Introduction

If you own, manage or build a property in Singapore, understanding the difference between the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and the Fire Certificate (FC) issued by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is essential. These two certifications serve different purposes, apply at different stages of a building's lifecycle, and have different legal requirements under the Fire Safety Act.

What Is a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC)?

A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is an approval issued by SCDF to confirm that a newly completed building's fire protection, fire safety systems, and fire safety works comply with the approved fire safety plans.

✔ When is the FSC required?

• Before a building can be occupied.
• After the issuance of a Temporary Fire Permit (TFP) (if applicable).
• After all fire protection installations are fully completed and inspected.

✔ Who typically requires it?

• Developers
• Qualified Persons (QPs)
• Contractors
• Owners of new buildings or buildings undergoing major A&A (Addi:ons & Altera:ons)

✔ FSC focuses on:

• Fire alarm and detection systems.
• Sprinkler systems.
• Exit access and means of escape.
• Smoke control.
• Firefighting systems (hosereels, hydrants, drencher, etc.).
• Compliance with the Fire Code.

✔ Key point:

The FSCis a one-time certification confirming a building is safe for occupation.

What Is a Fire Certificate (FC)?

A Fire Certificate (FC) is an annual certification required for selected buildings with complex or high-risk fire safety systems.
Under the Fire Safety Act, certain buildings must undergo yearly inspections to verify that their fire safety systems are properly maintained and functioning.

✔ When is the FC required?

• Annually, after the building is occupied.
• Applies to buildings with critical fire safety installations.

✔ Buildings that typically require an FC:

• Shopping malls.
• Commercial towers.
• Industrial buildings.
• Warehouses storing flammable materials.
• Large residential developments with complex fire systems.
• Public entertainment venues.

✔ FC focuses on:

• Maintenance of fire protection systems.
• Testing and performance of alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers.
• Compliance with maintenance records.
• Submission of annual declarations & inspection reports.
• Rectification of system faults.

✔ Key point:

The Fire Certificate is renewable every year to ensure ongoing fire safety compliance.

SCDF Fire Safety Certificate vs Fire Certificate: Key Differences

Feature	Fire Safety Certificate (FSC)	Fire Certificate (FC)
Stage Issued	Before a building is occupied.	After occupation, once a year.
Purpose	Certifies fire safety works are properly completed.	Certifies ongoing fire safety maintenance.
Validity	One-time.	Annual renewal.
Issued For	New buildings or major A&A works.	Selected buildings with complex fire systems.
Requirement	Mandatory for occupation.	Mandatory for high-risk buildings under Fire Safety Act.
Conducted By	SCDF inspection of new works.	Annual inspection by competent persons and SCDF review.

Why These Certifications Matter

Both the FSC and FC ensure that buildings in Singapore meet strict fire safety standards, helping to protect:

• Lives.
• Property.
• Businesses.
• Public infrastructure.

Failure to comply can result in:

• Enforcement actions.
• Fines.
• Delays in occupancy.
• Legal liability for owners and developers.

Fire safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it is an essential part of Singapore's high safety standards.