Corded blinds suppliers given a year to meet safety standards

Retailers and suppliers of corded blinds have a year to comply with new safety rules

Blind cords have caused the deaths of eight children since 2009.

In 2023, three-year-old Tilly Cambie died after becoming caught in a window blind cord. In February, her mother Courtney Cambie questioned how many more children would need to die before safety regulations were introduced

At the time, then Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson said he would consider Coroner Bruce Hesketh's report on Tilly's death, but said he was not looking to introduce regulations.

In his findings, Hesketh lent heavily on the recommendations of Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale and Coroner Heather McKenzie, who had investigated similar deaths.

In 2021, Borrowdale noted that New Zealand differed from comparable jurisdictions in having no product regulation designed to ensure the safe supply and use of corded blinds. She said there was a case for mandatory regulation to address the risks.

On Tuesday, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Cameron Brewer said the new standards to be made under the Fair Trading Act will make it mandatory for new corded window coverings to meet internationally recognised safety standards, including those used in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States.

Once the standards are made, there will be a one-year transition period.

"It's a practical, sensible fix that brings us into line with international best practice and makes these products safer for children," Brewer said.

Under the standards, new corded blinds will need to remove or reduce cord hazards through shorter cords, clearer warning labels, or supplied safety devices that enable parents to fix loose cords out of a child's reach.

Brewer said the majority of corded blind products currently for sale already comply with the new regulations.

"So this targets the higher-risk products that don't, while keeping compliance costs limited for businesses already doing the right thing.

"No family should lose a child to something this preventable, and putting these standards in place is the right thing to do."

The new standards only apply to new products. Brewer urged parents with corded window coverings already in their home to check MBIE's Product Safety website link for advice on replacing them or keeping cords out of reach.

Brewer said the new rules will take effect from 1 July, 2027.