What is the difference between Canada SOR/2017-117 and US CPSC cord safety standards?

Both have similar core requirements (cord loop ≤220mm, securing devices, tension devices), but key differences: 1) Canada explicitly requires tension devices to withstand at least 35N force, while US standard does not specify a numerical value; 2) Canada limits single cord accessible length to 300mm, while US standard focuses on loop cords; 3) Canada requires safety warning labels in both English and French, while US only requires English. It is recommended to design products meeting both simultaneously to cover the entire North American market.

Which standard should I use as the design baseline for globally compliant blinds?

It is recommended to use Canada SOR/2017-117 as the design baseline, as it is the strictest cord safety regulation worldwide — explicitly requiring tension devices to withstand at least 35N force and limiting single cord accessible length to 300mm, requirements that exceed other markets. Products designed to Canadian standards automatically meet EU, US, UK, and Australian requirements, achieving "one design, global compliance."

Does Canada bilingual labeling have specific font size requirements?

The Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act requires English and French information to have "equal prominence", but does not specify exact font size numerical values. In practice, English and French font sizes, colors, contrast, and positions should be roughly equivalent. It is recommended to use the same font and font size, arranged side-by-side or stacked. If space is limited, a smaller font may be used but must remain legible, and both languages must use the same font size.

Are cordless products exempt from cord safety regulations in all markets?

Yes, products completely without accessible cords, chains, ropes, or loops are exempt from cord safety regulations in all five markets. However, note: 1) If the product is equipped with emergency cords or backup cords, those cords must still comply; 2) Motorized product remote controls or control devices are not subject to cord regulations but must meet electrical safety standards; 3) "Cordless" definitions vary slightly by market, it is recommended to ensure the product has completely no accessible cords.

What is the difference in cord retention device pull force requirements between the EU and Canada?

The EU EN 13120 standard requires cord retention devices to withstand a pull force of at least 40N without releasing the cord, while the Canadian SOR/2019-97 regulation requires 90N. Canada's requirement is significantly higher than the EU's. If products are sold in both markets, they should be designed to meet the higher 90N standard to ensure cross-market compliance.

Canada Window Blinds Compliance: CCPSA, SOR/2017-117 & Bilingual Labels

Published 2026-08-20 · Last updated 2026-10-21 · By Yuehua Blinds · 8 min read · 123 views

Canada's blind regime is the strictest of the major markets on cord hardware. SOR/2017-117, in force since July 2017, demands cleats, tension devices that hold at 35 N, and a 300 mm single-cord limit that no other market spells out. On top of that, every label - fiber composition, origin, safety warning - must run in English and French with equal prominence. Health Canada handles enforcement; the factory fits the hardware and prints the bilingual labels to spec.

Key takeaways

SOR/2017-117 bans accessible cord loops over 220 mm, requires wall cleats, tension devices rated to at least 35 N, and caps single accessible cord length at 300 mm unless secured. Cordless products are exempt.
Safety warning labels must be permanent and bilingual (English and French). Bilingual labeling across fiber content, dealer details and country of origin is a legal requirement, not a preference.
CEPA restricts phthalates DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP to 0.1% in products for children under 4, and surface-coating lead to 90 mg/kg.
Health Canada must be told within 2 days of a safety risk. Penalties under the CCPSA reach CAD 10 million and / or imprisonment.

CCPSA and Health Canada

Health Canada regulates consumer product safety under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, covering every product made, imported, advertised or sold in Canada.

It is illegal to manufacture, import, advertise or sell a product that fails the regulations or presents an unreasonable safety risk.
Suppliers must report to Health Canada within 2 days if a product has caused or may cause serious health effects.
Health Canada can order recalls, seize stock or ban sales; violators face fines up to CAD 10 million and / or imprisonment.

SOR/2017-117: the cord regulation

SOR/2017-117 took effect on 1 July 2017 and covers every internal blind with cords - roller, zebra, roman, venetian and vertical.

No accessible cord loop with a circumference over 220 mm.
Fixed cords must use cleat hooks secured to the wall or window frame.
Continuous loop cords need tension devices capable of withstanding at least 35 N.
A single accessible cord must not exceed 300 mm unless secured.
Products must pass the mechanical tests - loop, tension and securing device tests.
Corded products carry permanent safety warning labels in both English and French.

Products with no accessible cords - spring, motorized or push-pull - are exempt. The 35 N tension device is the detail that separates Canada from the US and EU, and it is fitted at our production stage.

CEPA chemical limits

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act manages toxic substances through the Domestic and Non-Domestic Substance Lists.

Phthalates DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP are restricted to 0.1% in products for children under 4.
Surface-coating lead is capped at 90 mg/kg, aligned with the US CPSC approach.
Cadmium is restricted in some consumer products; some carcinogenic azo aromatic amines are restricted in textiles; formaldehyde release has recommended limits.

Bilingual labeling

The Official Languages Act and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act require consumer labels in both languages.

Mandatory content: generic product name, net quantity, dealer name and address, safety warnings.
English and French must have equal prominence - same font size, color and placement.
Fiber labels are bilingual, e.g. "100% Polyester / 100% Polyester".
Country of origin is bilingual - "Made in China / Fabrique en Chine".

Flame retardant

Residential blinds need no nationwide flame-retardant rule. Commercial buildings under the National Building Code may require CAN/ULC-S109 (flame spread and burning drip) or CAN/ULC-S102, and Quebec sets stricter commercial requirements.

Who does what

Item	Responsibility	Notes
SOR/2017-117 cord safety	Supplier primary	35 N tension devices, cleats, reports supplied.
Health Canada 2-day report	Supplier	Report within 2 days of a risk.
CEPA chemical limits	Supplier	Phthalates 0.1%, lead 90 mg/kg; reports supplied.
Bilingual labeling	Importer primary	English and French, equal prominence.
Bilingual safety warning	Supplier	Permanent label, both languages.
Commercial flame retardant	Joint	CAN/ULC-S109 reports for public projects.

Bottom line

A Canada-ready blind order: the importer owns bilingual label prominence and Health Canada registration; the factory fits 35 N tension devices, cleats and 300 mm single-cord limits under SOR/2017-117, and prints English-French warning labels. Cordless honeycomb and spring designs remove the cord hardware question entirely.

For how SOR/2017-117 stacks up against the EU and US, the global cord safety comparison lays out the table. The deeper standards view sits in the cord safety standards guide. To ship cordless into this market, the cordless honeycomb shade page lists the build.

Standards referenced here were checked against current obligations in October 2026.