR 72873. The Commission also deemed that two readily
observable characteristics of custom window coverings, the presence of
hazardous inner cords and the absence of a manufacturer label, also
addressed in ANSI/WCMA-2018, are an SPH. That rule is codified in 16
CFR 1120.3(e) (for stock window coverings) and (f) (for custom window
coverings).

C. Overview of the Proposed Rule 3
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\3\ On September 22, 2026, the Commission voted 3-0 to publish
this notice of proposed rulemaking.
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Consistent with the Commission's 2022 window coverings 15(j) rule,
the hazardous window covering cords addressed in this proposed rule are
considered ``readily observable'' because the relevant characteristics
for this rule, including cord type (accessible free hanging operating
cords longer than 8 inches, exposed continuous loops, presence of a
tension device, lack of warning labels and tags, single retractable
cord lift systems and cord loop lifts), window covering type
(horizontal blinds and roll up style shades), and cord accessibility,
are typically visually observable. When free hanging operating cords or
single retractable cords are present, for example, the length of such
cords can be visually observed with a direct measurement of the cord
length.
The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) revised the
ANSI/WCMA-2018 standard in 2022 to add requirements for custom window
coverings and to clarify requirements for stock roll up style
shades.\4\ This revision became effective on June 1, 2024. The
Commission now proposes to revise part 1120 to include additional
readily observable characteristics of window covering cords, addressed
in ANSI/WCMA-2022. Compliance with these provisions of the voluntary
standard removes the strangulation hazard to young children posed by
certain accessible window covering cords. The Commission is proposing
to update the references in 16 CFR 1120.2, 1120.3, and 1120.4 to
replace ANSI/WCMA-2018 with ANSI/WCMA-2022 for all applicable
requirements, including newly proposed ones.
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\4\ ANSI/WCMA-2022 defines ``Roll Up Style Shade'' as, ``A
flexible sheet with no cords, whose operation consists of rolling up
the sheet from the bottom or top, as the case may be. This would be
secured by clips or other fastening means.'' <a href="https://wcmanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WCMA-100.1-2022-FINAL-Read-Only.pdf">https://wcmanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WCMA-100.1-2022-FINAL-Read-Only.pdf</a>.
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The purpose of this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is to
further address the risk of strangulation of children 8 years old and
younger associated with hazardous cords on window coverings that have
now been addressed by the revised voluntary standard ANSI/WCMA-2022.
The Commission issues this NPRM under section 15(j) of the CPSA, 15
U.S.C. 2064(j), to revise the substantial product hazard list in 16 CFR
1120.3. Proposed changes to sections 1120.3(e) and (f) deem the
presence of hazardous window covering cords on certain stock and custom
window coverings, which have been adequately addressed by the most
recent voluntary standard for window coverings, ANSI/WCMA-2022, as an
SPH, as defined in section 15(a)(2) of the CPSA. 15 U.S.C. 2064(a)(2).
The NPRM proposes to deem the following readily observable
characteristics of window coverings an SPH:
(1) Free hanging operating cords on custom window coverings that
are accessible to children and exceed 8 inches in length in any use
position,
(2) Exposed continuous loops on custom window coverings except
horizontal blinds, without an installed tension device,\5\
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\5\ ANSI/WCMA-2022 defines a ``Tension Device'' as, ``A device
that is used to maintain Tension on the Cord to Bean Chain Loop.''
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(3) Exposed continuous loops with or without an installed tension
device on custom horizontal blinds,
(4) Single retractable cords with a stroke length that exceeds 36
inches in length on custom window coverings,
(5) Cord loop lifts on stock and custom roll up style shades,
(6) Lack of a warning label and a warning tag on continuous loop
operating systems containing a tension device on custom window
coverings, and
(7) Lack of a warning label and a warning tag on single retractable
cord lift systems on custom window coverings.
As detailed in this notice, the Commission determines preliminarily
that the following are readily observable characteristics of window
coverings:
(1) the presence of free hanging operating cords on custom window
coverings that are accessible and exceed 8 inches in length in any use
position,
(2) the presence of exposed continuous loops on custom horizontal
blinds,
(3) the presence of exposed continuous loops on other custom window
coverings without an attached tension device,
(4) the presence of a single retractable cord lift system with a
stroke length that exceeds 36 inches on custom window coverings,
(5) the presence of cord loop lifts on stock and custom roll up
style shades,
(6) the lack of warning label and/or lack of a warning tag on a
continuous loop operating system containing a tension device on custom
window coverings, and
(7) the lack of warning label and/or lack of a warning tag on a
single retractable cord lift system on custom window coverings,
collectively, the ``identified readily observable characteristics.''
The Commission also determines preliminarily that the following
readily observable characteristics have been adequately addressed by a
voluntary standard, ANSI/WCMA-2022:
(1) free hanging operating cords are addressed in sections 4.4.2.2
(requiring a short static or access cord) and 4.4.2.3 (requiring an
inaccessible operating cord),
(2) continuous loops on custom horizontal blinds are addressed in
section 4.4.2.5.1 prohibiting continuous loops on custom horizontal
blinds that contain a tension device,
(3) continuous loops on other custom window coverings are addressed
in section 4.4.2.5 that requires an installed tension device, a loop
cord and bead chain restraining device or a rigid cord shroud,
(4) single retractable cord lift system with a stroke length
exceeding 36 inches

[[Page 60551]]

for custom window coverings are addressed in section 6.1,
(5) roll up style shades are defined in section 3, definition 1.04,
as being without cords,
(6) warning labels and warning tags associated with a continuous
loop operating system containing a tension device for custom window
coverings are addressed in sections 5.1 and 5.2, and
(7) warning labels and warning tags associated with a single
retractable cord lift system for custom window coverings is addressed
in sections 5.1 and 5.2.
In addition, the Commission determines preliminarily that window
coverings that conform to the identified readily observable
characteristics in ANSI/WCMA-2022 are effective in reducing the risk of
strangulation to children 8 years old and younger associated with
hazardous cords on stock and custom window coverings. The Commission
also preliminarily determines that stock and custom window coverings
manufactured or imported for sale in the United States substantially
comply with the identified readily observable characteristics in ANSI/
WCMA-2022.

III. Hazard Patterns and Incident Data

A. Hazards Associated With Window Covering Cords

Window covering cords, including operating cords (i.e., pull cords
or continuous loop cords), inner cords, and cord loop lifts, can pose
significant strangulation hazards to children. Strangulation hazards
are present when cords are accessible and long enough to wrap around a
child's neck. Figures 7 and 8 below depict the strangulation hazard for
different window covering cord types relevant to this proposed rule.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.004

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.005

Children can strangle from mechanical compression of the neck when
they place a window covering cord around their neck, even in situations
where the body is fully or partially supported. Strangulation is a form
of asphyxia that can be partial (hypoxia) when there is an inadequate
oxygen supply to the lungs or total (anoxia) when there is total
impairment of oxygen transport to tissues; loss of oxygen can lead to
serious injuries with permanent debilitating outcomes or death.
Strangulation is a complex process resulting from multiple mechanisms
and pathways that can involve obstruction of the airway passage,
occlusion (blockage) of blood vessels in the neck, and nerve
stimulation. Occlusion of the blood vessels can result in reduction in
the

[[Page 60552]]

delivery of oxygen to tissues. Brain tissue is particularly sensitive
and is often the most affected organ in the body due to oxygen
depletion. Moreover, compression of the vagus nerve can result in an
immediate decrease in heart rate, cardiac arrest, and death. The
prognosis for hypoxic victims due to strangulation is dependent
primarily on the extent of oxygen deprivation, the duration of
unconsciousness, and the speed of resuscitation. Rapid reversal of the
hypoxic state is essential to prevent or limit the development of
pulmonary and cerebral edema that can lead to death. Thus, victims who
are oxygen deprived for a short duration or quickly receive
cardiopulmonary resuscitation to reestablish cerebral blood flow have
the most favorable prognosis and recovery.
Experimental studies show that only 2 kg (4.4 lbs.) of pressure on
the neck may occlude or block the jugular vein; 6 7 and 3-5
kg (7-11 lbs.) may occlude the common carotid
arteries.8 9 10 Minimal compression of any of these vessels
can lead to unconsciousness within 15 seconds and death within 2 to 3
minutes.11 12 13 14 In consideration of the incident data
when a child's body is fully or partially supported, CPSC staff
assesses that head insertion into a preexisting window covering cord
loop poses a higher risk of injury than when a cord is wrapped around a
child's neck because a preexisting loop acts as a noose when a child's
neck is inserted, and death can occur within minutes if a child loses
footing.\15\
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\6\ The jugular veins are veins in the neck that take blood from
the head back to the heart.
\7\ Brouardel, P. (1897) La pendaison, La strangulation, La
suffocation, La submersion. JB Bailliere et fil, Paris, France, pp.
38-40.
\8\ The common carotid arteries are blood vessels that supply
oxygenated blood to the head and neck.
\9\ Brouardel (1897).
\10\ Polson, C.J. (1973) Hanging In: Polson CJ and Gee DJ (eds.)
Essentials of forensic medicine Oxford England, 371-404.
\11\ Digeronimo, R.J., Mayes T.C. (1994) Near-hanging injury in
childhood: a literature review and report of three cases. Pediatr
Emerg Care, 10(3):150-6.
\12\ Hoff, B.H. (1978) Multiple organ failure after near-
hanging. Crit Care Med; 6:366-9. Howell MA.
\13\ Iserson, K.V. (1984) Strangulation: A review of ligature,
manual and postural neck compression injuries. Ann. Emerg. Med.
13:179-185.
\14\ Polson (1973).
\15\ Wanna-Nakamura Health Sciences Memorandum, Briefing Package
Window Covering Petition. 2014, <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/foia_PetitionRequestingMandatoryStandardforCordedWindowCoverings.pdf">https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/foia_PetitionRequestingMandatoryStandardforCordedWindowCoverings.pdf</a>
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CPSC staff further concludes that reliance on parental supervision
and warning labels are inadequate to address the risk of injury
associated with accessible window covering cords because caregivers
reasonably are not always aware of the hazards cords pose nor are
caregivers reasonably likely to review warnings when window coverings
are a common household product not presumed hazardous.\16\ When
evaluating the effectiveness of warning labels, CPSC staff has assessed
that consumers are less likely to search for and read safety
information about such products they frequently use and are familiar
with.\17\ Consumers are very likely to have high familiarity with
window coverings because they almost certainly have window coverings in
their homes and use them daily, as well as likely had window coverings
in their homes growing up. Therefore, window covering products do not
appear overtly hazardous and even well-designed warning labels will
have limited effectiveness in communicating the hazard on this type of
product; consumers reasonably expect that such a product that they
interact with daily is not hazardous. In fact, most of the window
coverings involved in incidents contained the permanent warning
labeling required by the ANSI/WCMA standard. Accordingly, the risk of
injury and death associated with window coverings can most effectively
be addressed through performance requirements as opposed to reliance on
caregiver supervision or warning labels.
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\16\ Levi, S., Benedick, A., Lerner, N., Leonardis D., Huey, R.
(2016). Effectiveness of Safety Devices in Reducing the Risk of
Child's Access to Hazardous Cords and Loops. Contract CPSC-Q-15-
0064. <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Window%20Coverings%20Safety%20Devices%20Contractor%20Reports.pdf">https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Window%20Coverings%20Safety%20Devices%20Contractor%20Reports.pdf</a>.
\17\ Godfrey, S.S., Allender, L., Laughery, K.R., Smith, V.L.
(1983). Warning Messages: Will the consumer bother to look?
Proceedings of the Human Factors Society Annual Meeting, Volume: 27
issue: 11, page(s): 950-954. Issue published: October 1, 1983.
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B. Incident Data Summary

CPSC staff searched two internal databases to identify incidents
and hazard patterns associated with window covering cords for this
NPRM:\18\ the Consumer Product Safety Risk Management System (CPSRMS)
\19\ and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance system
(NEISS).\20\ Across both systems, CPSC staff identified 73 incidents
associated with window covering cords that reportedly occurred from
January 2018 through December 2025 for this NPRM. Among these
incidents, CPSC staff identified 21 incidents in CPSRMS involving
window covering pull cords on four custom, two stock, and 15 window
coverings where it was unknown whether they were stock or custom
(unknown order type).\21\ CPSC staff also identified 7 incidents
involving continuous loop operating cords associated with window
coverings, one ordered as custom and 6 unknown order type, and one
incident involving roll-up window coverings, with unknown order type,
containing cord loop lifts. In addition, three incidents involved inner
cords, which have already been addressed in the standard and 41
incidents involved unknown cord types. All incidents involved children
8 years old and younger.
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\18\ Staff searched for both stock and custom window coverings
because the hazards associated with window covering cords are based
on the characteristics of the cord, and not whether a product is
classified as stock or custom. Product classification of stock or
custom does not alter the risk of injury from accessible cords
longer than 8 inches.
\19\ CPSRMS includes data primarily from three groups of
sources: incident reports, death certificates, and in-depth follow-
up investigation reports. A large portion of CPSRMS consists of
incident reports from consumer complaints, media reports, medical
examiner or coroner reports, retailer or manufacturer reports
(incident reports received from a retailer or manufacturer involving
a product they sell or make), safety advocacy groups, law firms, and
federal, state, or local authorities, among others. CPSRMS also
contains death certificates that CPSC purchases from all 50 states,
based on selected external cause of death codes (ICD-10). The third
major component of CPSRMS is the collection of in-depth follow-up
investigation reports. Based on the incident reports, death
certificates, or National Electronic Injury Surveillance System
(NEISS) injury reports, CPSC Field staff conduct in-depth
investigations (on-site, telephone, or online) of incidents, deaths,
and injuries, which are then stored in CPSRMS.
\20\ NEISS is a statistically valid surveillance system for
collecting injury data. NEISS is based on a nationally
representative probability sample of hospitals in the U.S. and its
territories. Each participating NEISS hospital reports patient
information for every emergency department visit associated with a
consumer product or a poisoning to a child younger than five years
of age. The total number of product-related hospital emergency
department visits nationwide can be estimated from the sample of
cases reported in the NEISS. See <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Research-Statistics/NEISS-Injury-Data">https://www.cpsc.gov/Research-Statistics/NEISS-Injury-Data</a>.
\21\ CPSC used a shorter time frame for this hazard scenario
because of the large number of associated incidents.
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1. Pull Cord Strangulation Incidents
All 21 reported incidents of window covering pull cord
strangulations involved horizontal blinds. Of the 21 incidents, 18
resulted in death, two incidents required emergency department
treatment, and one resulted in brain injury. Incidents involved
children aged 12 months old to 4 years old. Four incidents involved
custom products, while two incidents involved stock products. The 15
remaining incident reports did not provide enough information for CPSC
to determine whether the product was stock or custom (see Table 1).

[[Page 60553]]

As an example of a pull cord incident, in IDI 231005HCC3021, a 16-
month-old male was found unresponsive with the pull cord from a custom
horizontal blind around his neck. The child's parents had tied the cord
in a loop to elevate the cord further above a mattress, which was up
against a wall and under a window. The bottom of the loop was seven
inches from the top of the mattress, but the child was able to reach
the cord. Table 1 outlines the incident data for pull cord fatalities
and injuries:

Table 1--Pull Cord Incidents by Year *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treated &
Year/stock or custom released Hospitalized Death Grand total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018............................................ 1 0 2 3
Custom...................................... 1 0 0 1
Unknown..................................... 0 0 2 2
2019............................................ 1 1 1 3
Unknown..................................... 1 1 1 3
2021............................................ 0 0 6 6
Custom...................................... 0 0 1 1
Unknown..................................... 0 0 5 5
2022............................................ 0 0 5 5
Custom...................................... 0 0 2 2
Stock....................................... 0 0 1 1
Unknown..................................... 0 0 2 2
2023............................................ 0 0 4 4
Stock....................................... 0 0 1 1
Unknown..................................... 0 0 3 3
---------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total............................. 2 1 18 21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Years and/or categorization of custom/stock/unknown not included in the above table did not have incidents
within those categories.

ANSI/WCMA-2018 prohibits stock products from using accessible
operating cords longer than 8 inches, and this requirement is codified
in Sec. 1120.3(e)(1). As of June 1, 2024, all of the remaining
accessible free hanging operating cord incidents involving custom
window coverings are addressed in the revised ANSI/WCMA-2022 standard,
which does not allow accessible free hanging operating cords longer
than 8 inches on custom window coverings. ANSI/WCMA-2022 requires those
cords to be inaccessible or less than 8 inches in length. The
requirement that those cords be inaccessible or less than 8 inches in
length addresses free hanging cord incidents by ensuring that children
do not have access to cords longer than 8 inches.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\22\ As stated in the September 28, 2022, Staff Briefing
Package: Draft Final Rules for Corded Window Coverings (OS-73), the
requirement for a short cord length of 8 inches is based on the
anthropometric dimensions of the youngest child involved in an
incident and is insufficient to strangle a child because the neck
circumference of a fifth percentile 6- to 9-month-old child is 8
inches. Because a child would need some extra length of cord to hold
the cord out and wrap it around their neck, staff calculated that a
cord 8 inches or longer causes strangulation. Staff Briefing Package
is available at <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Final-Rules-to-1-Add-Window-Covering-Cords-to-the-Substantial-Product-Hazard-List-and-2-Establish-a-Safety-Standard-for-Operating-Cords-on-Custom-Window-Coverings.pdf?VersionId=nDxz9G5hfDy5k.SnXkqgGKLiDsMK4hpe">https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Final-Rules-to-1-Add-Window-Covering-Cords-to-the-Substantial-Product-Hazard-List-and-2-Establish-a-Safety-Standard-for-Operating-Cords-on-Custom-Window-Coverings.pdf?VersionId=nDxz9G5hfDy5k.SnXkqgGKLiDsMK4hpe</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Continuous Loop Cord Strangulation Incidents
CPSC staff identified 7 fatal incidents involving continuous loops
on window coverings from 2018 through 2025. The incidents involved
children 2-3 years of age. Incidents demonstrate that young children
can strangle after inserting their head through a looped cord. For
example, in IDI 211006CCC1032, the mother of a 2-year-old male victim
found her son hanging from the continuous loop cord of the vertical
blinds in her bedroom. Officers observed deep indentations, appearing
to be that of a beaded item, at the base of the victim's neck. No
tension device to keep the loop taut was present. The victim's cause of
death was ``inadvertent hanging from the cords of the window blinds.''
Table 2 outlines the incident data for continuous loop cord incidents.
Six of the incidents had an unknown order type (stock or custom) window
covering, and one of the incidents involved a custom window covering.

Table 2--Continuous Loop Incidents by Year *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treated &
Year/stock or custom No injury released Hospitalized Death Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020............................................. 0 0 0 4 4
Custom....................................... 0 0 0 1 1
Unknown...................................... 0 0 0 3 3
2022............................................. 0 0 0 2 2
Unknown...................................... 0 0 0 2 2
2025............................................. 0 0 0 1 1
Unknown...................................... 0 0 0 1 1
--------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total.............................. 0 0 0 7 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Years and/or categorization of custom/stock/unknown not included in the above table did not have incidents
within those categories.

[[Page 60554]]

ANSI/WCMA-2018 prohibits stock products from using a continuous
loop operating system, with or without installed tension devices, and
this requirement is codified in Sec. 1120.3(e)(1). The ANSI/WCMA-2022
expands this prohibition to also prohibit exposed continuous loops on
custom horizontal blinds. Horizontal blinds (custom or stock) that are
compliant with ANSI/WCMA-2022 do not pose a strangulation risk
associated with exposed continuous loops because the ANSI standard no
longer allows such hazardous loops. The 2022 standard allows other
custom window coverings (such as Roman shades, cellular shades, roll up
shades, vertical blinds), to use a continuous loop system equipped with
a tension device. For the remaining custom window coverings that use
exposed continuous loops, the standard requires that the window
covering contain one of the following devices: (1) a tension device
that complies with section 6.3 of the standard or (2) a loop cord and
bead chain restraining device that meets the requirements in section
6.4 or (3) a rigid cord shroud that meets the requirements in section
6.2. CPSC staff determined that none of the incident units with exposed
continuous loops had these devices.
3. Cord Loop Lifts on Roll Up Style Shades Strangulation Incidents
CPSC identified one fatal incident in 2019 associated with cord
loop lift systems on roll up style shades. In this case (IDI
200702CCC2601), a 16-month-old male who was with his twin sister
unattended in the family room while the parents were in the bedroom for
5-10 minutes. The father went to the family room to check on the twins
because they had seemed quiet. When the victim's father reentered the
family room, he found his daughter sitting on the couch and the victim
hanging from the blinds cord. The cord was wrapped around the victim's
neck as he was leaning forward.
Cord loop lifts containing accessible cords longer than 8 inches
should not be present on stock roll up style shades manufactured or
imported after the effective date of the current 15(j) rule (December
28, 2022), because ANSI/WCMA-2018, codified in 16 CFR 1120.3(e)(1),
does not allow accessible cords that are longer than 8 inches on stock
products. However, CPSC has found several stock roll up style shades
with hazardous cord loop lifts and in violation of the standard. To
address hazardous cord loop lifts in roll up style shades, the revised
ANSI/WCMA-2022 clarifies the requirements by defining roll up style
shades as a flexible sheet with no cords, which will need to be rolled
up and secured by clips or other fastening means.

C. Availability of Incident Data

Upon publication of this NPRM in the Federal Register, CPSC will
make available for review and comment on the completed 43 IDIs
discussed in this NPRM, to the extent allowed by applicable law. To
review the data, submit a request to: <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/A6np3Y2gZW">https://forms.office.com/g/A6np3Y2gZW</a>. You will then receive a website link to access the data at
the email address you provided. If you do not receive a link within two
business days, please contact the phone number or email address listed
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section at the beginning of this
NPRM.

D. Recalls

From January 2018 through December 2025, the Commission's Office of
Compliance and Field Operations conducted 14 recalls of more than
300,000 window covering units, including roll-up blinds, roller shades,
and cellular shades that pose strangulation risks to children.
Table 3 presents the 14 recalls conducted between January 1, 2018,
and December 31, 2025, and notes: the recall date, the firm involved,
the product types, the types of cords/cord devices that create the
strangulation hazard, the approximate number of recalled units, the
number of reported incidents, and the recall number. The recalled
products included both stock and custom window coverings.

Table 3--Recalls Involving Window Covering Cords and Cord Devices
[January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2024]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Number of
Recall date Firm Product Types of cords/ recalled Number of reported reported Recall
cord devices units incidents deaths number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2/1/2018........................ Hunter Douglas..... Sheer Blinds...... Cord restraints... 550 11--reports of 0 18-720
broken or cracked
cord restraints.
7/11/2019....................... Levolor Inc........ Cellular Shades... Operating pull 30,000 0................. 0 19-761
cords with non-
breakaway cord
connector.
12/05/2023...................... Foiresoft.......... Roller Blinds..... Looped operating 9,500 0................. 0 24-726
cords.
01/23/2025...................... ChrisDowa.......... Roller Shades..... Long operating 19,500 0................. 0 25-105
cords.
02/06/2025...................... Thy Trading........ Roll up Blinds.... Long operating 720 0................. 0 25-128
cords.
02/20/2025...................... Homebox............ Roller Window Long operating 4,900 0................. 0 25-147
Shades. cords.
02/20/2025...................... Shadeks............ Roller Window Long operating 15,500 0................. 0 25-151
Shades. cords.
02/27/2025...................... Allesin............ Roller Window Long operating 3,800 0................. 0 25-163
Shades. cords.
03/27/2025...................... Linkcoo............ Roller Window Long operating 16,300 0................. 0 25-198
Shades. cords.
04/17/2025...................... Joydeco............ Roller Window Long operating 73,000 0................. 0 25-230
Shades. cords.

[[Page 60555]]

04/24/2025...................... BTAMREE............ Roll up Blinds.... Long operating 20,380 0................. 0 25-234
cords.
04/24/2025...................... LuckupShein........ Roller Shades..... Long operating 545 0................. 0 25-233
cords.
09/25/2025...................... Autoez............. Roll-up Shades.... Long operating 550 0................. 0 25-478
cords.
09/25/2025...................... Persilux........... Horizontal shades. Long operating 133,000 0................. 0 25-478
cords.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Overview of the Applicable Voluntary Standard--ANSI/WCMA-2022

CPSC staff has collaborated with WCMA since 1995 on an ANSI
voluntary standard to address the strangulation hazard from accessible
cords on window coverings.\23\ The first voluntary standard for window
coverings was published in 1996 and has since been revised seven times.
Most recently, the Commission finalized the 2022 15(j) rule, based on
ANSI/WCMA-2018, which divides the window covering market into two
categories--``stock'' and ``custom.'' ANSI/WCMA-2018 outlines
performance requirements that address the risk of strangulation
associated with operating cords on stock products and with inner cords
on both stock and custom products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\23\ The 2022 15(j) rule contains additional detail regarding
the Commission's efforts ensure that the ANSI/WCMA standard
addresses hazardous window covering cords. 87 FR 72873, 72882-83.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In January 2022, WCMA published an updated version of the voluntary
standard for window coverings--ANSI/WCMA-2022. The revised standard
went into effect on June 1, 2024. The key updates to the revised
standard include eliminating the use of free hanging operating cords,
free hanging tilt cords, and multiple cords into a cord connector on
all custom window covering products and prohibiting the use of
continuous cord loops and bead chains on all horizontal slatted custom
products. Additionally, ANSI/WCMA-2022 updates the definition of roll
up style shades to prohibit the use of cords.
ANSI/WCMA-2022 prohibits the use of accessible and free hanging
operating cords that are longer than 8 inches on all custom window
coverings, which is same as the requirement for stock window coverings.
ANSI/WCMA-2022 also prohibits the use of continuous loop operating
systems with a tension device on all custom horizontal slatted blinds.
Additionally, ANSI/WCMA-2022 allows the use of continuous loop
operating systems on all other custom window coverings with the
following options: (1) a tension device that meets the requirements in
section 6.3, (2) a loop cord and bead chain restraining device that
meets the requirements in section 6.4, and (3) a rigid cord shroud that
meets the requirements in section 6.2. Continuous loop operating
systems equipped with these safety devices when properly installed, can
prevent a child from accessing the cord loop. An exposed continuous
loop without a compliant tension device poses a great risk because it
can function like a noose when a child inserts his/her neck, and loss
of footing can lead to death within minutes.
ANSI/WCMA-2022 allows custom window coverings to use a single
retractable cord lift system with a 36-inch stroke length. Single
retractable cord lift systems are defined in ANSI/WCMA-2022 section 3,
definition 2.17, as ``[a] Cord that extends when pulled by a user
through an Operating Interface, and fully retracts when Tension is no
longer applied by the user.'' According to the requirements in ANSI/
WCMA-2022, the operating interface may not be a cord and the maximum
stroke length for a cord retraction device is 36 inches.
ANSI/WCMA-2022 eliminates the use of cord loop lifts on roll up
style shades by defining ``roll up style shades'' in section 3,
definition 1.04, as a window covering product that does not contain
cords. Any stock window covering that contains accessible cords longer
than 8 inches, including cords in roll up style shades, already
violates the existing 15(j) rule codified at 16 CFR 1120.3(e)(1). The
2022 standard adds a definition of ``roll up style shades'' to clarify
the shades subject to the existing prohibition on cords in roll up
style shades.

V. Preliminary Determination of a Substantial Product Hazard

The current 15(j) rule incorporates by reference provisions of
ANSI/WCMA-2018 that address the strangulation hazard from window
covering cords that the Commission has determined present an SPH. This
NPRM proposes to incorporate by reference new provisions in the 2022
version of the ANSI/WCMA voluntary standard that further address the
strangulation hazard associated with window covering cords. The NPRM
also proposes to update the incorporation by reference in 16 CFR 1120.4
from the 2018 version of the ANSI/WCMA standard to the 2022 version,
aligning existing and proposed requirements with the most recent
voluntary standard for window covering cords. If finalized, the NPRM
would deem nonconformance with one or more of the identified readily
observable characteristics of window coverings in ANSI/WCMA-2022 to be
an SPH under section 15(a)(2) of the CPSA.

A. Defined Characteristics are Readily Observable

1. Accessible Free Hanging Operating Cords on Custom Window Coverings
Custom window coverings that include free hanging operating cords
that are accessible to children and longer than 8 inches do not comply
with ANSI/WCMA-2022, which requires that custom window coverings have:
(1) inaccessible operating cords (section 4.4.2.3); or (2) accessible
operating cords that are eight inches long or shorter in any use
position of the custom window covering (section 4.4.2.2). The
Commission preliminarily determines that the presence of free hanging
cords, accessibility of these cords, and the length of these cords, are
all product characteristics that are ``readily observable.''
As with the existing 15(j) rule for stock window coverings, the
NPRM would require inspectors to visually observe whether custom window

[[Page 60556]]

coverings contain free hanging operating cords (i.e., the portion of a
cord that the user interacts with during operation), and if so, whether
such cords are accessible to children, and whether such pull cords
exceed 8 inches in length. Figures 9, 10, and 11 show three horizontal
blinds: a compliant horizontal blind without operating cords
(``cordless blind'') (Figure 9); a compliant horizontal blind with
inaccessible cords (Figure 10); and a noncompliant horizontal blind
with accessible cords that are longer than 8 inches (Figure 11).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.006

Custom window covering cords can comply with ANSI/WCMA-2022 if the
operating cords are removed from the product, as shown in Figure 9;
made inaccessible to children via a mechanism such as a cord shroud
pursuant to section 4.4.2.3, as shown in Figure 10; or, made too short
to wrap around a child's neck. To determine compliance, the
investigator would first assess whether cords are present. If cords are
present, the investigator would attempt to touch the operating cords
using a cord shroud accessibility probe, as shown in Figure 10. A cord
accessibility probe is a tool used to determine whether an operating
cord, inner cord, or inner cord shroud is accessible to a child.\24\
Non-accessible cords are compliant with section 4.4.2.3 of ANSI/WCMA-
2022.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\24\ The probe is an inexpensive measuring device designed to
simulate a child's hands and fingers, by considering children's
anthropometric dimensions. Tab I of the 2022 SBP, available at:
<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/NPRs-Add-Window-Covering-Cords-to-Substantial-Product-Hazard-List-Establish-Safety-Standard-for-Operating-Cords-on-Custom-Window-Coverings-updated-10-29-2021.pdf?VersionId=HIM05bK3WDL">https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/NPRs-Add-Window-Covering-Cords-to-Substantial-Product-Hazard-List-Establish-Safety-Standard-for-Operating-Cords-on-Custom-Window-Coverings-updated-10-29-2021.pdf?VersionId=HIM05bK3WDL</a> RZrlNGogQLknhFvhtx3PD, contains
additional information on cord accessibility probes. Staff estimates
that the cost to manufacture the probe ranges from $50, to 3D print
the part from plastic, to $200, to machine the part from an aluminum
rod. Manufacturers of window coverings should already have this cord
accessibility probe, and this probe is already used to assess
compliance with the 2022 15(j) rule codified in Sec. 1120.3(e) and
(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

If cords are accessible using the cord accessibility probe, the
investigator would then measure the cords to determine compliance.
Figure 11 demonstrates accessible operating cords using a cord
accessibility probe, although the presence of such cords is easily
observable with visual confirmation and does not require a probe in
that case. Accessible operating cords must not be longer than 8 inches
in any use position of the window covering (raised or lowered), as set
forth in section 4.4.2.2 of ANSI/WCMA-2022. The investigator would
observe the length of an accessible cord by taking a simple measurement
with a tape measure.\25\ For example, Figure 12 demonstrates fully
lowered, mid-length, or fully raised window covering positions. The
presence of an accessible operating cord that is longer than 8 inches
in any use position does not conform to section 4.4.2.2, and the NPRM
proposes to deem such a cord an SPH.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\25\ To take such a measurement, the investigator must first
keep the product stationary, by having another person hold it, hang
it up on a fixed surface, or place the window covering on the floor.
The investigator can then measure the length of the operating cord
with a tape measure or ruler.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The NPRM proposes that the presence of accessible free hanging
operating cords longer than 8 inches in any use position of a custom
window covering is an SPH because a child can wrap such a cord, or
looped cord, around his or her neck and be strangled, as evidenced in
CPSC's incident data.

[[Page 60557]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.007

2. Continuous Loops on Custom Horizontal Blinds
ANSI/WCMA-2022 prohibits exposed continuous loops with or without a
tension device on custom horizontal blinds. Figure 13 shows horizontal
blinds with continuous loops. Because the continuous loops are exposed,
these horizontal blinds are considered an SPH.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.008

The only allowable methods to use a continuous loop operating
system on a custom horizontal blind is to use a loop cord and bead
chain restraining device (see Figure 14a) or a rigid cord shroud (see
Figure 14b) that enclose the cord.

[[Page 60558]]

ANSI/WCMA-2022 defines a loop cord and bead chain restraining device as
a device that prevents the creation of a hazardous loop from an
accessible continuous loop. According to the standard, these devices
must pass requirements including operational cycle test, UV stability,
impact test, and durability requirements. In addition, these devices
must not create a hazardous loop from an accessible cord.
Rigid cord shrouds, which are defined as shrouds constructed of
inflexible materials, do not have accessible cords and must comply with
operational cycle test, UV stability, impact test, and durability
requirements in addition to a deflection and deformation test. CPSC is
aware of various cord loop and bead chain restraining devices and rigid
cord shrouds that enclose continuous loops as shown in Figure 14. These
products can be used on custom window coverings to prevent exposed
continuous loops. If an investigator observes these products on a
window covering and does not observe any hazardous cords or loops, the
window covering would not present an SPH under this proposed rule.
Other requirements associated with these devices such as operational
cycle testing and impact testing are not readily observable, therefore
they are not part of the proposed 15(j) rule.
The Commission preliminarily determines that the presence of an
exposed continuous loop on a custom horizontal blind is ``readily
observable'' because the investigator can visually identify the
presence of such exposed continuous loops.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\26\ ANSI/WCMA-2022 allows continuous loops on custom window
coverings except for horizontal blinds. Continuous loops on custom
window coverings are required to be sold with an attached tension
device on the continuous loop. Such tension device is intended to be
attached to a wall or window frame to keep the corded loop taut.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.009

3. Continuous Loops on Custom Window Coverings (Except Horizontal
Blinds)

ANSI/WCMA-2022 allows custom window coverings, except horizontal
blinds, to contain a tension device if it meets the requirements in
section 6.3. Section 6.3 has the following requirements:
6.3.1 The manufacturer must attach the Tension Device to the Cord
or Bead Chain Loop. Tension Device must be designed, placed and shipped
such that, unless properly installed or altered from the shipped
condition with Sequential Process or tools, it prevents the window
covering from operating.
6.3.2 The attachment of the Tension Device to the Cord or Bead
Chain Loop must be by means of a Permanent Assembly Method and the
Tension Device assembly must meet the durability requirements in
section 6.3.5.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\27\ Permanent Assembly Method is defined in section 3.04 as
``Any assembly method that cannot be disassembled without breaking a
component, including without limitations one way snap features,
sonic welding, crush pins or other compliant method''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

6.3.3 The Tension Device in conjunction with the product shall
maintain Tension on the operating cords when properly installed. If the
Tension Device is installed in a location that does not maintain
Tension on the operating cords, the Tension Device will prevent the
window covering from operating as designed for full operation of the
product. The window covering may not operate independently of the Cord
or Bead Chain Loop.
6.3.4 The Tension Device shall be supplied with fasteners and
instructions to attach to wood substrates. The Tension Device shall
also be supplied with information about attaching to drywall and metal
substrates. The fasteners shall have a minimum fastener manufacturer-
rated or tested release force of 20 lb (89 N).
6.3.5 These requirements are related to the durability of the
Tension Device and include operational cycle test, UV stability,
durability and impact tests.
If the current 15(j) rule is not revised to incorporate the above
requirements, CPSC staff assesses that custom window coverings--except
horizontal blinds--containing exposed continuous loops without any of
the specified safety devices could continue to enter the market. An
exposed continuous loop without a compliant tension device poses a
greater hazard because, as noted earlier, a child inserting their head
into a preexisting cord loop faces a higher risk of injury than when a
cord is wrapped around a child's neck. A preexisting loop can function
like a noose when a child's neck is inserted, and loss of footing can
lead to death within minutes.
Investigators can readily observe section 6.3.1 in which the
tension device must come attached to the continuous loop and cannot be
removed

[[Page 60559]]

without sequential process or tools. However, the remaining tension
device requirements outlined in 6.3.2 through 6.3.5 are not readily
observable. CPSC assesses that the risk associated with exposed
continuous loops is reduced if the provided tension device complies
with section 6.3 of the standard, and CPSC is not aware of incidents
involving window coverings that met these requirements since 2018. The
NPRM proposes the following:
A custom window covering that is not a horizontal blind presents an
SPH if the continuous loop is exposed and does not have a tension
device that is attached to the continuous loop and cannot be removed
without sequential process or tools. Figure 15 shows a cellular shade
with no tension device attached on the loop and presents an SPH. A
hold-down device such as shown in Figure 16 is not considered a tension
device because this device can be easily removed from the continuous
loop and does not prevent operation of the window covering. Therefore,
a continuous loop with such a device would present an SPH.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\28\ <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2009/Strangulation-Death-of-a-Child-Prompts-Recall-To-Repair-Window-Blinds-By-Vertical-Land">https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2009/Strangulation-Death-of-a-Child-Prompts-Recall-To-Repair-Window-Blinds-By-Vertical-Land</a>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILLING CODE 6335-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.010

[[Page 60560]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.011

ANSI/WCMA-2022 requires all window covering products with a Tension
Device for Cord or Bead Chain Loops to have warning labels and warning
tags as described in sections 5.1 and 5.2. The NPRM proposes to deem
the lack of warning label and/or warning tag associated with tension
devices an SPH. An investigator can visually observe the presence or
lack of a warning label and warning tag (see Figure 17.)

[[Page 60561]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.012

4. Single Retractable Cord Lift System on Custom Window Coverings
ANSI/WCMA-2022 allows the use of a single retractable cord lift
system for custom window coverings as stated in section 4.4.2.4 as long
as it meets the requirements in section 6.1. Further, the product must
have warning tags as described in sections 5.1 and 5.2. The maximum
stroke length cannot exceed 36 inches and the operating interface for
the cord retraction device cannot be a cord as shown in Figure 18, both
of which can be easily measured or observed.

[[Page 60562]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.013

ANSI/WCMA-2022 requires all window covering products with a
retractable cord to have warning labels and warning tags as described
in 5.1 and 5.2. The NPRM proposes to deem the lack of warning labels
and/or warning tags associated with single retractable cords an SPH.
Figure 19 shows the warning label and warning tag required for single
retractable cord lift system.

[[Page 60563]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.014

BILLING CODE 6355-01-C
5. Cord Loop Lift Systems on Stock and Custom Roll Up Style Shades
Cord loop lift systems use cords to roll up a window covering.
Figures 20-21 show two roll up style shades with a cord loop lift
system. Cord loop lift systems typically are comprised of cords that
extend from the headrail to the bottom of the product, wrap around the
bottom and extend back up to the top of the shade and through the
headrail. See, section 3, definition 4.03 of ANSI/WCMA-2018. Cord loop
lift systems shown in Figure 20 are hazardous to children because they
contain an accessible cord on which children have strangled.
ANSI/WCMA-2022 revised requirements for cord loop lift systems on
stock and custom roll up style shades by defining such systems as
cordless. Section 3, definition 1.04 of ANSI/WCMA-2022 defines a roll
up style shade as ``[a] flexible sheet with no cords, whose operation
consists of rolling up the sheet from the bottom or top, as the case
may be. This would be secured by clips or other fastening means.'' Many
roll up style shades have been redesigned to comply with ANSI/WCMA-2018
and 2022 by eliminating operating cords, as well as cord loop lifts as
shown in Figure 21. An investigator can visually observe the presence
of a cord loop lift operating system on both stock and custom roll up
style shades because the cord loop lifts are readily observable as
shown Figure 20.

[[Page 60564]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.015

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24SE26.016

B. Window Coverings That Conform to ANSI/WCMA-2022 Are Effective at
Reducing the Risk of Injury Associated With the Identified Readily
Observable Characteristics

Based on CPSC staff's analysis described above, the Commission
preliminarily determines that custom window coverings with operating
systems that contain accessible, free hanging cords that exceed 8
inches in length, present a strangulation hazard to children and are
not in compliance with ANSI/WCMA-2022, including sections 4.4.2.2
(requiring a short static or access cord) and 4.4.2.3 (requiring an
inaccessible operating cord). Additionally, custom horizontal blinds
with continuous loops that use a tension device pose a risk of
strangulation and are not in compliance with section 4.4.2.5.1
(prohibiting continuous loops with tension devices on custom horizontal
blinds). The following also present a strangulation hazard: (1) other
custom window covering types that use a tension device but without
meeting sections 6.3.1 and 6.3.2, (2) all custom window coverings that
use a single retractable cord that exceeds 36 inches

[[Page 60565]]

of stroke length, and (3) stock and custom roll up style shades that
use lifting cord loops.
Finally, the Commission preliminarily determines that custom window
coverings containing the warnings described below are effective at
reducing the risk of injury, by informing consumers of the hazards
presented by: (1) a tension device on a continuous loop or (2) a single
retractable cord. These products must contain warning labels and
warning tags alerting consumers to hazardous cords if tension device is
missing, damaged or loose and if a retractable cord lift system fails
to fully retract the cord. The NPRM proposes that, for the identified
readily observable characteristics, products that are not in compliance
with ANSI/WCMA-2022 present a strangulation risk and are an SPH.

C. Window Coverings Substantially Comply With the Identified Readily
Observable Characteristics of Window Coverings

The Commission has several bases to determine preliminarily that
window coverings substantially comply with ANSI/WCMA-2022 requirements.
First, WCMA, the trade association for window coverings and the body
that created the voluntary standard, stated in a comment on the ANPR
for Window Coverings (comment ID: CPSC_2013-0028-1555) that window
coverings have substantially complied with the voluntary standard since
its first publication.\29\ WCMA states that all companies who
manufacture, distribute or sell window coverings in the U.S. must
comply with the voluntary safety standards.\30\ WCMA also states that
compliance with the standard is expected on the effective date, which
was June 1, 2024, for ANSI/WCMA-2022.\31\
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\29\ <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/CPSC-2013-0028-1555">https://www.regulations.gov/document/CPSC-2013-0028-1555</a>.
\30\ <a href="https://share.google/uedI19Dq538uI2cl9">https://share.google/uedI19Dq538uI2cl9</a>
\31\ https://wcmanet.com/wcma-standards/
#:~:text=May%201%2C%202024%20%E2%80%93%20AN%20IMPORTANT,<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82e6effbe7f0f1c2e9e7eeeee7ece1edeff2e3ecfbace1edef">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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To verify whether custom window coverings substantially comply with
ANSI/WCMA-2022, staff reviewed online offerings for custom horizontal
blinds. Out of the 249 offerings from 5 retailers, 246 were cordless
including motorized features and 3 were corded; this breakdown
corresponds to about a 99 percent compliance rate with the 2022
standard. Table 4 summarizes staff's observations.

Table 4--Custom Horizontal Blinds Sold Online *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Custom horizontal blinds Cordless Motorized Drawstrings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retailer 1 (faux wood, mini, vinyl, wood)....................... 40 3 0
Retailer 2 (faux wood, mini, wood).............................. 64 11 0
Retailer 3 (faux wood, mini, wood, vinyl, fabric)............... 81 19 0
Retailer 4 (faux wood and wood)................................. 16 0 0
Retailer 5 (mini, wood, vinyl).................................. 11 1 3
-----------------------------------------------
Total....................................................... 212 34 3
Compliant ratio................................................. 0.99 .............. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Accessed on 5/4/2026

Regarding roll up style shades, most of these products are stock,
not custom, and stock products are already required to comply with the
existing rule codified in 16 CFR 1120.3(e). Staff did not locate any
non-compliant roll up style shades from major online retailers that
also have brick-and-mortar stores. Such retailers represent 75 percent
of the market. However, from online retailers representing 25 percent
of the market, staff identified non-compliant roll up style shades on
seven websites; 37 percent of the offerings were corded, and 63 percent
were cordless. Given that e-commerce accounts for about 25 percent of
the market,\32\ the overall compliance rate of products reviewed by
CPSC staff is about 91 percent, with the observation that brick-and-
mortar stores reviewed by staff have a 100 percent compliance rate.
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\32\ Euromonitor, 2024: available at: <a href="https://www.portal.euromonitor.com/?eOpE%2bUmVd2xPhLHo07zPwx6WHOLgseSP5%2b9LR4N%2fEeHF30MGubTWBQ%3d%3d">https://www.portal.euromonitor.com/?eOpE%2bUmVd2xPhLHo07zPwx6WHOLgseSP5%2b9LR4N%2fEeHF30MGubTWBQ%3d%3d</a>.
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In addition, major manufacturers and retailers are members of WCMA,
which means that they should be manufacturing and selling window
coverings that comply with the ANSI/WCMA-2022. Therefore, based on the
current offerings on the market, WCMA memberships, and WCMA's
statements, the Commission preliminarily determines that window
coverings sold in the United States substantially comply with the
readily observable safety characteristics identified for this NPRM and
as stated in ANSI/WCMA-2022.

VI. Description of the Proposed Rule

The NPRM proposes adding several new paragraphs to part 1120. The
NPRM includes two new definitions: proposed Sec. 1120.2(h) defines
``tension device'' consistent with the definition in section 3,
definition 2.21, in ANSI/WCMA-2022, and proposed Sec. 1120.2(i)
defines roll up style shades consistent with the definition in section
3, definition 1.04 of ANSI/WCMA-2022. Additionally, the NPRM proposes
to update the reference to ANSI/WCMA-2018 in existing definitions for
stock and custom window coverings in Sec. 1120.2(f) and (g) to ANSI/
WCMA-2022. The NPRM proposes to revise Sec. 1120.3(f) to include new
requirements for custom window coverings and to change the
incorporation by reference from ANSI/WCMA-2018 to ANSI/WCMA-2022. The
proposed addition in Sec. 1120.3(f)(3) creates a new requirement for
free hanging operating cords stating that such cords that fail to meet
operating cord requirements in sections 4.4.2.2 (short static or access
cord), or 4.4.2.3 (inaccessible operating cord), present an SPH.
Proposed Sec. 1120.3(f)(4) creates a new requirement that custom
horizontal blinds cannot contain an exposed continuous loop operating
system based on section 4.4.2.5.1 of ANSI/WCMA-2022. Proposed Sec.
1120.3(f)(5) requires that other custom blinds and shades containing
continuous loop operating systems that fail to meet 4.4.2.5.1,
4.4.2.5.2, or 4.4.2.5.3, present an SPH. Proposed Sec. 1120.3(f)(6)
requires that a custom window covering with a single retractable cord
lift system that fails to meet 4.4.2.4 presents an SPH. Proposed Sec.
1120.3(f)(7) requires that custom roll up style shades not contain cord
loop lifts, as such products are defined in section 3, definition 1.04
of ANSI/WCMA-2022 as cordless. Proposed 1120.3(f)(8) requires that a
continuous loop operating system containing a

[[Page 60566]]

tension device on custom products that fails to include a warning label
and/or a warning tag as required in sections 5.1 and 5.2, presents an
SPH. Proposed 1120.3(f)(9) requires that a single retractable lift
system on custom window coverings that fails to include a warning label
and/or a warning tag as required in sections 5.1 and 5.2, presents an
SPH.
With regard to stock roll up styles shades, the NPRM proposes to
add Sec. 1120.3(e)(4) deeming that stock roll up style shades with
cord loop lifts present an SPH. ANSI/WCMA-22 requires roll up style
shades, as defined in section 3, definition 1.04, as cordless.
Finally, the NPRM proposes to update the incorporation by reference
in Sec. 1120.4(d)(1) from ANSI/WCMA-2018 to ANSI/WCMA-2022.

VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires that proposed rules
be reviewed for the potential economic impact on small entities,
including small businesses. 5 U.S.C. 601-612. Section 603 of the RFA
requires agencies to prepare and make available for public comment an
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA), describing the impact
of the proposed rule on small entities and identifying impact-reducing
alternatives. The requirement to prepare an IRFA does not apply if the
agency certifies that the rulemaking will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Id at 605.
As described in this section of the preamble, the Commission expects
that the economic effect on all entities will be minimal because the
industry already substantially complies with the ANSI/WCMA-2022
standard. Accordingly, the Commission certifies that a final rule will
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.

A. Small Entities to Which the Proposed Rule Would Apply

The NPRM would apply to a segment of the stock and custom window
covering market that sells products described above. Window coverings
include the following product categories: blinds, shades, and curtains
and draperies. The shades category includes cellular shades, pleated
shades, roller shades, roll up style shades and Roman shades. The
blinds category includes horizontal blinds and vertical blinds of
varying material types. The total window covering market size in 2023
was approximately $5.3 billion.\33\ (Euromonitor 2024).\34\ CPSC staff
estimates that firms classified as small by U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) guidelines account for $1.9 billion annually, and
none of these firms accounts for more than 3 percent of total market
share by revenue. (Euromonitor 2024).\35\
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\33\ Stock window coverings most likely account for a minority
of the total market size in terms of revenue due to significant
average price differences between stock and custom products. (D+R
International 2021).
\34\ Data obtained from EM Passport system (subscription) on 8/
28/2024. <a href="https://www.euromonitor.com/">https://www.euromonitor.com/</a>
\35\ Data obtained from EM Passport system (subscription) on 8/
28/2024. <a href="https://www.euromonitor.com/">https://www.euromonitor.com/</a>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) defines
product codes for U.S. firms. Firms that manufacture window coverings
may list their business under the NAICS product code for blinds and
shades manufacturers (337920 Blind and Shade Manufacturing) or
retailers (442291 Window Treatment Stores).\36\ Importers of window
coverings are generally listed in Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers
(423220), which includes other home furnishing items and is nonspecific
to window coverings.
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\36\ The two product codes 337920 and 442291 encompass most
products in the window coverings market. However, some drapery and
curtain manufacturers may be listed under 322230, stationary product
manufacturing.
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Under SBA guidelines, a manufacturer of window coverings is
categorized as small if the firm has fewer than 1,000 employees;
retailers are considered small if they have sales revenue less than
$11.5 million, and importers if the firm has fewer than 100
employees.\37\ Based on 2021 data, 2,128 firms were categorized as
blinds and shades manufacturers and retailers.\38\ Of these, about
1,857 firms (274 manufacturers and 1,583 retailers) were beneath their
respective thresholds and thus qualified as small. Unfortunately, the
NAICS code for importers is nonspecific to window coverings and an
estimate of the number window coverings importers that meet the SBA
guidelines for a small business cannot be estimated. Nearly all the 274
small manufacturers identified are far below the 1,000 employee SBA
threshold, as a majority of firms have fewer than ten employees. CPSC
staff assesses that the window coverings produced by these firms would
meet the voluntary standard definition of a ``custom'' window covering
because many are handcrafters, and they produce products to a specific
customer order. Stock window coverings are already subject to the
existing rule at 16 CFR 1120.3(e).
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\37\ Table of Size Standards, U.S. Small Business
Administration, <a href="https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards">https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards</a>.
\38\ 2021 SUSB Annual Data Tables by Establishment Industry,
<a href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2021/econ/susb/2021-susb-annual.html">https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2021/econ/susb/2021-susb-annual.html</a>.
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B. Potential Impact of the Proposed Rule

CPSC staff indicate that the level of conformance of stock and
custom window coverings with the readily observable characteristics
identified in ANSI/WCMA-2022 is high. Firms already conforming to the
standard would experience no impact by the proposed rule. However, CPSC
staff notes that some small manufacturers do not currently conform to
the accessible cord provision. Very few of these small firms solely
offer window coverings; most offer other products in addition to window
coverings. The firms selling multiple products would likely not have a
significant impact on their overall revenue as these other items would
outweigh any increased compliance cost to window coverings. Staff
estimates that less than 10 of these firms will incur a significant
cost impact from the rule and that this would not constitute a
substantial number of small manufacturers of a market with 257
manufacturers. Retailers and importers are not expected to be impacted
significantly by the rule because any potential costs to conform will
be borne by manufacturers. Should a window covering retailer and/or
importer bear a cost related to conformance, staff expects the cost to
account only for a small portion of total revenues because these firms
typically sell/import other home furnishing products in addition to
window coverings.
Based on the available information, the Commission certifies that
this rule would not have a significant impact on a substantial number
of small businesses or other small entities.

VIII. Environmental Considerations

The Commission's regulations typically have little or no potential
for affecting the human environment, thus environmental assessments and
impact statements are not usually required. 16 CFR 1021.5(a). The
proposed rule 16 will have little or no potential to affect the human
environment; and therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an
environmental impact statement is required. The proposed rule falls
within the ``categorical exclusion'' for the purposes of the National
Environmental Policy Act. 16 CFR 1021.5(c).

IX. Preemption

The proposed rule would not establish a consumer product safety

[[Page 60567]]

rule. Accordingly, the preemption provisions in section 26(a) of the
CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2075(a), would not apply to this rule.

X. Effective Date

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) generally requires that the
effective date of a rule be at least 30 days after publication of a
final rule. 5 U.S.C. 553(d). The Commission proposes that any stock or
custom window coverings that do not conform to the specified sections
of ANSI/WCMA-2022 be deemed to present an SPH effective 30 days after
publication of a final rule in the Federal Register. After that date,
all stock and custom window coverings that are subject to, but do not
comply with, ANSI/WCMA-2022 regarding the identified readily observable
characteristics, will be deemed to present an SPH.
A 30-day effective date is appropriate for this rule because stock
and custom window coverings already substantially comply with the
identified readily observable safety characteristics in ANSI/WCMA-2022
and because there is widespread knowledge of these requirements among
importers and manufacturers. Accordingly, relevant stakeholders are on
notice of the requirements in ANSI/WCMA-2022. Moreover, importers
likely will have ample time and opportunity to acquire conforming
products, if necessary, from suppliers within normal business cycles
before a final rule is promulgated. Based on the available information,
the Commission concludes that a 30-day effective date would not likely
result in significant impacts on industry, nor disrupt the supply of
conforming products.

XI. Incorporation by Reference

The Commission proposes to incorporate by reference provisions of
ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022, American National Standard for Safety of Corded
Window Covering Products into 16 CFR 1120.4. Currently, the 2018
version of the standard, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018, is incorporated by
reference in section 1120.4. The Commission proposes updating the
incorporation by reference from the 2018 standard to the 2022 standard,
applicable to both existing and newly proposed requirements. The Office
of the Federal Register (OFR) has regulations concerning incorporation
by reference which require that, for a proposed rule, agencies must
discuss in the preamble of the NPRM ways that the materials the agency
proposes to incorporate by reference are reasonably available to
interested persons or how the agency worked to make the materials
reasonably available. 1 CFR part 51. In addition, the preamble of the
proposed rule must summarize the material. 1 CFR 51.5(a).
In accordance with the OFR's requirements, sections I.A and V of
this preamble summarize the provisions of ANSI/WCMA-2022 that the
Commission proposes to incorporate by reference. ANSI/WCMA-2022 is
copyrighted. You can view a read-only copy of ANSI/WCMA-2022 at no cost
at: <a href="https://wcmanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WCMA-100.1-2022-FINAL-Read-Only.pdf">https://wcmanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WCMA-100.1-2022-FINAL-Read-Only.pdf</a>. To download or print the standard, interested
persons can purchase a copy of ANSI/WCMA-2022 from WCMA, through its
website: <a href="http://wcmanet.com">http://wcmanet.com</a>, or by mail from the Window Covering
Manufacturers Association, Inc. 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
10017; Telephone: 212-297-2122. Alternatively, interested parties may
inspect a copy of the standard free of charge by contacting the CPSC
Office of the Secretary: Telephone: 301-504-7479; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5437242737793b2714372427377a333b22">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

XII. Request for Comments

The Commission invites interested persons to submit their comments
to the Commission on any aspect of the proposed rule. Comments should
be submitted as provided in the instructions in the ADDRESSES section
at the beginning of this notice.

List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 1120

Administrative practice and procedure, Clothing, Consumer
protection, Cord sets, Extension cords, Household appliances, Lighting,
Window Coverings, Cords, Infants and children, Imports, Incorporation
by reference.

For the reasons stated above, the Consumer Product Safety
Commission proposes to amend 16 CFR part 1120 as follows:

PART 1120--SUBSTANTIAL PRODUCT HAZARD LIST

0
1. The authority citation for part 1120 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2064(j).

0
2. In paragraphs (f) and (g) of Sec. 1120.2, replace the year ``2018''
with ``2022''.
0
3. In Sec. 1120.2, add paragraphs (h) and (i) to read as follows:

Sec. 1120.2 Definitions.

* * * * *
(h) Tension device, has the same meaning as defined in section 3,
definition 2.21 of ANSI/WCMA A100. 1-2022, as a device that is used to
maintain tension on the cord or bead chain loop.
(i) Roll up style shade, has the same meaning as defined in section
3, definition 1.04 of ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022, as a flexible sheet with
no cords, whose operation consists of rolling up the sheet from the
bottom or top, as the case may be, and secured by clips or other
fastening means.
0
4. In Sec. 1120.3, revise paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as follows:

Sec. 1120.3 Products deemed to be substantial product hazards.

* * * * *
(e) Stock window coverings that fail to comply with one or more of
the following requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 1120.4):
(1) Operating cord requirements in section 4.4.1: section 4.4.1.1
(cordless operating system), 4.4.1.2 (short static or access cord), or
4.4.1.3 (inaccessible operating cord);
(2) Inner cord requirements in sections 4.5, 6.2, and Appendices C
and D;
(3) On-product manufacturer label requirement in section 5.3; and
(4) Roll up style shades requirements in section 3, definition 1.04
of ANSI/WCMA-2022 (cordless).
(f) Custom window coverings that fail to comply with one or more of
the following requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 1120.4):
(1) Inner cord requirements in sections 4.5, 6.2, and Appendices C
and D;
(2) On-product manufacturer label requirement in section 5.3;
(3) Operating cord requirements in sections 4.4.2.1 (cordless
operating system), 4.4.2.2 (short static or access cord), or 4.4.2.3
(inaccessible operating cord);
(4) Horizontal blinds requirements in section 4.4.2.5.1 (no
continuous loop operating systems with or without a tension device);
(5) Continuous loop operating system requirements on other custom
blinds and shades in sections 4.4.2.5.1, 4.4.2.5.2, or 4.4.2.5.3;
(6) Single retractable cord lift system requirements in section
4.4.2.4;
(7) Roll up style shades requirements in section 3, definition 1.04
(cordless);
(8) Continuous loops containing a tension device, warning label and
warning tag requirements in sections 5.1 and 5.2;
(9) Single retractable lift systems, warning label and warning tag
requirements in sections 5.1 and 5.2.
0
5. In paragraph (d)(1) of Sec. 1120.4, replace the year ``2018'' with
``2022''

[[Page 60568]]

and replace the date ``January 8, 2018'' with ``December 13, 2022''.

Alberta E. Mills,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
[FR Doc. 2026-19579 Filed 9-23-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6355-01-P

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