Context

From 2 February 2026, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) implemented updates to its policies relating to the submission of documentation and payment of fees. These changes affect multiple submission types and introduce mandatory upfront payments regardless of whether a detailed review is undertaken.

Payment and Administrative Requirements

Applicants are required to register for an SAP Customer Number, which can be applied for on the FRNSW Website. Once issued, an assessment fee invoice can then be requested and paid before document lodgement. The SAP Customer Number must be included on all documentation submitted to FRNSW along with the invoice number for the paid invoice.

All applications submitted to FRNSW Building Fire Safety require the assessment fee invoice to be paid in advance. Applications will only be processed once the assessment fee has been paid and the corresponding application or request has been received. Applicants must allow sufficient time for payment processing, noting that legislative timeframes only commence after payment has been received. FRNSW advises factoring in up to four working days for payment clearance when scheduling applications.

Additional payment information is outlined at: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/fire-safety/building-fire-safety/fees-and-charges/pay-upfront-fee [1]

Performance Based Design Brief (PBDB)

For submission of Performance Based Design Brief (PBDB) by the Fire Engineer:

• An upfront payment of $1,000 is required at the time of lodgement and is payable regardless of whether FRNSW elects to review the submission.
• Where FRNSW opts to provide a PBDB review, an additional fee of $1,395 will apply on top of the upfront payment.

Initial Fire Safety Report (IFSR)

For submission of a Fire Engineering Report for an Initial Fire Safety Report (IFSR) by the Certifier:

• An upfront payment of $1,000 is required at the time of lodgement and is payable regardless of whether FRNSW elects to review the submission.
• Where FRNSW opts to provide an IFSR, review charges will be applied at a rate of $192 per hour spent on the project, in addition to the upfront payment.

Final Fire Safety Report (FFSR)

For submission of a Notification prior to Occupation Certificate (Final Fire Safety Report) by the Certifier:

• An upfront payment of $1,000 is required at the time of lodgement and is payable regardless of whether FRNSW elects to review the submission.
• Where FRNSW opts to provide an FFSR, an additional fee of $2,429 will apply on top of the upfront payment.

Looking Ahead

As FRNSW submission pathways increasingly require upfront administrative and financial coordination, early consideration of lodgement timing, payment clearance, and applicant registration requirements will be important to avoid unintended delays. Ongoing familiarity with FRNSW submission processes and fee structures will remain essential as projects progress through design, certification, and occupation stages.

References

[1] Fire & Rescue NSW, “Pay upfront fee.” Feb. 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/fire-safety/building-fire-safety/fees-and-charges/pay-upfront-fee