The Institute of Fire Engineers (Hong Kong Branch) is pleased to express our full support for the implementation of the “Registered Fire Engineer Scheme” (“RFE Scheme”), which marks a new milestone in the fire engineering profession, enhancing professionalism of the industry and at the same time upholding stringent fire safety standards in Hong Kong.  This scheme, set to be implemented on 1 November 2025 in phases with food businesses under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) starting as the first phase, provides greater flexibility to the market while ensuring public safety.

The RFE Scheme is built upon a strong regulatory foundation to uphold public safety and maintain public confidence in fire safety. Registered Fire Engineers (“RFEs”) are authorized to conduct fire safety risk assessments and issue fire safety certificates for specified premises.  The stringent monitoring mechanisms established by the Fire Services Department (“FSD”), ensure that the work performed by RFEs meets the highest standards of professionalism.

To safeguard the integrity of the scheme, the FSD will maintain its regulatory role, ensuring that all fire safety risk assessments and certifications are conducted in strict compliance with the relevant regulations and codes of practice.  This rigorous regulatory requirement guarantees that public safety remains the top priority.

Under the framework of the scheme, the fire safety requirements proposed by RFEs will all be endorsed by the FSD.  Additionally, the FSD will conduct audit checks on at least 70% of the premises for which certificates are issued by RFEs, having regard to the risk assessment.  This dual-layered safeguard ensures that all fire safety measures are thoroughly reviewed and verified, providing an added layer of assurance to the public and stakeholders.

One of the key benefits of the RFE Scheme is its ability to provide an additional option for the market, allowing businesses to engage qualified professionals for fire safety risk assessments and certifications. This increased flexibility is beneficial for the licensing processes. Importantly, the scheme achieves this without compromising fire safety, as all processes remain subject to the FSD’s oversight and regulatory standards.

We firmly believe that the RFE Scheme represents a significant step forward in facilitating business operations in Hong Kong and securing fire safety.  We are committed to working closely with the FSD, RFEs and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme and to contribute to the continuous improvement of fire safety standards in our community.

We encourage all stakeholders to embrace this new initiative and to collaborate in fostering a safer and more efficient environment for all.  Together, we can build a future where fire safety and professional excellence go hand in hand.

Institute of Fire Engineers (Hong Kong Branch)