This site uses cookies to provide you with a more responsive and personalised service. By using this site you agree to our use of cookies. Please read our cookie notice for more information on the cookies we use and how to delete or block them.

Luxembourg

Financial Reporting Framework in Luxembourg

Adoption of IFRSs in Europe Effective in 2005

In June 2002, the European Union adopted an IAS Regulation requiring European companies listed in an EU securities market, including banks and insurance companies, to prepare their consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs starting with financial statements for financial year 2005 onwards. EU countries have the option to:

  • Require or permit IFRSs for unlisted companies.
  • Require or permit IFRSs in parent company (unconsolidated) financial statements.
  • Permit companies whose only listed securities are debt securities to delay IFRS adoption until 2007.
  • Permit companies that are listed on exchanges outside of the EU and that currently prepare their primary financial statements using a non-EU GAAP (in most cases this would be US GAAP) to delay IFRS adoption until 2007.

The European IAS regulation applies not only to the 27 EU Member States but also to the three members of the European Economic Area (EEA) - Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Luxembourg is an EU Member State. Consequently, Luxembourg companies listed in an EU/EEA securities market follow IFRSs since 2005. In July 2010, the European Commission published the results of a survey of the 27 EU member states and the 3 EEA member states regarding the four options above. For information on each country's plans, click to download:

The European Commission has adopted the following wording for use in the notes to the accounts and in the audit reports of companies subject to EU Regulation 1606/2002/EC (the 'IAS regulation'):

  • "in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU" or
  • "in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU".

Companies may also state, in a footnote, compliance with IFRSs as adopted by the IASB, if that is the case.

In September 2011, the European Commission services published a report an update on the extent to which certain options included within the Accounting Directives have been incorporated into the law of the Member States and EEA countries. Please click for access to the report (PDF 816k, link to EC website).

Summary of Financial Reporting Requirements in Luxembourg

Consistent with the IAS regulation noted above, Luxembourg has adopted the following requirements in respect of each class of entity:

Class of entity Reporting requirements
Listed companies
  • IFRSs as adopted by the EU is required for consolidated financial statements
  • IFRSs as adopted by the EU is permitted for separate financial statements, subject to approval by competent authorities
  • Requirements are similar for subsidiaries of foreign companies and foreign companies listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange
Unlisted companies
  • Luxembourg accounting principles are required for separate and consolidated financial statements
  • Credit institutions, insurance and re-insurance companies can choose between IFRSs as adopted by the EU and Luxembourg accounting principles, both in separate and consolidated financial statements
  • All other entities need to obtain the approval of the Luxembourg Ministry of Justice to prepare separate or consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU. The Ministry of Justice grants the derogation on the reasoned opinion of the Commission des Normes Comptables ('CNC', the Luxembourg Accounting Standards Board).

Plans for convergence

It is anticipated that IFRSs will be introduced into the local Luxembourg commercial law as an alternative to the current Luxembourg accounting principles. The Luxembourg authorities issued a draft law early in 2009, which proposed introducing IFRS for commercial companies. This draft law, if ultimately enacted as law, would provide an option to any limited liability company registered in Luxembourg to prepare its statutory financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU. As Luxembourg's tax regime is dependent upon accounting requirements, the adoption of IFRSs by an entity could significantly impact the tax position of the entity.

Related news

  • FEE publishes survey on the accountancy profession in Europe

  • Mar 29, 2012

  • The Federation of European Accountants (Fédération des Experts-comptables Européens, FEE) has released a survey which provides a collection of key features on structure and organisation of the accountancy profession across 30 European countries.

  • Use of Options within the Accounting Directives

  • Sep 20, 2011

  • The European Commission services have published a report on the responses received to the consultation of accounting regulatory committee members on the use of options within the European Accounting Directives.

  • More than 70 jurisdictions apply ISAs

  • Jul 11, 2011

  • On June 30 2011, Prof. Arnold Schilder, the Chairman of the IAASB, delivered a speech on global progress in the use of the Clarified International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) at the 2011 annual conference on Accounting and Accountability for Regional Economic Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean (referred to as CReCER after its Spanish/Portuguese acronym).

  • Comparison between IFRS for SMEs and Luxembourg GAAP

  • Jul 12, 2010

  • Deloitte Luxembourg has published a comparison between the requirements of the IFRS for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs) and Luxembourg Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (LUX GAAP).

All Related