Simplifying AFSS for Small Businesses: A 2025 Compliance Checklist

Angel Bowyer02 Jan, 2026Security

Small businesses have a lot on their plate, and fire safety paperwork often gets pushed to the back burner until a reminder lands in the inbox. The Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) isn’t optional in New South Wales. It’s a yearly obligation on the building owner to confirm that all essential fire safety measures are working as intended and that exits and paths of travel are clear and compliant. The requirement sits under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 and the NSW Planning framework.