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The Fire Services Department (“FSD”) issued Circular No. 3/2026 on April 30, 2026, announcing the adoption of Internet of Things Fire Detection System (“IoT FDS”) and portable fire extinguishers as an alternative solution to statutory requirements for hose reel and manual fire alarm systems in composite and domestic buildings of 6-storey or below, regulated under the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, Cap. 572.

Subsequently, FSD issued FSD Circular No. 7/2026 on 15 Oct 2026, announcing the extension of the application of the “IoT FDS” to composite and domestic buildings of 7-storeys or above, regulated under the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572).

According to section 4.1(f) in the Application Notes of the Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme (“FSWS”), the subsidy is only applicable to the works carried out at the common parts of building required for complying with “Directions”and which include other alternative fire service installations and equipment/measures approved by FSD. Therefore, the abovementioned alternative solution using a IoT FDS (Including a 5-year system service) also falls within the scope of the subsidy. Eligible applicants for the FSWS may receive a subsidy of up to 60% of the cost for eligible works and consultancy fees, or the corresponding subsidy cap for that category of building, whichever is lower.  

If the building owners intend to install the IoT FDS, they may download the “Expression of Interest for IoT Fire Detection System” from the FSD website. After completing the form, please submit it to the Fire Services Department Building Improvement Support Centre (“BISC”) for processing. To assist the public for understanding more and facilitating the selection of suitable service providers, the FSD has also published the “List of Service Providers Interested in Providing IoT Fire Detection System” on its website for public reference. For details, please refer to the relevant webpages of FSD.