FIDIC / Legal Reference: FIDIC Red Book Clause 1.9
Drawings formally issued by the Engineer authorising construction to proceed in accordance with the information shown. IFC status is the highest level of drawing approval — meaning the design has been reviewed, coordinated, and approved for use on site. Late issue of IFC drawings is a primary entitlement trigger under FIDIC Clause 1.9.
What it means in practice
Under Clause 1.9, if the contractor suffers delay or incurs cost as a result of a failure of the Engineer to issue drawings within a reasonable time after the contractor’s request, the contractor is entitled to an EOT and additional cost. The contractor must give notice as soon as the failure becomes apparent.
Drawing maturity levels typically progress through: IFT (Issued for Tender), IFC (Issued for Construction), IFR (Issued for Review), and IFA (Issued for Approval). Only IFC drawings authorise construction. The programme impact of late IFC drawings depends on which activities are affected and whether those activities are on the critical path.
Where disputes arise
Late IFC drawing claims are among the most common — and most frequently disputed — contractor claims in UAE construction. Employers routinely argue that the contractor should have planned for a realistic IFC programme based on the complexity of the design.
UAE Context
In UAE construction, IFC drawing delays are particularly common where designs are subject to multiple authority approval stages — Town Planning, External NOCs, and Building Permit — before they can be finalised and issued for construction.
Related terms
Late IFC drawing claims require careful programme analysis and notice compliance review. e-Basel provides delay analysis and claims advisory support for IFC-related disputes across UAE projects.
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