What Is Australian Gas Approval Certification? #

Before most gas appliances can be legally sold, installed or supplied in Australia, they must be tested and certified to demonstrate they meet Australian gas safety requirements.

Certification helps ensure a gas appliance has been independently assessed for safety, performance and compliance with the applicable Australian Standards before it reaches consumers.

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Why Is Certification Important? #

Gas approval certification helps to:

• Protect occupants from unsafe gas appliances.
• Verify the appliance complies with Australian safety standards.
• Reduce the risk of gas leaks, fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
• Ensure the appliance is suitable for the Australian gas supply.
• Provide confidence that the appliance has undergone independent assessment.

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Which Gas Appliances Require Certification? #

Most Type A gas appliances used in homes and light commercial premises require Australian certification before they can be legally supplied or installed.

Examples include:

• Gas cooktops
• Gas ovens
• Freestanding cookers
• Gas hot water systems
• Ducted gas heaters
• Space heaters
• Decorative gas log fires
• Gas barbecues
• Commercial catering appliances

Industrial equipment may instead be classified as Type B appliances, which follow a different approval process.

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How Can You Identify a Certified Appliance? #

Certified appliances should display:

• A compliance (data) plate.
• A certification or approval number.
• The gas type (Natural Gas or LPG).
• Manufacturer and model details.
• In many newer appliances, a Gas Compliance Mark (GCM).

Older certified appliances may not display the newer Gas Compliance Mark but should still have an approved certification plate issued by an authorised certification body.

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Recognised Australian Certification Bodies #

Gas appliances may be certified by recognised organisations, including:

• Australian Gas Association (AGA)
• BSI
• Global-Mark
• IAPMO
• SAI Global
• Vipac (for certain existing certifications)

These certification bodies assess appliances against the relevant Australian Standards before approval is granted.

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Buying Imported or Second-Hand Gas Appliances #

Not every overseas gas appliance is approved for use in Australia.

Even if an appliance has European (CE) or North American (CSA) certification, this does not automatically mean it is approved for use in Australia.

Before purchasing an imported or second-hand appliance, check that it:

• Has an Australian certification plate.
• Displays a valid approval number.
• Is suitable for the available gas type.
• Has not been modified from its certified design.

Appliances without Australian certification may not be legally installed.

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Can an Uncertified Appliance Be Approved? #

In limited circumstances, an uncertified Type A appliance may be eligible for approval through Energy Safe Victoria where no existing certification scheme applies.

This process generally involves:

• An application to Energy Safe Victoria.
• Technical documentation.
• Safety assessment.
• Inspection and, where required, testing.
• Approval before installation.

This pathway is generally intended for specialised or one-off appliances rather than standard household products.

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Checking an Appliance’s Certification #

If you are unsure whether an appliance has been certified, you can:

• Check the appliance compliance plate.
• Locate the approval or certification number.
• Search the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC) National Certification Database.
• Contact the appliance manufacturer or supplier.

A licensed gas fitter can also help verify whether an appliance is suitable for installation.

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Common Issues Found During Gas Safety Inspections #

Our licensed gas fitters regularly identify:

• Appliances with missing or unreadable compliance plates.
• Imported appliances without Australian certification.
• Incorrect gas type (Natural Gas vs LPG).
• Appliances that have been modified after manufacture.
• Damaged identification labels.
• Incorrect installation methods.
• Appliances requiring further assessment before use.

Where safety concerns are identified, recommendations are included in the inspection report.

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What We Check During a Gas Safety Inspection #

During a gas safety inspection, our licensed gas fitters may assess:

• Appliance identification plates.
• Gas type.
• General installation condition.
• Visible certification markings.
• Appliance operation.
• Accessibility for servicing.
• General compliance with applicable gas safety requirements.

Please note that a routine gas safety inspection does not constitute formal certification or approval of a gas appliance.

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Why Professional Installation Matters #

Even a certified appliance must be installed correctly.

A certified appliance that is incorrectly installed may still present serious safety risks.

Installation should always be carried out by a licensed gas fitter in accordance with:

• Australian Standards.
• Manufacturer installation instructions.
• Victorian gas safety requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions #

Can I install an overseas gas appliance? #

Only if it has Australian approval or has been accepted through the appropriate approval process. Overseas certifications alone are generally not sufficient.

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Where do I find the approval number? #

The approval number is usually located on the appliance’s compliance (data) plate together with the model number, gas type and manufacturer details.

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What is the Gas Compliance Mark (GCM)? #

The Gas Compliance Mark is a symbol found on many newer certified gas appliances that indicates the appliance has met Australian gas certification requirements. Older certified appliances may instead display the certification body’s proprietary mark.

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Can a modified gas appliance still be considered certified? #

Not necessarily. Significant modifications may invalidate the original certification, and further assessment or approval may be required before the appliance can be legally installed or supplied.

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Need a Gas Safety Inspection? #

Rental Safety Inspections provides professional gas safety inspections throughout Victoria.

Our licensed gas fitters inspect accessible gas appliances, verify installation safety, identify potential hazards and provide comprehensive reports to help landlords and property managers maintain safe and compliant rental properties.

Contact Rental Safety Inspections today to book your gas safety inspection.