IAS 16 — Disclosure of idle assets and construction in progress

Date recorded:

Issue

The IFRIC received a request for more guidance on the extent of required disclosures relating to property, plant and equipment temporarily idle or assets under construction when additional construction has been postponed. In accordance with paragraph 74(b) of IAS 16, an entity is required to disclose the amount of expenditures recognised in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment in the course of its construction. Paragraph 79(a) encourages an entity to disclose the amount of property, plant and equipment that is temporarily idle.


The IFRIC also noted that paragraph 112(c) of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements requires an entity to provide in the notes information that is not presented elsewhere in the financial statements that is relevant to their understanding. The IFRIC noted that disclosure regarding idle assets might be particularly relevant in the current economic environment. Consequently, the IFRIC expected that entities would provide information in addition to that specifically required by IAS 16 whenever idle assets or postponed construction projects become significant.

 

Decision not to add

May 2009

 

Reason

Given the requirements of IAS 16 and IAS 1, the IFRIC did not expect significant diversity in practice and decided not to add this issue to its agenda. However, the IFRIC recommended that the Board should undertake a review of all disclosures encouraged (but not required) by IFRSs with the objective of either confirming that they are required or eliminating them.

 

IFRIC reference: IAS 16-3

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