diff --git a/Shorewall-shell/lib.maclist b/Shorewall-shell/lib.maclist
index 9e2a907f8..985a9c684 100644
--- a/Shorewall-shell/lib.maclist
+++ b/Shorewall-shell/lib.maclist
@@ -249,11 +249,11 @@ else
     fatal_error "Interface $interface must be up before Shorewall can start"
 fi
 
+CHAIN=$chain
+
 __EOF__
 		fi
 
-		CHAIN=$chain
-
 		append_file maclog
 
 		if [ -n "$MACLIST_LOG_LEVEL" ]; then