United States · Shading motors (blinds, shutters, awnings)
Selling motorised shading drives in the United States
There is no single federal approval for blind and shade motors in the US. Radio parts are regulated by the FCC: a remote, a radio receiver in the motor or a Wi-Fi module needs an equipment authorisation before it is marketed. Electrical safety is driven by electrical codes, inspectors, retailers and specifiers, who usually expect a listing by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Complete window coverings also carry cord-safety rules aimed at protecting young children. Products sold in Canada as well follow the ISED radio rules. Check each linked official text; some cord rules have been challenged in court.
Checklist
Obtain FCC certification for every intentional radiator
- Regulation
- FCC Part 15: Radio frequency devices (47 CFR Part 15)
- Certification
- FCC equipment authorization
- Evidence
- Test report from an FCC-recognised laboratory and a grant issued by a Telecommunication Certification Body, listed under an FCC ID in the Equipment Authorization database. Applies to remotes, radio receivers built into motors, hubs and plug-in modules. Label the FCC ID on the device (or electronically where allowed) and include the required user statements. A pre-certified module can reduce testing, subject to the module grant conditions. Keep the grant, test report and label drawings in your compliance file; marketing samples or pre-orders before the grant are restricted, so plan the authorisation before launch.
- Official lookup
- apps.fcc.gov
Use a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity for digital circuitry
- Regulation
- FCC Part 15: Radio frequency devices (47 CFR Part 15)
- Evidence
- Emission test report for unintentional radiators (digital control boards, power supplies) and a compliance statement in the user information. An SDoC has no public database entry, so a missing FCC ID record does not mean the product is non-compliant.
Get an NRTL listing for electrical safety
- Standards
- ANSI/UL 325
- Certification
- UL certification
- Evidence
- Certification by an OSHA-recognised NRTL to the UL standard that matches the product, commonly ANSI/UL 325 for drapery, louver and window operators, with motor and power-supply standards for the components. Not a federal approval requirement, but electrical inspectors, building owners and retailers widely expect listed equipment. Low-voltage systems are typically supplied from a listed Class 2 power supply. Hard-wired motors are connected by a qualified electrician following the electrical code adopted locally. Battery-powered motors and their chargers raise their own questions (cell and pack safety, charger listing); ask the NRTL which standards apply to the battery system you use. Check the listing in the NRTL's own online directory rather than relying on a mark on the label alone.
- Official lookup
- osha.gov
Apply window covering cord safety to complete products
- Regulation
- Window covering cord safety (ANSI/WCMA A100.1; 16 CFR Part 1260)
- Standards
- ANSI/WCMA A100.1 2018
- Evidence
- ANSI/WCMA A100.1 (2022 edition current) sets cord requirements for stock and custom window coverings; stock products are expected to be cordless or to have only short or inaccessible cords. The CPSC rule for stock products (16 CFR 1120.3) is in force; the separate custom-product rule (16 CFR Part 1260) was vacated by the D.C. Circuit in 2023, and the CPSC proposed new custom-product rules in September 2026. Motorised operation removes the operating cord, but inner cords, bead chains and charging cables still need review against the standard. Test reports from a laboratory familiar with the standard are the usual evidence.
Meet Canadian radio and interference rules
- Regulation
- ISED radio standards (RSS) and ICES-003 (RSS-Gen; RSS-210; RSS-247; ICES-003)
- Certification
- ISED Canada radio equipment certification
- Evidence
- ISED certification of licence-exempt transmitters against RSS-Gen (Issue 6 since 30 July 2026; Issue 5 accepted until 30 July 2027) and the specific RSS (for example RSS-210 or RSS-247), with an ISED certification number on the label, plus an ICES-003 declaration for digital apparatus. Electrical safety in Canada is certified by accredited bodies (for example to CSA standards).
Check California Proposition 65 warnings
- Evidence
- Review materials (cables, PVC housings, brass parts) for listed chemicals and provide a clear and reasonable warning where required, following the safe-harbour warning methods published by the state agency.
- Official lookup
- p65warnings.ca.gov
Consider voluntary protocol certification
- Standards
- Matter 1.0
- Certification
- Matter certification
- Evidence
- Alliance certification (Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave) or Bluetooth qualification for interoperability claims. These programmes test that the device follows the protocol specification so it can join other certified devices; they say nothing about electrical safety or FCC status. Certified products are listed in the alliance's public database; use the protocol name and logo only as the alliance's rules allow.
Who can test
Listing is not an endorsement. Labs are listed from public directories and have not paid or been reviewed by OpenAxia.
- CSA Group Testing and Certification Inc.
- Eurofins Electrical and Electronic Testing NA, Inc.
- Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc.
- TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc.
- TÜV SÜD America Inc.
- UL LLC
Need testing or certification help?
Tell us about your product and where you are with United States market access. We read every request and reply by email. Ask about certification →
Sources
This guide is a starting point, not legal advice. Check the official texts.
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