IASB completes comprehensive review of the IFRS for SMEs

 21 May 2015

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) today issued limited amendments to the IFRS for SMEs following a comprehensive review.  The Standard, which was specifically developed for small and medium-sized entities, has seen remarkable uptake, with millions of companies using it worldwide.

The International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs) was developed in response to international demand for the IASB to develop global standards for small and medium-sized entities (SMEs).  The simplified, self-contained Standard was issued in 2009, and has since been widely adopted.

Of the 140 countries surveyed as part of the IFRS Foundation’s project to assess adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the IFRS for SMEs globally, 72 jurisdictions have confirmed that they permit or require the IFRS for SMEs and an additional 14 are currently considering adoption.  The Standard is also available in more than 25 languages.

The IASB started the initial comprehensive review of the IFRS for SMEs in 2012, with the aim of considering implementation experience and assessing whether there was a need to make any amendments to the Standard.  After consulting widely with constituents, the IASB concluded that the IFRS for SMEs required little change.  However, some areas were identified where targeted improvements could be made.

The most significant changes, which relate to transactions commonly encountered by SMEs, are:

•    permitting SMEs to revalue property, plant and equipment; and
•    aligning the main recognition and measurement requirements for deferred income tax with IFRS.

The majority of the amendments clarify existing requirements or add supporting guidance, rather than change the underlying requirements in the IFRS for SMEs.  Consequently, for most SMEs and users of their financial statements, the amendments are expected to improve understanding of the existing requirements, without having a significant effect on an SMEs’ financial reporting practices and financial statements.

Commenting on the amendments to the Standard, Hans Hoogervorst, Chairman of the IASB, said:

"The IFRS for SMEs has been a remarkable success and is now used by millions of companies worldwide.  The amendments are expected to improve the Standard for companies and users of their financial statements.  As a result we expect the adoption to spread further, improving reporting and consistency among companies without public accountability around the world."

Entities reporting using the IFRS for SMEs are required to apply the amendments for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017.  Earlier application is permitted provided all amendments are applied at the same time.

End

Press enquiries:
Kirstina Reitan, Head of Communications, IFRS Foundation
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7246 6960
Email: kreitan@ifrs.org

Notes to editors:

• The amendments to the IFRS for SMEs can be found here and the Basis for Conclusions can be found here. A complete revised version of the IFRS for SMEs will be issued in the next few months.
• A project summary and feedback statement, outlining how the IASB has consulted with the public during the comprehensive review, can be found here.
• Information on the Comprehensive review of the IFRS for SME can be found here.
• Information on the adoption of the IFRS for SMEs around the world can be found here.
• Background information on the IFRS for SMEs can be found here.