About AFSACS
Information about the Alternative Fuel Systems Assessment and Certification Scheme and the transition from the Automotive Alternative Fuels Registration Board.
On 1 January 2020, responsibility for regulating and supporting the alternative fuels industry transferred from the Automotive Alternative Fuels Registration Board (AAFRB) to the Department of Transport and Planning.
Alternative fuel systems industry regulation in Victoria
In 1991 an investigation into the installation of gas fuel systems into vehicles in Victoria identified the need for a regulatory framework to ensure uniform training and inspection across the industry, and to ensure vehicles with fuel conversions were recorded.
As a result, AAFRB was established in 1993 as the industry regulator.
The role of the AARFB was to ensure:
- technicians carrying out gas conversions and repairs were appropriately trained
- auto workshops in which conversions and repairs were taking place complied with Australian Standards
- converted vehicles and repairs met the safety standards set out in Victoria.
From February 1, 1993, any business engaged in the installation or repair of LPG systems in vehicles in Victoria was required to be registered with the AAFRB.
In 2000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversions came under the control of the AAFRB, followed by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) conversions in 2009.
In 2018, a review of the role of the AAFRB by Victoria’s Commissioner for Better Regulation recommended that the activities and functions of the AAFRB be transitioned to VicRoads to ensure the future sustainability of the industry’s regulation.
The AAFRB was replaced by the Alternative Fuel Systems Assessment and Certification Scheme, or AFSACS. The AFSACS is regulated by the Department of Transport and Planning.
About the AFSACS
The purpose of AFSACS is to regulate and support industry involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and removal of gas fuel systems in vehicles. Businesses in Victoria wishing to work on vehicles fitted with gas fuel systems are required to be authorised by the Department of Transport and Planning.
What does this mean for technicians who had AAFRB accreditation?
To work on gas fuel systems in vehicles in Victoria, technicians must now be employed or contracted by an authorised AFSACS provider and be authorised by the Department of Transport and Planning as an AFSACS Associate Technician.
An AFSACS Associate Technician is referred to as an authorised vehicle inspector in the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021.
Learn more about becoming an AFSACS Associate Technician.
What does this mean for owners of vehicles fitted with a gas fuel system?
Vehicle owners must now use a authorised AFSACS service provider for installation of gas fuel systems and all ongoing servicing, repair and maintenance.
Find an AFSACS provider.
Need help or advice?
Queries about the Alternative Fuel Systems Assessment and Certification Scheme should be directed to the Department of Transport and Planning's Vehicle Safety & Registration Services team.
They’re available between 8.30am-5.00pm Monday to Friday by emailing [email protected] or calling 1300 309 571.