Delhi Launches Third-Party Fire Safety Auditor Registration To Issue FSCs

New Delhi, Jul 18 (KNN) The Delhi government has initiated the process of registering and empanelling third-party fire safety auditors to issue Fire Safety Certificates (FSCs), marking a shift aimed at improving transparency and accountability in fire safety compliance.

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has invited applications and issued detailed guidelines for the registration of eligible auditors under the Delhi Fire Services (Amendment) Rules, 2025, notified last month.

Certification Process Decentralised
Until now, Fire Safety Certificates were issued exclusively by the Delhi Fire Services. Under the amended rules, qualified fire safety auditors will be authorised to inspect buildings and issue FSCs, following a series of major fire incidents in the capital.

Three Categories Of Auditors
The new framework classifies auditors into three categories i.e. L-1, L-2 and L-3, based on educational qualifications and professional experience.

Eligible applicants include those with qualifications in fire safety, engineering, architecture and fire and life safety audit, along with one to ten years of relevant experience, depending on the category.

L-1 and L-2 auditors will be authorised to inspect and certify buildings up to 15 metres in height, while L-3 auditors will be permitted to inspect and certify all categories of buildings regardless of height or occupancy.

Registration will be valid for three years, with fees fixed at Rs 10,000 for L-1, Rs 20,000 for L-2 and Rs 30,000 for L-3 auditors.

Building Owners Can Choose Auditors
Under the revised system, building owners and occupants will be able to select an empanelled auditor through the DFS portal. Following an inspection, the auditor will prepare an assessment report and issue a Fire Safety Certificate if the premises comply with prescribed safety standards.

Third-party auditors will be allowed to charge service fees directly from building owners. The prescribed fee ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 for L-1, Rs 35,000 to Rs 90,000 for L-2, and Rs 63,000 to Rs 5 lakh for L-3, depending on the building's height, built-up area, occupancy type and complexity of fire safety systems.

The Delhi government said the new mechanism is expected to streamline the certification process, improve professional accountability and facilitate faster compliance with fire safety norms.

(KNN Bureau)