Derecognition of some previous GAAP assets and liabilities
The entity should eliminate previous-GAAP assets and liabilities from the opening balance sheet if they do not qualify for recognition under IFRSs. [IFRS 1.10(b)] For example:
IAS 38 does not permit recognition of expenditure on any of the following as an intangible asset:
research start-up, pre-operating, and pre-opening costs training advertising and promotion moving and relocation
If the entity's previous GAAP had recognised these as assets, they are eliminated in the opening IFRS balance sheet If the entity's previous GAAP had allowed accrual of liabilities for "general reserves", restructurings, future operating losses, or major overhauls that do not meet the conditions for recognition as a provision under IAS 37, these are eliminated in the opening IFRS balance sheet If the entity's previous GAAP had allowed recognition of contingent assets as defined in IAS 37.10, these are eliminated in the opening IFRS balance sheet
Recognition of some assets and liabilities not recognised under previous GAAP
Conversely, the entity should recognise all assets and liabilities that are required to be recognised by IFRS even if they were never recognised under previous GAAP. [IFRS 1.10(a)] For example:
IAS 39 requires recognition of all derivative financial assets and liabilities, including embedded derivatives. These were not recognised under many local GAAPs. IAS 19 requires an employer to recognise a liability when an employee has provided service in exchange for benefits to be paid in the future. These are not just post-employment benefits (e.g., pension plans) but also obligations for medical and life insurance, vacations, termination benefits, and deferred compensation. In the case of 'over-funded' defined benefit plans, this would be a plan asset. IAS 37 requires recognition of provisions as liabilities. Examples could include an entity's obligations for restructurings, onerous contracts, decommissioning, remediation, site restoration, warranties, guarantees, and litigation. Deferred tax assets and liabilities would be recognised in conformity with IAS 12.
