What is the Difference Between Gas Safe and CORGI?
The difference between Gas Safe and CORGI is straightforward: Gas Safe replaced CORGI in 2009 as the UK’s official gas registration body, and CORGI has had no legal standing for gas work since then. Despite this, many homeowners still ask for “a CORGI registered plumber” – so understanding the history and what to say in response is useful for any gas engineer.
What Was CORGI?
CORGI stood for Council for Registered Gas Installers. From 1991 to 2009, CORGI was appointed by the Health and Safety Executive to maintain the register of competent gas businesses in Great Britain.
Being CORGI registered was the legal requirement for gas work during this period. The CORGI brand became well-known to consumers – which is why, more than 15 years later, some homeowners still ask for it.
Why Did Gas Safe Replace CORGI?
The Health and Safety Executive conducted a review of gas registration in 2007-2008 and put the contract out to tender. Gas Safe Register was appointed as the replacement, taking over from CORGI on 1 April 2009.
Key improvements under Gas Safe over CORGI: – The Gas Safe ID card shows specific qualification categories, so customers and inspectors can see exactly what work the engineer is certified for – Enhanced consumer-facing verification tools – Tighter annual renewal and surveillance requirements – Improved investigation and enforcement processes
Is CORGI Registration Still Valid?
No. CORGI registration has no legal validity for gas work. From 1 April 2009, only Gas Safe Register membership satisfies the legal requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Any engineer claiming to be “CORGI registered” for gas work is using terminology that has been obsolete since 2009.
What CORGI is now: CORGI now operates as a general consumer protection scheme for plumbing and heating work (not specifically gas) under the brand “CORGI HomePlan.” This is entirely separate from gas safety regulation and carries no special legal authority for gas work. See CORGI HomePlan’s website for what the current CORGI brand offers.
What to Say When Customers Ask for “CORGI Registered”
When a customer asks for a CORGI registered engineer, respond clearly and helpfully:
“CORGI was replaced by Gas Safe Register in 2009 – Gas Safe is now the legal requirement for all gas work in the UK. I’m Gas Safe registered. You can verify my registration at gassaferegister.co.uk or by calling 0800 408 5500.”
This reassures the customer while gently educating them. Show them your Gas Safe card – the categories displayed on it demonstrate exactly what work you’re qualified for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced CORGI for gas work in the UK? Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI as the UK’s official gas registration body on 1 April 2009. Gas Safe is appointed by the Health and Safety Executive and is the only legally valid gas registration scheme in Great Britain, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.
Is a CORGI plumber the same as Gas Safe? No. CORGI and Gas Safe are different organisations at different points in time. If an engineer describes themselves as “CORGI registered” for gas work in 2026, they are using incorrect terminology. Current Gas Safe registration is what matters legally.
Can I check if an engineer is Gas Safe registered? Yes – at gassaferegister.co.uk/check-a-gas-engineer or by calling the Gas Safe helpline on 0800 408 5500. Always check before allowing any gas work.
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