Accounting Standard 29

Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent

Assets
(In this Accounting Standard, the standard portions have been set in bold italic type.
These should be read in the context of the background material, which has been set in
normal type, and in the context of 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.
(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:

1
Attention is specifically drawn to paragraph 4.3 of the Preface, according to which accounting standards
are intended to apply only to material items.
2
This implies that, while discharging their attest function, it will be the duty of the members of the Institute
to examine whether this Accounting Standard is complied with in the presentation of financial statements
covered by their audit. In the event of any deviation from this Accounting Standard, it will be their duty to
make adequate disclosures in their audit reports so that the users of financial statements may be aware of
such deviations.
 (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 lakhs 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.
The following is the text of the Accounting Standard.
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 instruments3 that are carried at fair
value;
(b) those resulting from executory contracts;
(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.
4. This Statement applies to provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent 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); and
(d) retirement benefits (see AS 15, Accounting for Retirement Benefits in the
Financial Statements of Employers).
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

3
For the purpose of this Statement, the term ‘financial instruments’ shall have the same meaning as in
Accounting Standard (AS) 20, Earnings Per Share.
 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.
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.
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.
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 Statement4, 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

4
The interpretation of ‘probable’ in this Statement as ‘more likely than not’ does not necessarily apply in
other Accounting Standards.
 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 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 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.

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.
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.
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 obligation There is a possible There is a possible
that probably requires an obligation or a present obligation or a present
outflow of resources and a obligation that may, but obligation where the
reliable estimate can be made probably will not, require likelihood of an outflow of
of the amount of obligation. an outflow of resources. resources is remote.
A provision is recognised No provision is recognised No provision is recognised
(paragraph 14). (paragraph 26). (paragraph 26).

Disclosures are required for the Disclosures are required for No disclosure is required
provision (paragraphs 66 and the contingent liability (paragraph 68).
67) (paragraph 68).

Reimbursements
Some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision is expected to be reimbursed by
another party.

The enterprise has no The obligation for the The obligation for the
obligation for the part of the amount expected to be amount expected to be
expenditure to be reimbursed remains with the reimbursed remains with the
reimbursed by the other enterprise and it is virtually enterprise and the
party. certain that reimbursement reimbursement is not
will be received if the virtually certain if the
enterprise settles the enterprise settles the
provision. provision.

The enterprise has no liability The reimbursement is The expected reimbursement is

for the amount to be recognised as a separate asset not recognised as an asset
reimbursed (paragraph 50). in the 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).
The reimbursement is
No disclosure is required. disclosed together with the
The expected reimbursement is
amount recognised for the
disclosed (paragraph 67(c)).
reimbursement (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

No
Present obligation as a No Possible
result of an obligating obligation?
event?

Yes Yes
No Yes
Probable outflow? Remote?

Yes
No
No (rare)
Reliable estimate?

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).
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.
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - The obligating event is the
contamination of the land because of the virtual certainty of legislation requiring cleaning
up.
An outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement - Probable.
Conclusion - A provision is recognised for the best estimate of the costs of 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.
An outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement - 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 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.
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - The obligating 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.
An outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement - Probable, a
proportion of goods are returned for refund (see paragraph 23).
Conclusion - A provision is recognised for the best estimate of the costs of 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).
An outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement - 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.
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - There is no 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
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - The obligating event is the
giving of the guarantee, which gives rise to an obligation.
An outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement - No outflow of
benefits is probable at 31 March 2005.
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
Present obligation as a result of a past obligating event - The obligating event is the
giving of the guarantee, which gives rise to a legal obligation.
An outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement - 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.
An outflow of resources embodying economic benefits in settlement - 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 as a result of a past obligating event - There is no present
obligation.
Conclusion - No provision is recognised (see paragraphs 14 and 16-18).
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 as a result of a past obligating event - There is no present
obligation.
Conclusion - No provision is recognised (see paragraphs 14 and 16-18).
The costs of overhauling aircraft are not recognised as a provision for the 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
Example: Disclosures
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 lakhs. 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:
Litigation is in process against the company relating to a dispute with a competitor
who alleges that the company has infringed patents and is seeking damages of Rs. 1000
lakhs. 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. Onerous Contracts
IAS 37 requires that if an enterprise has a contract that is onerous, the present obligation
under the contract should be recognised and measured as a provision. For this purpose,
IAS 37 defines an onerous contract as a contract in which the unavoidable costs of
meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be
received under it.
It is decided that in respect of onerous contracts, on which IAS 37 is applicable, present
obligation should not be required to be recognised. This is because recognition of
estimated loss in case of an onerous contract amounts to recognition of loss of future
periods in the current year’s profit and loss account thereby distorting the operating
results of the current year. Further, it may not be feasible to determine, in all cases,
whether a particular contract is onerous or not because which costs are unavoidable may
be a matter of subjective judgement. Accordingly, the provisions of IAS 37 relating to
onerous contracts including the definition of ‘onerous contract’ have been omitted from
the Accounting Standard.

3. 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.

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.

4. 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.

5. 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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