Does China apply IFRS?

Asked by: Jonatan Swaniawski  |  Last update: August 2, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (1 votes)

Yes, China uses International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) through its own converged Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS), which are substantially similar but not identical, aiming for full alignment, with publicly listed companies using CAS, while IFRS is permitted or required for some listings and for foreign firms operating in China, though CAS remains the primary local standard. China has been actively converging CAS with IFRS since 2006, bringing them very close, but some key differences, like historical cost emphasis, persist, making full convergence an ongoing project.

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 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.

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).

Is Singapore using IFRS?

Singapore has been following a path of converging Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) with IFRS for Singapore listed companies for many years and Singapore has adopted substantially all IFRSs issued by the IASB as SFRSs, albeit at times with different effective dates and transition requirements.

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24 related questions found

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).

What are Chinese accounting standards?

Chinese accounting standards are the accounting rules used in mainland China. As of February 2010, the Chinese accounting standard systems is composed of Basic Standard, 38 specific standards and application guidance.

What system does China use?

In the People's Republic of China, politics functions within a communist state framework based on the system of people's congress under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), with the National People's Congress (NPC) functioning as the supreme organ of state power and only branch of government per the ...

What countries use IFRS standards?

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 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.

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.

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.

Which accounting software is used in China?

Yonyou is designed with Chinese accounting standards and practices in mind, facilitating the preparation of China GAAP compliant tax reports. Unlike Kingdee which is catered to smaller businesses, Yonyou is more suitable for medium to large size businesses. Their software has more complex enterprise-level functions.

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.

Why is 444 unlucky in China?

Rationale. The Chinese word for "four" (四, pinyin: sì, jyutping: sei3) sounds quite similar to the word for "death" (死, pinyin: sǐ, jyutping: sei2) in many varieties of Chinese.

When did China adopt IFRS?

Consistent with this trend, China mandated IFRS adoption for all publicly traded firms beginning in 2007. A primary goal of China's IFRS adoption is to attract greater foreign investment (MOF, 2006).

Does Singapore use GAAP or IFRS?

Singapore-incorporated companies that have issued, or are in the process of issuing, equity or debt instruments for trading in a public market in Singapore are required to apply Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (International) (SFRS(I)s), Singapore's equivalent of the IFRS.

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 Malaysia use IFRS or GAAP?

Malaysia has fully adopted IFRS through its MFRS framework, regulated by the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB). This aligns Malaysia with international best practices, supporting transparency and comparability.

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.