Health Canada has recalled thousands of SANA manually controlled solar shades sold across Canada because the corded window coverings may pose a strangulation hazard to young children.
The SANA window shade recall was issued on Aug. 24 and applies to manually controlled solar shades with chains that were sold in a variety of sizes, colours and fabrics.
Health Canada says the tension device supplied with the affected shades does not comply with the Corded Window Coverings Regulations. The regulator warns that young children can pull looped cords around their necks or become entangled in them, creating a risk of strangulation and death.
About 3,000 shades were sold in Canada
According to Health Canada, approximately 3,000 affected SANA shades were sold in Canada between May 2022 and August 2026.
The products were manufactured in Canada by Sana Designs Inc. of Montreal, Quebec.
As of Aug. 7, the company had received no reports of incidents or injuries related to the recalled shades in Canada.
Even without reported injuries, Health Canada is telling consumers to stop using the products immediately because of the potential hazard posed by the cord and tension-device setup.
What consumers should do
Anyone who has an affected shade should immediately stop using it, keep it out of reach of children and contact Sana Designs Inc. for a replacement tension device.
Health Canada also recommends cordless window coverings as the safest option for homes with young children.
Consumers should not sell, donate or give away a recalled product. Under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, recalled consumer products cannot legally be redistributed in Canada.
People who are unsure whether their window covering is affected should check the brand and operating mechanism and compare the product with the official Health Canada recall notice.
The affected SANA products are manually controlled solar shades that use chains. They were available in multiple colours, fabrics and sizes, so appearance alone may not be enough to determine whether a household has an affected product.
Why corded window coverings are a concern
Health Canada has repeatedly warned about the risks associated with accessible cords and chains on window coverings.
Young children can become entangled quickly, and a looped cord can tighten around the neck before a caregiver is able to react. This is why Canadian regulations place strict requirements on corded window coverings and their components.
The SANA window shade recall specifically concerns the tension device supplied with the product, which Health Canada says does not meet those requirements.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep beds, cribs, furniture and play areas away from windows where children could reach cords or chains.
Recall applies nationwide
The recall is national rather than specific to Durham Region, but local residents may have purchased the affected products during the more than four-year sales period.
Durham shoppers who have SANA manually controlled solar shades should check them now rather than waiting for an incident to occur.
Anyone seeking more information can contact Sana Designs Inc. directly or review Health Canada’s official recall database for identification details and current safety instructions.
The SANA window shade recall remains active, and consumers with affected products are being advised to stop using them until the replacement tension device has been obtained.
