Under IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15.31-45) An entity recognizes revenue by applying the 5 steps process as indicated above. Under step 1, one of the criteria to be met is that the parties to the contract have approved the contract (in writing, orally or in accordance with other customary business practices) and are committed to perform their respective obligations (IFRS 15.9). Although IFRS 15 also indicated that revenue can be still recognized to the extent of the consideration received even if the criteria indicated under paragraph 9 has not been met. These conditions are when: (1) no remaining obligation are to be performed or contract has been terminated; and (2) the consideration received is non-refundable (IFRS 15.15). An entity shall recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service (ie an asset) to a customer. An asset is transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of that asset (IFRS 15.31). An entity transfers control of a good or service over time and, therefore, satisfies a performance obligation and recognizes revenue over time, if one of the following criteria is met: (IFRS 15.35) a) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the entity’s performance as the entity performs (see paragraphs B3–B4); b) the entity’s performance creates or enhances an asset (for example, work in progress) that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced (see paragraph B5); or c) the entity’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the entity (see paragraph 36) and the entity has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date (see paragraph 37) (IFRS 15.31). If a performance obligation is not satisfied over time in accordance with paragraphs 35–37, an entity satisfies the performance obligation at a point in time. To determine the point in time at which a customer obtains control of a promised asset and the entity satisfies a performance obligation, the entity shall consider the requirements for control in paragraphs 31–34 (IFRS 15.38).
Analysis of the Change Under IAS 18, the timing of revenue recognition from the sale of goods is based primarily on the transfer of risks and rewards. IFRS 15, instead, focuses on when control of those goods has transferred to the customer. This different approach may result in a change of timing for revenue recognition for some entities. For example some entities may supply goods on the basis that the title passes to the customer at the point of shipment but, as a matter of business practice, may compensate customer for loss or damage during shipping (either through credit or replacement). Previously, revenue may have been recognized only at the point of delivery, on the basis that some exposure to risks and rewards is retained until then. Under IFRS 15, entities will need to assess whether control passes to the customer at the point of shipment or at the point of delivery. This may result in revenue being recognized at a different time. If revenue is recognized at the point of shipment, it may be necessary to allocate part of the transaction price to a distinct “shipping and risk coverage” service, with that element of revenue recognized when service is provided.