The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB®), developer of IPSAS® Standards, international accrual-based accounting standards for use by governments and other public sector entities around the world, has issued Definition of Material (Amendments to IPSAS 1, IPSAS 3, and the Conceptual Framework).
“The amendments aim to bring consistency into our guidance on the definition of material, helping organizations apply it more effectively,” said Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair. "A clear and well-understood definition will serve as a solid foundation for our planned guidance on how to make materiality judgments to be developed during the second phase of this project.”
The amendments:
- Clarify that an entity is required to consider the information needs of primary users instead of other users of GPFRs; and
- Align the definition of material in IPSAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, with Chapter 3 of the Conceptual Framework on Qualitative Characteristics.
The amendments will help strengthen accountability by ensuring financial statements focus on information most relevant to primary users. They will enhance consistency through conforming the definition of the term material between the Conceptual Framework and within IPSASB’s authoritative guidance and lay the foundation for planned guidance on materiality judgments in financial and reporting.
The second phase of the project includes developing non-authoritative guidance aligned with IFRS® Practice Statement 2, Making Materiality Judgements, to efficiently and promptly address constituents' need for additional guidance on making materiality judgments when preparing financial statements in accordance with IPSAS Standards.
The amendments to IPSAS Standards in the Definition of Material (Amendments to IPSAS 1, IPSAS 3, and the Conceptual Framework) are effective January 1, 2027. An earlier application is permitted. The amendments to the Conceptual Framework are effective immediately.
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 Standards), IPSASB Sustainability Reporting Standards (IPSASB SRS™ Standards) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS Standards and IPSASB SRS Standards and promotes the adoption and implementation of these to enhance the quality and consistency of practice throughout the world and strengthen the transparency and accountability of public sector finances and sustainable development. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, the government of Canada, and The World Bank. 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.