Updated Conceptual Framework Chapter is effective immediately. IPSAS 45 and IPSAS 46 have an effective date of January 1, 2025. Earlier application is permitted.
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®), developer of IPSAS®, international accrual-based accounting standards for use by governments and other public sector entities around the world has issued an integrated package of measurement-related pronouncements comprising:
- Updated Conceptual Framework: Chapter 7, Measurement of Assets and Liabilities in Financial Statements;
- International Public Sector Accounting Standard® (IPSAS®) 45, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and
- IPSAS 46, Measurement.
The three pronouncements provide simplified, more consistent guidance addressing key conceptual challenges and practical implementation issues identified by the public sector community by introducing:
- Straight-forward principles for initial and subsequent measurement, that apply throughout IPSAS and align with the Conceptual Framework; and
- Enhanced property, plant, and equipment guidance that also clarifies the recognition and measurement of infrastructure and heritage assets.
“These important pronouncements provide clear and consistent foundational principles for the measurement of public sector assets,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “In addition, IPSAS 45 includes guidance on the recognition and measurement of heritage and infrastructure assets, which addresses their unique characteristics.”
The updates to Chapter 7 of the Conceptual Framework streamline the measurement principles by eliminating unused measurement bases and enhancing focus on those that are commonly used. The new subsequent measurement framework will help constituents apply the principles in practice and aligns measurement concepts with the guidance provided in IPSAS.
IPSAS 45 replaces IPSAS 17, Property, Plant, and Equipment by adding current operational value as a measurement basis in the updated current value model for assets within its scope, identifying the characteristics of heritage and infrastructure assets, and adding new guidance on how these important types of public sector assets should be recognized and measured.
IPSAS 46 provides new guidance in a single standard addressing how commonly used measurement bases should be applied in practice. It brings in generic guidance on fair value for the first time, and introduces current operational value, a public sector specific current value measurement basis addressing constituents’ views that an alternative current value measurement basis to fair value is needed for certain public sector assets.
The effective date for both IPSAS 45 and IPSAS 46 is January 1, 2025, with earlier application permitted. Updates to the Conceptual Framework are effective when published.
How to Access
To access the Conceptual Framework Update: Chapter 7, Measurement of Assets and Liabilities in Financial Statements, IPSAS 45, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and IPSAS 46, Measurement, their summary At-a-Glance document, and webcast visit the IPSASB website. The IPSASB encourages IFAC members, associates, and Network Partners to promote the availability of these pronouncements to their members and employees.
About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.
About the Public Interest Committee
The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.