Do Chinese companies use IFRS?

Asked by: Dimitri Bailey III  |  Last update: September 3, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

Chinese companies generally do not use International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) directly, but rather follow local Chinese Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises (ASBEs), which have been heavily modified since 2007 to be substantially converged with IFRS. While IFRS is not permitted for domestic-only reporting, over 30% of Chinese market capitalization, particularly firms listed in Hong Kong, use IFRS or equivalent standards.

Does China use IFRS?

Chinese companies representing more than 30 per cent of the total market capitalisation of the domestic market produce IFRS-compliant financial statements as a result of their dual listings in Hong Kong and other international markets. Foreign companies do not trade currently in Chinese securities markets.

What is the difference between Chinese GAAP and IFRS?

The most notable difference between Chinese GAAP and IFRS is that in line with the Chinese Accounting Standards companies can only use the historical cost method to valuate fixed- and intangible assets, whereas IFRS allows the use of both the historical cost method and the possibility of re-evaluating the asset(s).

Does Hong Kong use IFRS or GAAP?

The accounting standards of Hong Kong are known as the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS), which have been fully converged with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Do Chinese companies follow GAAP?

The Chinese Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (China-GAAP) are similar to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), but differ from the American accounting system (US-GAAP). Most foreign companies are unaware of these differences, and are, therefore, running the risk of non-compliance.

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Is Japan using IFRS?

Since 2005 the IASB and ASBJ have been working together to achieve convergence of IFRS standards and J-GAAP. This work was formalized in 2007 with the “Tokyo Agreement”. The Japanese government also promoted voluntary adoption of IFRS as part of its 2018 Growth Strategy Japan.

Why doesn't America use IFRS?

Declaring (and rightfully so) that their main goal is to protect US investors' interests, the SEC notes that IFRS lacks consistent application, allows too much leeway with judgment, and is underdeveloped in many specific areas, for which the US GAAP has detailed and accepted guidance and established practice ( ...

Is the Big 4 banned in China?

UK accounting giant PwC faces six-month China ban

The Big Four accountancy firm is also being fined more than $62m (£47m) after Chinese authorities said it had helped cover up fraud at Evergrande. The real estate firm collapsed in January under a mountain of debt.

What is the US version of IFRS?

IFRS is principles-based, while U.S. GAAP is rules-based. IFRS allows reversal of inventory write-downs; GAAP does not. Under IFRS, LIFO is not permitted for inventory accounting. Discontinued operations definitions differ between IFRS and GAAP.

Is IFRS mandatory for all companies?

While IFRS compliance is not mandatory for all companies, certain entities are required to follow Ind-AS, including: Listed companies. Unlisted companies with a net worth of Rs. 250 crore or more.

Does Russia use IFRS?

Since 2012, IFRS have increasingly been adopted in Russia, and they are mandatory for consolidated financial statements, while standalone financial statements must be prepared using RAS. IFRS statements are also required for domestic public companies. IFRS are generally deemed more relevant to the needs of investors.

What standard does China use?

Chinese national standards, known as GB standards (for Guobiao or 国标), form the basis of the system. They may be mandatory, notably when used to enforce technical regulations or guarantee safety, or voluntary, when used as a reference for good practice.

Which country has not accepted IFRS?

The U.S., China, Egypt, Bolivia, Guinea-Bissau, Macao and Niger don't allow their domestic publicly traded companies to use International Financial Reporting Standards.

What is the 6 year rule in China?

The 6-year rule is a regulatory framework designed to determine the tax liability of foreign nationals living in China as the host country. It primarily focuses on the length of stay within a given period, typically six years, to ascertain an individual's tax liability in China.

Does China use IFRS or GAAP?

The ASBE standards are significantly converged with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and all listed companies in China must comply with the ASBEs for the preparation of their financial statements.

Does QuickBooks support Chinese?

Our supported languages are English, Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Thai, Portuguese, German, Japanese, and Korean. Alternatively, you can change the language in QuickBooks Online using the language settings of the browser.

Does Apple use GAAP or IFRS?

Apple's adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) provides investors with a transparent view of its financial performance. The company recognizes revenue when obligations are met, such as when an iPhone ships.

Which countries require IFRS?

IFRS Standards are required or permitted in 169 jurisdictions across the world, including major countries and territories such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the European Union, GCC countries, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, and ...

Is GAAP or IFRS better?

Which Is Better: IFRS or GAAP? This is a matter of perspective. IFRS is more principles-based, while GAAP is rules-based. A focus on principles may be more attractive to some as it captures the essence of a transaction more accurately.

Does Taiwan use IFRS?

IFRS adoption in Taiwan has been gradually implemented, particularly for publicly listed companies and financial institutions. However, private companies may still use Taiwan GAAP, though IFRS-compliant financial reporting is encouraged to align with international financial markets.

Is Switzerland using IFRS?

Swiss GAAP permits the use of IFRS or Swiss accounting standards for pension and other post-employment benefit plans, with the election made on a plan-by-plan basis.

Does Saudi use IFRS?

SOCPA Adopts IFRS 19 for Implementation in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA), represented by its Accounting Standards Board, has adopted the International Accounting Standards Board's IFRS 19 for implementation in Saudi Arabia.