First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards
Issue
The IFRIC considered two issues regarding first-time adoption of IFRSs. The first issue was whether the ‘impracticability’ exception under IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors should also apply to first time adopters.
The second issue was whether a specific exception should be granted to first-time adopters to permit entities to translate all assets and liabilities at the transition date exchange rate rather than applying the functional currency approach in IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates.
Decision not to add
October 2004
Reason
On the first issue, the IFRIC agreed that there were potential issues, especially with respect to ‘old’ items, such as property, plant and equipment. However, those issues could usually be resolved by using one of the transition options available in IFRS 1.
On the second issue, the IFRIC agreed that the position under IFRS 1 and IAS 21 was clear, and that there was no scope for an Interpretation on this topic that would provide any relief.
IFRIC reference: IFRS 1
