Adding a production line or changing the product is a business decision driven by the market, but it is also a regulatory and engineering decision. A plastics factory adding a coating line, a food factory adding industrial frying, or a warehouse turning into chemical packaging: all are changes that may raise the hazard classification and require different fire systems, larger electrical loads and updated licences. MODON's operating licence conditions state that the licensee is the actual operator according to its legal entity, licences and records, and must comply with all of MODON's regulations, rules, conditions and instructions. Any substantial change must be reflected in these licences. This guide explains what may be affected, examples of changes, and the right steps before making a change.
What May Be Affected?
- The industrial licence: one of the operating licence attachments, linked to the activity.
- The safety drawing: new materials or processes may require different systems. Read: Fire system drawings.
- Classification: MODON lists categories with special requirements, such as manufacturing or storing flammable compressed gases, smelting and high-temperature activities, and industrial boilers.
- Loads: electricity, ventilation and floors for the new equipment.
- The environmental certificate.
Examples of Changes and Their Effect
| Change | Potential effect |
|---|---|
| Adding a coating or spraying line | Flammable materials, ventilation, special suppression systems |
| Adding ovens or industrial frying | Heat sources, special protection, electrical or gas loads |
| Higher or larger storage | Reviewing sprinklers, pumps and the tank |
| Adding a boiler | A category with special requirements in MODON's conditions |
| Replacing a machine like-for-like | Usually limited effect |
And read the protection requirements by type of industry: Civil defense requirements for factories by type of industry.
Steps Before the Change
- An engineering assessment of the new line's effect on safety, loads and areas.
- Updating the licences linked to the activity.
- Amending the drawings and safety drawing and getting them approved where needed.
- Implementation, then verification before operation.
Design That Serves the New Line
A new production line may change material flow, storage locations and circulation routes. It is better to re-study the whole layout than to add the line in whatever space is free. Read: Designing a factory around the production line. If the line needs extra space, read: Factory expansion in MODON.
Common Mistakes
- Installing the equipment and then looking for the licence.
- Overlooking electrical loads so faults keep recurring.
- Storing new materials without reviewing the fire system.
- Not updating the environmental certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does replacing one machine with another need a licence?
If it does not substantially change the activity, risks or loads, the effect is limited; the engineering assessment determines this.
What if I change the activity without updating?
The operating licence renewal may stall when safety standards are verified. Read: Renewing the operating licence.
Do I need a structural assessment for heavy equipment?
Yes, if its loads or vibration exceed what the floors or structure were designed for.
How long does updating the licences take?
It depends on the extent of the change and the drawings and approvals it requires.
Does this apply to factories outside MODON?
The same principle applies: a change of activity requires reviewing safety requirements. Read: Changing activity and safety requirements.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that assesses the effect of a new production line on safety, loads and licences, amends the drawings and safety drawing, and follows up licence updates in MODON. See our industrial licence modification 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.
