Analysis of the Change The new standard distinguishes between a warranty providing assurance that a product meets agreed-upon specifications (accounted for as a cost provision) and a warranty providing an additional service (for which revenue will be deferred). Consideration of factors such as whether the warranty is required by law, the length of the warranty coverage period, and the nature of the tasks the entity promises to perform will be necessary to determine which type of warranty exists. If a customer can chose whether or not to purchase a warranty as an “optional extra”, that warranty will always be treated as a separate service. Where a warranty is determined to include both elements (assurance and service), the transaction price is allocated to the product and the service in a reasonable manner (if this is not possible, the whole warranty is treated as a service). It is common for warranties to include both elements. For example, a warranty may both assure the quality of the product and provide a free maintenance plan for two years. Where a warranty contains both elements, judgment will be needed in order to determine how to allocate the transaction price in a reasonable manner, and this may result in warranties being accounted for differently than at present.