New wayfinding provisions. Different adoption dates. A clearer brief for your signage package.
NCC 2025 introduces changes that matter when planning building signage. For builders and project managers, the priority is to confirm which code applies, identify the required signs and coordinate the information before manufacture.
What is changing under NCC 2025?
The Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission’s NCC 2025 summary identifies a new wayfinding Performance Requirement, D1P10, and a new Deemed-to-Satisfy provision, D3D31. These address stairway, floor and unit identification, including directional information associated with fire-isolated stairs and relevant lifts. [1]
For a signage package, review three information layers: which stair, which floor and which way to the unit. Have the project certifier confirm the provision’s building triggers, scope and installation details before preparing a take-off. This guide is an overview, not a reproduction of D3D31.
Practical takeaway: ask for a dedicated wayfinding review during the signage take-off, rather than assuming a standard fire-door pack covers every required item.
When do the new signage requirements apply?
NCC 2025 was made available for jurisdictional adoption from 1 May 2026. State and territory decisions, variations and project transition arrangements determine its application. A national publication date is not a single start date for every building. Standards Australia explains the rollout.
1 May 2026
The regulator’s guidance identifies this adoption date, with transition provisions for some changes. Confirm the rules applicable to the particular permit and project. [1]
1 May 2027
NSW has announced this adoption date. Its guidance also explains how approval applications determine the applicable BCA edition, including special arrangements for staged construction certificates. [2]
Our recommendation: put the project’s jurisdiction, applicable NCC edition and confirmed approval basis on the signage brief. For interstate work, check that state or territory’s current regulator advice rather than applying the NSW date.
How should Braille and tactile requirements be checked?
The regulator’s summary mentions tactile, Braille, high-contrast and directional information. It is not a sign-by-sign manufacturing specification. Confirm the required features for each sign against the adopted provisions and approved project specification. Braille/tactile accessibility signs, emergency exit signs, fire-door notices and wayfinding information can sit within the same package but must be assessed separately.
| Sign function | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Stair, level and unit wayfinding | Applicability of D1P10/D3D31, the message, location and detailed specification. |
| Braille and tactile accessibility signs | The adopted accessibility provisions and required tactile, Braille, contrast and placement details. |
| Emergency exit signs | The approved exit-sign system, visibility and applicable emergency-lighting standard. |
| Fire-door notices | The door arrangement, required sign face and prescribed message. |
The safe approach is to record a separate specification for each sign type. A printed direction panel should not be ordered as a substitute for a required tactile sign, and a small tactile exit sign should not be assumed to cover the wider wayfinding package.
Keep floor names, unit numbers and arrows consistent
Our recommended workflow is to prepare and review the signage level by level. Check the architectural plan, door schedule and fire-services drawings together. Resolve inconsistent labels such as “Ground”, “Level 0” and “Lobby” before artwork is approved.
Record each sign’s level, reference, message, arrow, quantity, material, finish, location and approval status. Where the viewing direction changes, check the arrow again. Do not duplicate artwork across different locations without reviewing it.
For hydrant and sprinkler block plans, use the consultant’s approved system information and consistent floor names. Wayfinding signs and block plans serve different purposes; coordinate their references without treating one as a replacement for the other.
Other standards worth checking before quoting
Illuminated exit signs
Standards Australia lists AS/NZS 2293.1:2026 for system design, installation and operation, published 26 June 2026, and AS/NZS 2293.3:2026 for emergency luminaires and exit signs, published 19 June 2026. These are published standards, not simply draft proposals. [3]
Ask the electrical designer or supplier which edition applies to the job and request relevant product evidence. This is not a recommendation to relabel existing stock as “2026 compliant”.
Combined hydrant and sprinkler systems
AS 2118.6:2026, published 24 April 2026, replaces the 2012 publication for combined systems in multi-storey buildings within its scope. Standards Australia publication record.
Before pricing a block plan, confirm whether the system is combined or separate, obtain current fire-services drawings and record the consultant’s nominated standard edition. Publication alone does not prove a particular block-plan layout must change.
A practical builder checklist
- Confirm the applicable NCC edition and jurisdictional variations with the certifier.
- Check whether the new wayfinding provisions apply to the building.
- Review stair, floor and unit information separately from the usual fire-door and accessibility signs.
- Group the sign schedule by level and flag all assumptions.
- Approve floor names, unit ranges, messages and arrows against current drawings.
- Specify substrate, finish, fixing method and any required performance evidence before pricing.
- Clarify whether design, shop drawings, installation and later revisions are included in the quote.
- Release artwork for manufacture only after the required project approvals.
This checklist is our recommended coordination process, not an additional statutory requirement. It helps make the scope clear before production and reduces avoidable revision work.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to replace every existing building sign?
Do not infer a blanket replacement obligation from the publication of NCC 2025. Ask the certifier or relevant authority what applies to the proposed work, existing approvals and any upgrade requirements.
Can we use these drawings as manufacturing artwork?
No. They explain information and coordination only. A production drawing needs the confirmed wording, dimensions, materials, contrast, tactile/Braille details where required, location and fixing specification.
Can StatutorySigns.au help with the signage package?
Yes. Send your current plans and project requirements for a signage review, level-by-level schedule, artwork and supply quotation. Installation can be included where required. Project-specific compliance decisions remain with the relevant design and certification team.
Sources and verification notes
- Building and Plumbing Commission: NCC 2025 Volume One key changes. Regulator overview, particularly the wayfinding summary on PDF page 13. It does not replace the full adopted provisions.
- NSW Government: how to comply with the NCC. Adoption timing and approval-edition guidance.
- Standards Australia: AS/NZS 2293.1:2026 and AS/NZS 2293.3:2026. Publication status is not a clause-by-clause comparison or proof of adoption for a particular project.
Reviewed 7 September 2026. This article describes published provisions and standards, with jurisdiction-specific application. It does not present consultations or proposals as binding requirements.
Need a coordinated signage package?
Send the current architectural plans, signage or door schedule, fire-services drawings and project location. StatutorySigns.au can help turn the approved requirements into a clear, level-by-level signage package for artwork, supply and installation.
Related resources: Australian statutory signage guide · Braille and tactile signs · Block plans
