Complete Guide to Fire Safety Inspection Certificate in the Philippines

Ensuring the safety of your business premises is crucial before beginning operations. In the Philippines, companies must comply with specific regulations, such as obtaining a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FCIS) for your location.

This guide will walk you through the steps of obtaining a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate in the Philippines, its importance, and the key requirements you will need to meet to legally operate your business premises.

What is a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC)? 

In the Philippines, the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) is issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). It certifies that a building or establishment has passed the fire safety inspection in compliance with Philippine law.

The FSIC is part of a regulatory framework (Republic Act 914, also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines) that mandates establishments to be inspected for fire safety compliance. The overall aim isto protect lives and property.  

Operating your business without an FSIC may result in penalties, suspension, or even closure by local government units. The FSIC also provides verification and assurance to all building occupants that your premises meet the standard fire safety regulations.

*Note: Businesses cannot legally operate without an FSIC as the certificate is required for both new constructions and the renewal of business permits. 

How to Apply for a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) in the Philippines

Obtaining an FSIC involves careful preparation and coordination with your local Bureau of Protection (BFP) office. This includes document submission, scheduling inspections, and ensuring all fire safety measurements are in place.

For foreign investors, partnering with Emerhub’s team of experts provides local insights and expertise that simplifies this process. Our team can handle your FISC application, help find licensed engineers for required certifications, and coordinate official communications. Our process includes:

1. Submit Your Fire Safety Inspection Certificate Application 

The first step is to submit an application for a fire safety inspection at the BFP office in your area of business. Emerhub can help coordinate with the local office as well as review the required documents from your submission:

• Completed FSIC application form.
• Building permit for new constructions.
• Occupancy permit for existing buildings.
• Business permit for commercial establishments or renewal applications.
• Fire insurance policy from insurance companies (if applicable).
• Electrical Inspection Certification obtained from a licensed electrical engineer or the local government’s engineering office.

2. Fire Safety Inspection Scheduling and Inspection

Once your application is received, the BFP will schedule an inspection date at your building and communicate this to you or your representative. 

3. Fire Safety Inspection 

On the scheduled day, the BFP inspectors will visit your premises to assess the fire safety measures. This is where you will need to accompany the inspection team through specific locations in your building. 

You must demonstrate that your premises are fully functional, are equipped with mandatory features, and meet safety standards:

• Proper fire exits and escape routes.
• Functional fire extinguishers and suppression systems.
• Functional safety systems like fire alarms, sprinklers, detection, and electrical systems.
• Emergency lighting.
• Trained personnel for fire safety and emergency response.

4. FSIC Issuance and Compliance

Based on the inspection, the BFP may provide recommendations for improvements. You’ll then be given a grace period of 6 months from the date of inspection to address these recommendations and make the necessary enhancements to your fire safety measures. Keep in mind that the grace period can vary based on the extent of renovations/installations needed.

If your establishment meets all fire safety requirements with no compliance issues, the BFP will issue your Fire Safety Inspection Certificate the following day.

*Please note that compliance issues commonly include documentation errors, building code violations, poorly maintained fire safety equipment, and overdue renewals. Local authorities also tend to conduct routine maintenance checks on certified establishments. 

Emerhub’s compliance team can help you navigate through all your certification essentials– from reviewing your premises’ fire safety features to ensuring compliance during business permit renewals.

Do You Need to Renew Your Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC)?

The Fire Safety Inspection Certificate is not a one-time certification and requires annual or periodic renewals to stay compliant with the Philippines’ fire safety standards. The renewal steps are similar to the initial application– requiring updated permits and documents, an inspection, and verification to ensure ongoing compliance.

With end-to-end support from Emerhub, our team of local experts can manage every step of this process on your behalf. We can help you:

• Compile, certify, and translate all necessary documents.
• Coordinate the application process with the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
• Ensure your premises meet the required safety standards. 
• Handle annual or periodic FSIC renewals for your establishment.

Planning to secure a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) in the Philippines? Reach out via the form below and we’ll put you in touch with one of our local experts!