The Government’s preferred approach is to pursue mandatory regulation of corded window coverings in some form on the basis that:
- none of the available non-regulatory options are likely to substantially reduce deaths from corded window coverings
- protecting young children is considered a high priority, as they are not able to take independent measures to protect themselves.
Further consideration will need to be given to possible designs of Option 4A (regulating safety features on corded window coverings) and Option 4B (prohibiting exposed cords), and to their costs and benefits. The preliminary estimates of the cost of regulatory options appear to be high. However:
- These preliminary estimates of cost are based predominantly on desktop research. Through this process, we are seeking to better understand the nature and scale of the actual modifications required and their cost.
- An increasing number of jurisdictions are regulating corded window covering safety. This means that the availability of safer designs is expected to increase over time, potentially reducing the costs of mandatory standards.
MBIE intends to use this consultation process, along with further research, to develop a better understanding of how corded window covering hazards can be addressed and the costs and benefits of doing so. Following consultation, MBIE will analyse all submissions and revise its assessment of the available options. This will inform advice to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on future interventions.
Questions
| Preferred options |
- Do you think the Government should intervene through:
- information and education to educate and encourage consumer behaviour (e.g. communication programmes, social media campaigns, etc.)
- providing funding for household to install safety devices/replace existing corded window coverings with cordless options
- pencouraging voluntary modification by businesses to reduce risks (e.g. selling safety devices or cordless designs, providing advice to consumers, etc.)
- putting in place a mandatory standard targeting corded window coverings to be manufactured, sold and installed in the future, or
- a combination of the above options? Which options?
- If you selected option ‘putting in place a mandatory standard’, do you think the mandatory standard should require:
- 4A. the installation of mandatory safety features, or
- 4B. prohibit window coverings with exposed cords?
- Why do you think this option is best?
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| For manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and installers |
- What would be the impact on the industry of a mandatory standard regulating the installation of safety features (option 4A)?
- What costs would be incurred by your business if a mandatory standard was introduced regulating the installation of safety features (option 4A)? Can you provide monetary estimates of these costs?
- What would be the impact on the industry of a mandatory standard requiring window coverings to be cordless (option 4B)?
- What costs would be incurred by your business if a mandatory standard was introduced requiring window coverings to be cordless (option 4B)? Can you provide monetary estimates of these costs?
- Are you aware of any technologies offering safer, affordable, and easier-to-use alternative operating systems for window coverings? If yes, what are these technologies and how are they safer?
- Would cordless window coverings be more expensive for the consumer than the current corded designs? Manual or motorised? Vertical or horizontal? Why? How much more expensive?
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| For consumers |
- Would you be willing to pay a higher price for cordless or corded window coverings that are safer for young children? Why/why not
- How much extra would you be willing to pay (percentage) for a compliant design that is safer for young children?
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