Kerala extends validity of fire NOCs to ease compliance

On 4 August 2025, the Government of Kerala announced a major compliance relaxation by extending the validity of fire No Objection Certificates (“NOCs”), aligning with its broader ease of doing business agenda. Previously, fire NOCs were valid only for one year, forcing establishments into a cycle of annual renewals and repetitive documentation. Under the revised framework, non-hazardous establishments can now obtain fire NOCs with a validity of up to five years upon payment of five times the annual fee, with an option for shorter durations on a proportionate fee basis. For hazardous industries and buildings storing hazardous materials, the validity period has been extended to two years, subject to payment of twice the annual fee.

For employers, this change substantially reduces the frequency of renewal and the related administrative costs, especially for commercial, retail, and service sector establishments that do not fall into the hazardous category. The longer validity, however, is not a free pass. It comes with the clear expectation of uninterrupted compliance with fire safety standards throughout the entire certification period. Authorities retain the power to impose penalties or cancel NOCs if safety obligations are breached.

The practical takeaway for organisations is two-fold: while the reform offers relief from repetitive filings and provides greater operational certainty, it also demands a higher degree of self-regulation. Employers should update compliance calendars to reflect the new validity cycles, strengthen internal fire safety protocols, and ensure regular monitoring and audits. By treating this as both a compliance advantage and a governance responsibility, establishments can fully benefit from the reduced burden without compromising workplace safety.