Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets: Accounting Standard (AS) 29

Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets 635
Accounting Standard (AS) 29

(issued 2003)
Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and

Contingent Assets
Contents
OBJECTIVE
SCOPE Paragraphs 1-9
DEFINITIONS 10-13
RECOGNITION 14-34
Provisions 14-25
Present Obligation 15
Past Event 16-21
Probable Outflow of Resources Embodying
Economic Benefits 22-23
Reliable Estimate of the Obligation 24-25
Contingent Liabilities 26-29
Contingent Assets 30-34
MEASUREMENT 35-45
Best Estimate 35-37
Risks and Uncertainties 38-40
Future Events 41-43
Expected Disposal of Assets 44-45
636
REIMBURSEMENTS 46-51
CHANGES IN PROVISIONS 52
USE OF PROVISIONS 53-54
APPLICATION OF THE RECOGNITION AND
MEASUREMENT RULES 55-65
Future Operating Losses 55-57
Restructuring 58-65
DISCLOSURE 66-72
APPENDICES
A. Tables - Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and

Reimbursements
B. Decision Tree
C. Examples: Recognition
D. Examples: Disclosure
E. Comparison with IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities

and Contingent Assets (1998)
The following Accounting Standards Interpretation (ASI) relates to AS

29:
• ASI 30 — Applicability of AS 29 to Onerous Contracts
The above Interpretation is published elsewhere in this Compendium.
Accounting Standard (AS) 29*
(issued 2003)
Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and

Contingent Assets
(This Accounting Standard includes paragraphs set in bold italic type
and plain type, which have equal authority. Paragraphs in bold italic
type indicate the main principles. This Accounting Standard should be
read in the context of its objective and the Preface to the Statements of
Accounting Standards 1 .)
Accounting Standard (AS) 29, ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and

Contingent Assets’, issued by the Council of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India, comes into effect in respect of accounting periods
commencing on or after 1-4-2004. This Standard is mandatory in nature2
from that date:
(a) in its entirety, for the enterprises which fall in any one or more of
the following categories, at any time during the accounting period:
(i) Enterprises whose equity or debt securities are listed

whether in India or outside India.
* A limited revision to this Standard was made in 2005, to include onerous contracts
in the scope of the Standard (See ‘The Chartered Accountant’, December 2005, (pp.
927-928)). Pursuant to the limited revision, the words ‘except where the contract is
onerous’ have been added in paragraph 1(b); the sentence ‘This Statement does
not apply to executory contracts unless they are onerous.’ has been added in
paragraph 3; and the sentence ‘However, as AS 19 contains no specific require-
ments to deal with operating leases that have become onerous, this Statement
applies to such cases’ has been added in paragraph 5(c). Pursuant to this limited
revision, paragraph 2 of Appendix E (dealing with comparison of AS 29 with IAS 37)
to AS 29 stands withdrawn. Consequently, the numbering of subsequent para-
graphs of Appendix E has been changed. This revision comes into effect in respect
of accounting periods commencing on or after April 1, 2006.
1 Attention is specifically drawn to paragraph 4.3 of the Preface, according to which
Accounting Standards are intended to apply only to items which are material.
2 Reference may be made to the section titled ‘Announcements of the Council
regarding status of various documents issued by the Institute of Chartered

Accountants of India’ appearing at the beginning of this Compendium for a detailed
discussion on the implications of the mandatory status of an accounting standard..
638 AS 29 (issued 2003)
(ii) Enterprises which are in the process of listing their equity or

debt securities as evidenced by the board of directors’
resolution in this regard.
(iii) Banks including co-operative banks.
(iv) Financial institutions.
(v) Enterprises carrying on insurance business.
(vi) All commercial, industrial and business reporting enterprises,

whose turnover for the immediately preceding accounting
period on the basis of audited financial statements exceeds
Rs. 50 crore. Turnover does not include ‘other income’.
(vii) All commercial, industrial and business reporting enterprises

having borrowings, including public deposits, in excess of
Rs. 10 crore at any time during the accounting period.
(viii) Holding and subsidiary enterprises of any one of the above

at any time during the accounting period.
(b) in its entirety, except paragraph 67, for the enterprises which do
not fall in any of the categories in (a) above but fall in any one or
more of the following categories:
(i) All commercial, industrial and business reporting enterprises,

whose turnover for the immediately preceding accounting
period on the basis of audited financial statements exceeds
Rs. 40 lakh but does not exceed Rs. 50 crore. Turnover
does not include ‘other income’.
(ii) All commercial, industrial and business reporting enterprises

having borrowings, including public deposits, in excess of
Rs. 1 crore but not in excess of Rs. 10 crore at any time
during the accounting period.
(iii) Holding and subsidiary enterprises of any one of the above

at any time during the accounting period.
(c) in its entirety, except paragraphs 66 and 67, for the enterprises,
which do not fall in any of the categories in (a) and (b) above.
Where an enterprise has been covered in any one or more of the categories
in (a) above and subsequently, ceases to be so covered, the enterprise will
not qualify for exemption from paragraph 67 of this Standard, until the
enterprise ceases to be covered in any of the categories in (a) above for two
consecutive years.
Where an enterprise has been covered in any one or more of the categories
in (a) or (b) above and subsequently, ceases to be covered in any of the
categories in (a) and (b) above, the enterprise will not qualify for exemption
from paragraphs 66 and 67 of this Standard, until the enterprise ceases to be
covered in any of the categories in (a) and (b) above for two consecutive
years.
Where an enterprise has previously qualified for exemption from paragraph

67 or paragraphs 66 and 67, as the case may be, but no longer qualifies for
exemption from paragraph 67 or paragraphs 66 and 67, as the case may be,
in the current accounting period, this Standard becomes applicable, in its
entirety or, in its entirety except paragraph 67, as the case may be, from the
current period. However, the relevant corresponding previous period figures
need not be disclosed.
An enterprise, which, pursuant to the above provisions, does not disclose the
information required by paragraph 67 or paragraphs 66 and 67, as the case
may be, should disclose the fact.
From the date of this Accounting Standard becoming mandatory (in its entirety
or with the exception of paragraph 67 or paragraphs 66 and 67, as the case
may be), all paragraphs of Accounting Standard (AS) 4, Contingencies and
Events Occurring After the Balance Sheet Date, that deal with contingencies
(viz., paragraphs 1 (a), 2, 3.1, 4 (4.1 to 4.4), 5 (5.1 to 5.6), 6, 7 (7.1 to 7.3),
9.1 (relevant portion), 9.2, 10, 11, 12 and 16), stand withdrawn.3
The following is the text of the Accounting Standard.
3 It is clarified that paragraphs of AS 4 that deal with contingencies would remain

operational to the extent they deal with impairment of assets not covered by other
Indian Accounting Standards. Reference may be made to Announcement XX under
the section titled ‘Announcements of the Council regarding status of various
documents issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’ appearing
at the beginning of this Compendium.
640 AS 29 (issued 2003)
Objective
The objective of this Statement is to ensure that appropriate recognition
criteria and measurement bases are applied to provisions and contingent
liabilities and that sufficient information is disclosed in the notes to the financial
statements to enable users to understand their nature, timing and amount.
The objective of this Statement is also to lay down appropriate accounting
for contingent assets.
Scope
1. This Statement should be applied in accounting for provisions and
contingent liabilities and in dealing with contingent assets, except:
(a) those resulting from financial instruments4 that are carried

at fair value;
(b) those resulting from executory contracts, except where the

5
contract is onerous ;
(c) those arising in insurance enterprises from contracts with

policy-holders; and
(d) those covered by another Accounting Standard.
2. This Statement applies to financial instruments (including guarantees)

that are not carried at fair value.
3. Executory contracts are contracts under which neither party has

performed any of its obligations or both parties have partially performed
their obligations to an equal extent. This Statement does not apply to
executory contructs unless they are onerous.
4. This Statement applies to provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent
4 For the purpose of this Statement, the term ‘financial instruments’ shall have the
same meaning as in Accounting Standard (AS) 20, Earnings Per Share.
5 The meaning of the term ‘onerous contracts’ and the application of the recognition
and measurement principles of this Statement to such contracts are given in the
Accounting Standards Interpretation (ASI) 30 on ‘Applicability of AS 29 to Onerous
Contracts’. ASI 30 is published elsewhere in this Compendium.
assets of insurance enterprises other than those arising from contracts with
policy-holders.
5. Where another Accounting Standard deals with a specific type of

provision, contingent liability or contingent asset, an enterprise applies that
Statement instead of this Statement. For example, certain types of provisions
are also addressed in Accounting Standards on:
(a) construction contracts (see AS 7, Construction Contracts);
(b) taxes on income (see AS 22, Accounting for Taxes on Income);
(c) leases (see AS 19, Leases). However, as AS 19 contains no

specific requirements to deal with operating leases that have
become onerous, this Statement applies to such cases; and
(d) retirement benefits (see AS 15, Accounting for Retirement

Benefits in the Financial Statements of Employers).6
6. Some amounts treated as provisions may relate to the recognition of

revenue, for example where an enterprise gives guarantees in exchange for
a fee. This Statement does not address the recognition of revenue. AS 9,
Revenue Recognition, identifies the circumstances in which revenue is
recognised and provides practical guidance on the application of the recognition
criteria. This Statement does not change the requirements of AS 9.
7. This Statement defines provisions as liabilities which can be measured

only by using a substantial degree of estimation. The term ‘provision’ is also
used in the context of items such as depreciation, impairment of assets and
doubtful debts: these are adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and
are not addressed in this Statement.
8. Other Accounting Standards specify whether expenditures are treated

as assets or as expenses. These issues are not addressed in this Statement.
Accordingly, this Statement neither prohibits nor requires capitalisation of
the costs recognised when a provision is made.
6AS 15 (issued 1995) has been revised in 2005 and is titled as ‘Employee Benefits’.
AS 15 (revised 2005) comes into effect in respect of accounting periods commencing
on or after April 1, 2006.
642 AS 29 (issued 2003)
9. This Statement applies to provisions for restructuring (including

discontinuing operations). Where a restructuring meets the definition of a
discontinuing operation, additional disclosures are required by AS 24,
Discontinuing Operations.
Definitions
10. The following terms are used in this Statement with the meanings
specified:
A provision is a liability which can be measured only by using a

substantial degree of estimation.
A liability is a present obligation of the enterprise arising from past

events, the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow from
the enterprise of resources embodying economic benefits.
An obligating event is an event that creates an obligation that results in

an enterprise having no realistic alternative to settling that obligation.
A contingent liability is:
(a) a possible obligation that arises from past events and the
existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence
or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not
wholly within the control of the enterprise; or
(b) a present obligation that arises from past events but is not
recognised because:
(i) it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying

economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation;
or
(ii) a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation cannot

be made.
A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events the
existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-
occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the
control of the enterprise.
Present obligation - an obligation is a present obligation if, based on the

evidence available, its existence at the balance sheet date is considered
probable, i.e., more likely than not.
Possible obligation - an obligation is a possible obligation if, based on

the evidence available, its existence at the balance sheet date is
considered not probable.
A restructuring is a programme that is planned and controlled by

management, and materially changes either:
(a) the scope of a business undertaken by an enterprise; or
(b) the manner in which that business is conducted.
11. An obligation is a duty or responsibility to act or perform in a certain

way. Obligations may be legally enforceable as a consequence of a binding
contract or statutory requirement. Obligations also arise from normal business
practice, custom and a desire to maintain good business relations or act in an
equitable manner.
12. Provisions can be distinguished from other liabilities such as trade

payables and accruals because in the measurement of provisions substantial
degree of estimation is involved with regard to the future expenditure required
in settlement. By contrast:
(a) trade payables are liabilities to pay for goods or services that
have been received or supplied and have been invoiced or formally
agreed with the supplier; and
(b) accruals are liabilities to pay for goods or services that have been
received or supplied but have not been paid, invoiced or formally
agreed with the supplier, including amounts due to employees.
Although it is sometimes necessary to estimate the amount of
accruals, the degree of estimation is generally much less than
that for provisions.
13. In this Statement, the term ‘contingent’ is used for liabilities and assets
that are not recognised because their existence will be confirmed only by the
occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not
wholly within the control of the enterprise. In addition, the term ‘contingent
liability’ is used for liabilities that do not meet the recognition criteria.
644 AS 29 (issued 2003)
Recognition
Provisions
14. A provision should be recognised when:
(a) an enterprise has a present obligation as a result of a past

event;
(b) it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic

benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and
(c) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
If these conditions are not met, no provision should be recognised.
Present Obligation
15. In almost all cases it will be clear whether a past event has given rise to
a present obligation. In rare cases, for example in a lawsuit, it may be disputed
either whether certain events have occurred or whether those events result
in a present obligation. In such a case, an enterprise determines whether a
present obligation exists at the balance sheet date by taking account of all
available evidence, including, for example, the opinion of experts. The evidence
considered includes any additional evidence provided by events after the balance
sheet date. On the basis of such evidence:
(a) where it is more likely than not that a present obligation exists at
the balance sheet date, the enterprise recognises a provision (if
the recognition criteria are met); and
(b) where it is more likely that no present obligation exists at the

balance sheet date, the enterprise discloses a contingent liability,
unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying
economic benefits is remote (see paragraph 68).
Past Event
16. A past event that leads to a present obligation is called an obligating
event. For an event to be an obligating event, it is necessary that the enterprise
has no realistic alternative to settling the obligation created by the event.
17. Financial statements deal with the financial position of an enterprise at

the end of its reporting period and not its possible position in the future.
Therefore, no provision is recognised for costs that need to be incurred to
operate in the future. The only liabilities recognised in an enterprise’s balance
sheet are those that exist at the balance sheet date.
18. It is only those obligations arising from past events existing independently
of an enterprise’s future actions (i.e. the future conduct of its business) that
are recognised as provisions. Examples of such obligations are penalties or
clean-up costs for unlawful environmental damage, both of which would
lead to an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement
regardless of the future actions of the enterprise. Similarly, an enterprise
recognises a provision for the decommissioning costs of an oil installation to
the extent that the enterprise is obliged to rectify damage already caused. In
contrast, because of commercial pressures or legal requirements, an enterprise
may intend or need to carry out expenditure to operate in a particular way in
the future (for example, by fitting smoke filters in a certain type of factory).
Because the enterprise can avoid the future expenditure by its future actions,
for example by changing its method of operation, it has no present obligation
for that future expenditure and no provision is recognised.
19. An obligation always involves another party to whom the obligation is

owed. It is not necessary, however, to know the identity of the party to
whom the obligation is owed – indeed the obligation may be to the public at
large.
20. An event that does not give rise to an obligation immediately may do so
at a later date, because of changes in the law. For example, when
environmental damage is caused there may be no obligation to remedy the
consequences. However, the causing of the damage will become an obligating
event when a new law requires the existing damage to be rectified.
21. Where details of a proposed new law have yet to be finalised, an

obligation arises only when the legislation is virtually certain to be enacted.
Differences in circumstances surrounding enactment usually make it
impossible to specify a single event that would make the enactment of a law
virtually certain. In many cases it will be impossible to be virtually certain of
the enactment of a law until it is enacted.
646 AS 29 (issued 2003)
Probable Outflow of Resources Embodying Economic Benefits

22. For a liability to qualify for recognition there must be not only a present
obligation but also the probability of an outflow of resources embodying
economic benefits to settle that obligation. For the purpose of this Statement7 ,
an outflow of resources or other event is regarded as probable if the event is
more likely than not to occur, i.e., the probability that the event will occur is
greater than the probability that it will not. Where it is not probable that a
present obligation exists, an enterprise discloses a contingent liability, unless
the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is
remote (see paragraph 68).
23. Where there are a number of similar obligations (e.g. product warranties
or similar contracts) the probability that an outflow will be required in
settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole.
Although the likelihood of outflow for any one item may be small, it may well
be probable that some outflow of resources will be needed to settle the class
of obligations as a whole. If that is the case, a provision is recognised (if the
other recognition criteria are met).
Reliable Estimate of the Obligation

24. The use of estimates is an essential part of the preparation of financial
statements and does not undermine their reliability. This is especially true in
the case of provisions, which by their nature involve a greater degree
of estimation than most other items. Except in extremely rare cases, an
enterprise will be able to determine a range of possible outcomes and
can therefore make an estimate of the obligation that is reliable to use in
recognising a provision.
25. In the extremely rare case where no reliable estimate can be made, a
liability exists that cannot be recognised. That liability is disclosed as
a contingent liability (see paragraph 68).
Contingent Liabilities
26. An enterprise should not recognise a contingent liability.
27. A contingent liability is disclosed, as required by paragraph 68, unless

7The interpretation of ‘probable’ in this Statement as ‘more likely than not’ does not
necessarily apply in other Accounting Standards.
the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is

remote.
28. Where an enterprise is jointly and severally liable for an obligation, the
part of the obligation that is expected to be met by other parties is treated as
a contingent liability. The enterprise recognises a provision for the part of
the obligation for which an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits
is probable, except in the extremely rare circumstances where no reliable
estimate can be made (see paragraph 14).
29. Contingent liabilities may develop in a way not initially expected.

Therefore, they are assessed continually to determine whether an outflow
of resources embodying economic benefits has become probable. If it
becomes probable that an outflow of future economic benefits will be required
for an item previously dealt with as a contingent liability, a provision is
recognised in accordance with paragraph 14 in the financial statements of
the period in which the change in probability occurs (except in the extremely
rare circumstances where no reliable estimate can be made).
Contingent Assets
30. An enterprise should not recognise a contingent asset.
31. Contingent assets usually arise from unplanned or other unexpected

events that give rise to the possibility of an inflow of economic benefits to
the enterprise. An example is a claim that an enterprise is pursuing through
legal processes, where the outcome is uncertain.
32. Contingent assets are not recognised in financial statements since this
may result in the recognition of income that may never be realised. However,
when the realisation of income is virtually certain, then the related asset is
not a contingent asset and its recognition is appropriate.
33. A contingent asset is not disclosed in the financial statements. It is

usually disclosed in the report of the approving authority (Board of Directors
in the case of a company, and, the corresponding approving authority in the
case of any other enterprise), where an inflow of economic benefits is
probable.
34. Contingent assets are assessed continually and if it has become virtually
certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, the asset and the
648 AS 29 (issued 2003)
related income are recognised in the financial statements of the period in

which the change occurs.
Measurement
Best Estimate
35. The amount recognised as a provision should be the best estimate
of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the balance
sheet date. The amount of a provision should not be discounted to its
present value.
36. The estimates of outcome and financial effect are determined by the
judgment of the management of the enterprise, supplemented by experience
of similar transactions and, in some cases, reports from independent experts.
The evidence considered includes any additional evidence provided by events
after the balance sheet date.
37. The provision is measured before tax; the tax consequences of the
provision, and changes in it, are dealt with under AS 22, Accounting for
Taxes on Income.
Risks and Uncertainties

38. The risks and uncertainties that inevitably surround many events
and circumstances should be taken into account in reaching the best
estimate of a provision.
39. Risk describes variability of outcome. A risk adjustment may increase

the amount at which a liability is measured. Caution is needed in making
judgments under conditions of uncertainty, so that income or assets are not
overstated and expenses or liabilities are not understated. However,
uncertainty does not justify the creation of excessive provisions or a deliberate
overstatement of liabilities. For example, if the projected costs of a particularly
adverse outcome are estimated on a prudent basis, that outcome is not then
deliberately treated as more probable than is realistically the case. Care is
needed to avoid duplicating adjustments for risk and uncertainty with
consequent overstatement of a provision.
40. Disclosure of the uncertainties surrounding the amount of the

expenditure is made under paragraph 67(b).
Future Events
41. Future events that may affect the amount required to settle an
obligation should be reflected in the amount of a provision where there
is sufficient objective evidence that they will occur.
42. Expected future events may be particularly important in measuring

provisions. For example, an enterprise may believe that the cost of cleaning
up a site at the end of its life will be reduced by future changes in technology.
The amount recognised reflects a reasonable expectation of technically
qualified, objective observers, taking account of all available evidence as to
the technology that will be available at the time of the clean-up. Thus, it is
appropriate to include, for example, expected cost reductions associated with
increased experience in applying existing technology or the expected cost of
applying existing technology to a larger or more complex clean-up operation
than has previously been carried out. However, an enterprise does not
anticipate the development of a completely new technology for cleaning up
unless it is supported by sufficient objective evidence.
43. The effect of possible new legislation is taken into consideration in

measuring an existing obligation when sufficient objective evidence exists
that the legislation is virtually certain to be enacted. The variety of
circumstances that arise in practice usually makes it impossible to specify
a single event that will provide sufficient, objective evidence in every case.
Evidence is required both of what legislation will demand and of whether it
is virtually certain to be enacted and implemented in due course. In many
cases sufficient objective evidence will not exist until the new legislation is
enacted.
Expected Disposal of Assets

44. Gains from the expected disposal of assets should not be taken into
account in measuring a provision.
45. Gains on the expected disposal of assets are not taken into account in
measuring a provision, even if the expected disposal is closely linked to the
event giving rise to the provision. Instead, an enterprise recognises gains on
expected disposals of assets at the time specified by the Accounting Standard
dealing with the assets concerned.
650 AS 29 (issued 2003)
Reimbursements
46. Where some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision
is expected to be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement should
be recognised when, and only when, it is virtually certain that
reimbursement will be received if the enterprise settles the obligation.
The reimbursement should be treated as a separate asset. The amount
recognised for the reimbursement should not exceed the amount of the
provision.
47. In the statement of profit and loss, the expense relating to a

provision may be presented net of the amount recognised for a
reimbursement.
48. Sometimes, an enterprise is able to look to another party to pay part or

all of the expenditure required to settle a provision (for example, through
insurance contracts, indemnity clauses or suppliers’ warranties). The other
party may either reimburse amounts paid by the enterprise or pay the
amounts directly.
49. In most cases, the enterprise will remain liable for the whole of the
amount in question so that the enterprise would have to settle the full amount
if the third party failed to pay for any reason. In this situation, a provision is
recognised for the full amount of the liability, and a separate asset for the
expected reimbursement is recognised when it is virtually certain that
reimbursement will be received if the enterprise settles the liability.
50. In some cases, the enterprise will not be liable for the costs in question
if the third party fails to pay. In such a case, the enterprise has no liability for
those costs and they are not included in the provision.
51. As noted in paragraph 28, an obligation for which an enterprise is jointly

and severally liable is a contingent liability to the extent that it is expected
that the obligation will be settled by the other parties.
Changes in Provisions
52. Provisions should be reviewed at each balance sheet date and
adjusted to reflect the current best estimate. If it is no longer probable
that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required
to settle the obligation, the provision should be reversed.
Use of Provisions
53. A provision should be used only for expenditures for which the
provision was originally recognised.
54. Only expenditures that relate to the original provision are adjusted against
it. Adjusting expenditures against a provision that was originally recognised
for another purpose would conceal the impact of two different events.
Application of the Recognition and Measurement

Rules
Future Operating Losses
55. Provisions should not be recognised for future operating losses.
56. Future operating losses do not meet the definition of a liability in paragraph
10 and the general recognition criteria set out for provisions in paragraph 14.
57. An expectation of future operating losses is an indication that certain

assets of the operation may be impaired. An enterprise tests these assets for
impairment under Accounting Standard (AS) 28, Impairment of Assets.
Restructuring
58. The following are examples of events that may fall under the definition
of restructuring:
(a) sale or termination of a line of business;
(b) the closure of business locations in a country or region or the

relocation of business activities from one country or region to
another;
(c) changes in management structure, for example, eliminating a layer

of management; and
(d) fundamental re-organisations that have a material effect on the

nature and focus of the enterprise’s operations.
652 AS 29 (issued 2003)
59. A provision for restructuring costs is recognised only when the

recognition criteria for provisions set out in paragraph 14 are met.
60. No obligation arises for the sale of an operation until the enterprise
is committed to the sale, i.e., there is a binding sale agreement.
61. An enterprise cannot be committed to the sale until a purchaser has

been identified and there is a binding sale agreement. Until there is a binding
sale agreement, the enterprise will be able to change its mind and indeed will
have to take another course of action if a purchaser cannot be found on
acceptable terms. When the sale of an operation is envisaged as part of a
restructuring, the assets of the operation are reviewed for impairment under
Accounting Standard (AS) 28, Impairment of Assets.
62. A restructuring provision should include only the direct

expenditures arising from the restructuring which are those that are
both:
(a) necessarily entailed by the restructuring; and
(b) not associated with the ongoing activities of the enterprise.
63. A restructuring provision does not include such costs as:
(a) retraining or relocating continuing staff;
(b) marketing; or
(c) investment in new systems and distribution networks.
These expenditures relate to the future conduct of the business and are
not liabilities for restructuring at the balance sheet date. Such
expenditures are recognised on the same basis as if they arose
independently of a restructuring.
64. Identifiable future operating losses up to the date of a restructuring are

not included in a provision.
65. As required by paragraph 44, gains on the expected disposal of assets

are not taken into account in measuring a restructuring provision, even if the
sale of assets is envisaged as part of the restructuring.
Disclosure
66. For each class of provision, an enterprise should disclose:
(a) the carrying amount at the beginning and end of the period;
(b) additional provisions made in the period, including increases

to existing provisions;
(c) amounts used (i.e. incurred and charged against the

provision) during the period; and
(d) unused amounts reversed during the period.
67. An enterprise should disclose the following for each class of

provision:
(a) a brief description of the nature of the obligation and the

expected timing of any resulting outflows of economic benefits;
(b) an indication of the uncertainties about those outflows. Where

necessary to provide adequate information, an enterprise
should disclose the major assumptions made concerning
future events, as addressed in paragraph 41; and
(c) the amount of any expected reimbursement, stating the amount

of any asset that has been recognised for that expected
reimbursement.
68. Unless the possibility of any outflow in settlement is remote, an

enterprise should disclose for each class of contingent liability at the
balance sheet date a brief description of the nature of the contingent
liability and, where practicable:
(a) an estimate of its financial effect, measured under paragraphs

35-45;
(b) an indication of the uncertainties relating to any outflow; and
(c) the possibility of any reimbursement.

654 AS 29 (issued 2003)
69. In determining which provisions or contingent liabilities may be

aggregated to form a class, it is necessary to consider whether the nature of
the items is sufficiently similar for a single statement about them to fulfill the
requirements of paragraphs 67 (a) and (b) and 68 (a) and (b). Thus, it may
be appropriate to treat as a single class of provision amounts relating to
warranties of different products, but it would not be appropriate to treat as a
single class amounts relating to normal warranties and amounts that are
subject to legal proceedings.
70. Where a provision and a contingent liability arise from the same set of
circumstances, an enterprise makes the disclosures required by paragraphs
66-68 in a way that shows the link between the provision and the contingent
liability.
71. Where any of the information required by paragraph 68 is not

disclosed because it is not practicable to do so, that fact should be stated.
72. In extremely rare cases, disclosure of some or all of the information

required by paragraphs 66-70 can be expected to prejudice seriously
the position of the enterprise in a dispute with other parties on the subject
matter of the provision or contingent liability. In such cases, an enterprise
need not disclose the information, but should disclose the general nature
of the dispute, together with the fact that, and reason why, the information
has not been disclosed.
Appendix A
Tables - Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and
Reimbursements
The purpose of this appendix is to summarise the main requirements
of the Accounting Standard. It does not form part of the Accounting
Standard and should be read in the context of the full text of the
Accounting Standard.
Provisions and Contingent Liabilities
Where, as a result of past events, there may be an outflow of

resources embodying future economic benefits in settlement of:
(a) a present obligation the one whose existence at the balance
sheet date is considered probable; or (b) a possible obligation
the existence of which at the balance sheet date is considered
not probable.
There is a present There is a possible There is a possible
obligation that obligation or a obligation or a
probably requires present obligation present obligation
an outflow of that may, but where the likelihood
resources and a probably will not, of an outflow of
reliable estimate require an outflow of resources is remote.
can be made of the resources.
amount of
obligation.
A provision is No provision is No provision is

recognised recognised (paragraph recognised (paragraph
(paragraph 14). 26). 26).
Disclosures are Disclosures are No disclosure is

required for the required for the required (paragraph
provision (paragraphs contingent liability 68).
66 and 67). (paragraph 68).
656 AS 29 (issued 2003)
Reimbursements
Some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision is
expected to be reimbursed by another party.
The enterprise has The obligation for the The obligation for
no obligation for the amount expected to the amount
part of the be reimbursed expected to be
expenditure to be remains with the reimbursed remains
reimbursed by the enterprise and it is with the enterprise
other party. virtually certain that and the
reimbursement will reimbursement is
be received if the not virtually certain
enterprise settles the if the enterprise
provision. settles the
provision.
The enterprise has no The reimbursement is The expected

liability for the amount recognised as a reimbursement is not
to be reimbursed separate asset in the recognised as an asset
(paragraph 50). balance sheet and may (paragraph 46).
be offset against the
expense in the
statement of profit and
loss. The amount
recognised for the
expected
reimbursement does not
exceed the liability
(paragraphs 46 and 47).
No disclosure is The reimbursement is The expected

required. disclosed together with reimbursement is
the amount recognised disclosed (paragraph
for the reimbursement 67(c)).
(paragraph 67(c)).
Appendix B
Decision Tree
The purpose of the decision tree is to summarise the main recognition
requirements of the Accounting Standard for provisions and contingent
liabilities. The decision tree does not form part of the Accounting
Standard and should be read in the context of the full text of the
Accounting Standard.
Start
Present obligation No Possible No

as a result of an obligation?
obligating event?
Yes Yes
No Yes
Portable outflow? Remote?
Yes
No
Reliable estimate? No (rare)
Yes
Provide Disclose contingent Do nothing
liability
Note: in rare cases, it is not clear whether there is a present obligation. In

these cases, a past event is deemed to give rise to a present obligation if,
taking account of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that a
present obligation exists at the balance sheet date (paragraph 15 of the
Standard).
658 AS 29 (issued 2003)
Appendix C
Examples: Recognition
This appendix illustrates the application of the Accounting Standard to
assist in clarifying its meaning. It does not form part of the Accounting
Standard.
All the enterprises in the examples have 31 March year ends. In all
cases, it is assumed that a reliable estimate can be made of any outflows
expected. In some examples the circumstances described may have
resulted in impairment of the assets - this aspect is not dealt with in the
examples.
The cross references provided in the examples indicate paragraphs of

the Accounting Standard that are particularly relevant. The appendix
should be read in the context of the full text of the Accounting Standard.
Example 1: Warranties
A manufacturer gives warranties at the time of sale to purchasers of its
product. Under the terms of the contract for sale the manufacturer undertakes
to make good, by repair or replacement, manufacturing defects that become
apparent within three years from the date of sale. On past experience, it is
probable (i.e. more likely than not) that there will be some claims under the
warranties.
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - The obligating

event is the sale of the product with a warranty, which gives rise to an
obligation.
An outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement

- Probable for the warranties as a whole (see paragraph 23).
Conclusion - A provision is recognised for the best estimate of the costs of

making good under the warranty products sold before the balance sheet date
(see paragraphs 14 and 23).
Example 2: Contaminated Land - Legislation Virtually

Certain to be Enacted
An enterprise in the oil industry causes contamination but does not clean up
because there is no legislation requiring cleaning up, and the enterprise has
been contaminating land for several years. At 31 March 2005 it is virtually
certain that a law requiring a clean-up of land already contaminated will be
enacted shortly after the year end.

event is the contamination of the land because of the virtual certainty of
legislation requiring cleaning up.

- Probable.

the clean-up (see paragraphs 14 and 21).
Example 3: Offshore Oilfield

An enterprise operates an offshore oilfield where its licensing agreement
requires it to remove the oil rig at the end of production and restore the
seabed. Ninety per cent of the eventual costs relate to the removal of the oil
rig and restoration of damage caused by building it, and ten per cent arise
through the extraction of oil. At the balance sheet date, the rig has been
constructed but no oil has been extracted.
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - The

construction of the oil rig creates an obligation under the terms of the licence
to remove the rig and restore the seabed and is thus an obligating event. At
the balance sheet date, however, there is no obligation to rectify the damage
that will be caused by extraction of the oil.

- Probable.
Conclusion - A provision is recognised for the best estimate of ninety per

cent of the eventual costs that relate to the removal of the oil rig and restoration
of damage caused by building it (see paragraph 14). These costs are included
660 AS 29 (issued 2003)
as part of the cost of the oil rig. The ten per cent of costs that arise through
the extraction of oil are recognised as a liability when the oil is extracted.
Example 4: Refunds Policy

A retail store has a policy of refunding purchases by dissatisfied customers,
even though it is under no legal obligation to do so. Its policy of making
refunds is generally known.

event is the sale of the product, which gives rise to an obligation because
obligations also arise from normal business practice, custom and a desire to
maintain good business relations or act in an equitable manner.

- Probable, a proportion of goods are returned for refund (see paragraph
23).

refunds (see paragraphs 11, 14 and 23).
Example 5: Legal Requirement to Fit Smoke Filters

Under new legislation, an enterprise is required to fit smoke filters to its
factories by 30 September 2005. The enterprise has not fitted the smoke
filters.
(a) At the balance sheet date of 31 March 2005
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - There is no

obligation because there is no obligating event either for the costs of fitting
smoke filters or for fines under the legislation.
Conclusion - No provision is recognised for the cost of fitting the smoke

filters (see paragraphs 14 and 16-18).
(b) At the balance sheet date of 31 March 2006
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - There is still

no obligation for the costs of fitting smoke filters because no obligating event
has occurred (the fitting of the filters). However, an obligation might arise to
pay fines or penalties under the legislation because the obligating event has
occurred (the non-compliant operation of the factory).

- Assessment of probability of incurring fines and penalties by non-compliant
operation depends on the details of the legislation and the stringency of the
enforcement regime.
Conclusion - No provision is recognised for the costs of fitting smoke filters.

However, a provision is recognised for the best estimate of any fines and
penalties that are more likely than not to be imposed (see paragraphs 14 and
16-18).
Example 6: Staff Retraining as a Result of Changes in

the Income Tax System
The government introduces a number of changes to the income tax system.
As a result of these changes, an enterprise in the financial services sector
will need to retrain a large proportion of its administrative and sales workforce
in order to ensure continued compliance with financial services regulation.
At the balance sheet date, no retraining of staff has taken place.

obligation because no obligating event (retraining) has taken place.
Conclusion - No provision is recognised (see paragraphs 14 and 16-18).
Example 7: A Single Guarantee

During 2004-05, Enterprise A gives a guarantee of certain borrowings of
Enterprise B, whose financial condition at that time is sound. During 2005-
06, the financial condition of Enterprise B deteriorates and at 30 September
2005 Enterprise B goes into liquidation.
(a) At 31 March 2005

event is the giving of the guarantee, which gives rise to an obligation.

- No outflow of benefits is probable at 31 March 2005.
662 AS 29 (issued 2003)
Conclusion - No provision is recognised (see paragraphs 14 and 22). The

guarantee is disclosed as a contingent liability unless the probability of any
outflow is regarded as remote (see paragraph 68).
(b) At 31 March 2006

event is the giving of the guarantee, which gives rise to a legal obligation.

- At 31 March 2006, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.
Conclusion - A provision is recognised for the best estimate of the obligation

(see paragraphs 14 and 22).
Note: This example deals with a single guarantee. If an enterprise has a
portfolio of similar guarantees, it will assess that portfolio as a whole
in determining whether an outflow of resources embodying economic
benefit is probable (see paragraph 23). Where an enterprise gives guarantees in
exchange for a fee, revenue is recognised under AS 9, Revenue
Recognition.
Example 8: A Court Case

After a wedding in 2004-05, ten people died, possibly as a result of food
poisoning from products sold by the enterprise. Legal proceedings are started
seeking damages from the enterprise but it disputes liability. Up to the date
of approval of the financial statements for the year 31 March 2005, the
enterprise’s lawyers advise that it is probable that the enterprise will not be
found liable. However, when the enterprise prepares the financial statements
for the year 31 March 2006, its lawyers advise that, owing to developments
in the case, it is probable that the enterprise will be found liable.
(a) At 31 March 2005
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - On the basis

of the evidence available when the financial statements were approved, there
is no present obligation as a result of past events.
Conclusion - No provision is recognised (see definition of ‘present obligation’

and paragraph 15). The matter is disclosed as a contingent liability unless the
probability of any outflow is regarded as remote (paragraph 68).
(b) At 31 March 2006
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - On the basis

of the evidence available, there is a present obligation.

- Probable.
Conclusion - A provision is recognised for the best estimate of the amount

to settle the obligation (paragraphs 14-15).
Example 9A: Refurbishment Costs - No Legislative

Requirement
A furnace has a lining that needs to be replaced every five years for technical
reasons. At the balance sheet date, the lining has been in use for three
years.

present obligation.
The cost of replacing the lining is not recognised because, at the balance
sheet date, no obligation to replace the lining exists independently of the
company’s future actions - even the intention to incur the expenditure depends
on the company deciding to continue operating the furnace or to replace the
lining.
Example 9B: Refurbishment Costs - Legislative

Requirement
An airline is required by law to overhaul its aircraft once every three years.

present obligation.
The costs of overhauling aircraft are not recognised as a provision for the
664 AS 29 (issued 2003)
same reasons as the cost of replacing the lining is not recognised as a

provision in example 9A. Even a legal requirement to overhaul does
not make the costs of overhaul a liability, because no obligation exists to
overhaul the aircraft independently of the enterprise’s future actions - the
enterprise could avoid the future expenditure by its future actions, for
example by selling the aircraft.
Appendix D
Examples: Disclosure
The appendix is illustrative only and does not form part of the Accounting
Standard. The purpose of the appendix is to illustrate the application of
the Accounting Standard to assist in clarifying its meaning.
An example of the disclosures required by paragraph 67 is provided

below.
Example 1 Warranties
A manufacturer gives warranties at the time of sale to purchasers of

its three product lines. Under the terms of the warranty, the
manufacturer undertakes to repair or replace items that fail to perform
satisfactorily for two years from the date of sale. At the balance sheet
date, a provision of Rs. 60,000 has been recognised. The following
information is disclosed:
A provision of Rs. 60,000 has been recognised for expected

warranty claims on products sold during the last three financial
years. It is expected that the majority of this expenditure will be
incurred in the next financial year, and all will be incurred within
two years of the balance sheet date.
An example is given below of the disclosures required by paragraph

72 where some of the information required is not given because it can
be expected to prejudice seriously the position of the enterprise.
Example 2 Disclosure Exemption
An enterprise is involved in a dispute with a competitor, who is alleging

that the enterprise has infringed patents and is seeking damages of Rs.
1000 lakh. The enterprise recognises a provision for its best estimate
of the obligation, but discloses none of the information required by
paragraphs 66 and 67 of the Statement. The following information is
disclosed:
666 AS 29 (issued 2003)
Litigation is in process against the company relating to a dispute

with a competitor who alleges that the company has infringed pat-
ents and is seeking damages of Rs. 1000 lakh. The information
usually required by AS 29, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and
Contingent Assets is not disclosed on the grounds that it can be
expected to prejudice the interests of the company. The directors
are of the opinion that the claim can be successfully resisted by
the company.
Appendix E
Note: This Appendix is not a part of the Accounting Standard. The
purpose of this appendix is only to bring out the major differences
between Accounting Standard 29 and corresponding International
Accounting Standard (IAS) 37.
Comparison with IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent

Liabilities and Contingent Assets (1998)
The Accounting Standard differs from International Accounting Standard
(IAS) 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, in the
following major respects:
1. Discounting of Provisions
IAS 37 requires that where the effect of the time value of money is material,
the amount of a provision should be the present value of the expenditures
expected to be required to settle the obligation. On the other hand, the
Accounting Standard requires that the amount of a provision should not be
discounted to its present value. The reason for not requiring discounting is
that, at present, in India, financial statements are prepared generally on
historical cost basis and not on present value basis.
2. Constructive obligation and Restructurings

IAS 37 deals with ‘constructive obligation’ in the context of creation of a
provision. The effect of recognising provision on the basis of constructive
obligation is that, in some cases, provision will be required to be recognised
at an early stage. For example, in case of a restructuring, a constructive
obligation arises when an enterprise has a detailed formal plan for
the restructuring and the enterprise has raised a valid expectation in those
affected that it will carry out the restructuring by starting to implement
that plan or announcing its main features to those affected by it. It is felt
that merely on the basis of a detailed formal plan and announcement thereof,
it would not be appropriate to recognise a provision since a liability can not
be considered to be crystalised at this stage. Further, the judgment whether
the management has raised valid expectations in those affected may be a
matter of considerable argument.
668 AS 29 (issued 2003)
In view of the above, the Accounting Standard does not deal with ‘constructive
obligation’. Thus, in situations such as restructuring, general recognition criteria
are required to be applied.
3. Contingent Assets
Both the Accounting Standard and IAS 37 require that an enterprise should
not recognise a contingent asset. However, IAS 37 requires certain disclosures
in respect of contingent assets in the financial statements where an inflow of
economic benefits is probable. In contrast to this, as a measure of prudence,
the Accounting Standard does not even require contingent assets to be
disclosed in the financial statements. The Standard recognises that contingent
asset is usually disclosed in the report of the approving authority where an
inflow of economic benefits is probable.
4. Definitions
The definitions of the terms ‘legal obligation’, ‘constructive obligation’ and
‘onerous contract’ contained in IAS 37 have been omitted from the
Accounting Standard, as a consequence to above departures from IAS
37. Further, the definitions of the terms ‘provision’ and ‘obligating
event’
contained in IAS 37 have been modified as a consequence to above
departures from IAS 37. In the Accounting Standard, the definitions of the
terms ‘present obligation’ and ‘possible obligation’ have been added as
compared to IAS 37 with a view to bring more clarity.

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Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets 635

Accounting Standard (AS) 29

Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and

A. Tables - Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and

E. Comparison with IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities

The following Accounting Standards Interpretation (ASI) relates to AS

Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and

Accounting Standard (AS) 29, ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and

(i) Enterprises whose equity or debt securities are listed

regarding status of various documents issued by the Institute of Chartered

(ii) Enterprises which are in the process of listing their equity or

(iii) Banks including co-operative banks.

(iv) Financial institutions.

(v) Enterprises carrying on insurance business.

(vi) All commercial, industrial and business reporting enterprises,

(vii) All commercial, industrial and business reporting enterprises

(viii) Holding and subsidiary enterprises of any one of the above

(i) All commercial, industrial and business reporting enterprises,

(ii) All commercial, industrial and business reporting enterprises

(iii) Holding and subsidiary enterprises of any one of the above

Where an enterprise has previously qualified for exemption from paragraph

The following is the text of the Accounting Standard.

3 It is clarified that paragraphs of AS 4 that deal with contingencies would remain

(a) those resulting from financial instruments4 that are carried

(b) those resulting from executory contracts, except where the

(c) those arising in insurance enterprises from contracts with

(d) those covered by another Accounting Standard.

2. This Statement applies to financial instruments (including guarantees)

3. Executory contracts are contracts under which neither party has

4. This Statement applies to provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent

5. Where another Accounting Standard deals with a specific type of

(a) construction contracts (see AS 7, Construction Contracts);

(b) taxes on income (see AS 22, Accounting for Taxes on Income);

(c) leases (see AS 19, Leases). However, as AS 19 contains no

(d) retirement benefits (see AS 15, Accounting for Retirement

6. Some amounts treated as provisions may relate to the recognition of

7. This Statement defines provisions as liabilities which can be measured

8. Other Accounting Standards specify whether expenditures are treated

9. This Statement applies to provisions for restructuring (including

A provision is a liability which can be measured only by using a

A liability is a present obligation of the enterprise arising from past

An obligating event is an event that creates an obligation that results in

A contingent liability is:

(i) it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying

(ii) a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation cannot

Present obligation - an obligation is a present obligation if, based on the

Possible obligation - an obligation is a possible obligation if, based on

A restructuring is a programme that is planned and controlled by

(a) the scope of a business undertaken by an enterprise; or

(b) the manner in which that business is conducted.

11. An obligation is a duty or responsibility to act or perform in a certain

12. Provisions can be distinguished from other liabilities such as trade

(a) an enterprise has a present obligation as a result of a past

(b) it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic

(c) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

If these conditions are not met, no provision should be recognised.

(b) where it is more likely that no present obligation exists at the

17. Financial statements deal with the financial position of an enterprise at

19. An obligation always involves another party to whom the obligation is