The building completion and occupancy certificate, considered the first operating licence for new factories, is issued once and for one year according to MODON. After that comes renewing the operating licence, a procedure that includes verifying safety standards. Many factories succeed in getting the first licence, then stumble at renewal because the facility changed during the year: an extra warehouse, a new production line, storage beyond what the fire system was designed for, or a maintenance contract that lapsed. This guide explains what renewal includes, what must stay valid, the causes of difficulty, and a permanent readiness programme.
What Does Renewal Include?
MODON's operating licence conditions page states that to issue the completion certificate or renew the operating licence, safety standards are verified. In other words, the factory must remain compliant after operation, not only at opening. MODON has classified operating licences and the validity of each, so check the classification that applies to your facility at renewal. Read: The factory operating licence.
What Must Remain Valid?
- The fire-fighting and alarm systems maintenance contract with a contractor accredited by civil defense.
- The industrial licence and the environmental certificate.
- The facility's conformity with the approved drawings and the safety drawing.
- Periodic inspection and maintenance records.
Causes of Renewal Difficulties
| Cause | How it happens | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed modifications | A new production line or internal partitions | Consult the office before any modification. Read: Changing production lines |
| Excess storage | Height or quantity exceeding the fire system's design | Keep within the designed storage limits |
| Expired maintenance contract | Forgetting to renew | A calendar of dates |
| Unlicensed additional buildings | Canopies or temporary warehouses | Licensing the addition. Read: Adding buildings on an industrial plot |
| Disabled systems | Closed sprinkler valves or a silenced alarm | Periodic internal inspection |
A Permanent Readiness Programme
- A calendar of dates: licences, contracts and certificates.
- An internal inspection well before the renewal date.
- Documenting every modification to the facility with the engineering office.
- Updating the safety drawing after any change to areas or use.
- Training the safety team and holding evacuation drills. Read: The evacuation drill.
Internal Inspection Checklist Before Renewal
- Exits and corridors clear.
- Sprinklers not blocked by goods.
- Alarm panel free of faults.
- Pumps working on automatic and standby.
- Extinguishers with valid maintenance.
- No undocumented additions or modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the inspection visit repeated at renewal?
MODON states that safety standards are verified at renewal.
Can the licence be renewed with outstanding observations?
Observations are addressed first, until the facility meets the standards.
When should I start the renewal procedure?
Well before the licence expires, to allow time to address any observations.
Does validity differ between facilities?
MODON has classified operating licences and the validity of each, so check what applies to your facility.
What if the factory expands during the year?
Expansion needs licensing and an updated safety drawing. Read: Factory expansion in MODON.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office offering a readiness programme for factories: internal inspection before renewal, documenting modifications, updating the safety drawing, and preparing for the inspection visit. See our operating licences service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
