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Microlesson · 5-min read

AS 10 PPE — Changes in Decommissioning, Dismantling and Site Restoration Provisions

## Changes in Decommissioning / Dismantling / Site Restoration Provisions

### Background

When a PPE item requires future decommissioning or site restoration, the estimated present value of that cost is:

  • Added to the cost of the asset at inception, AND
  • A matching Provision for Decommissioning is created simultaneously

When this estimated provision changes subsequently, the treatment depends on the measurement model in use.

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### Causes of Change in Provision

TriggerExample
Change in timingAsset to be decommissioned earlier or later
Change in estimated amountNew environmental regulations increase restoration cost
Change in discount rateRisk-free rate shift changes the present value of the obligation

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### Treatment Based on Measurement Model

#### Under Cost Model — Adjust Against Asset Cost

Direction of ChangeJournal Entry
Provision increasesPPE A/c Dr → To Provision for Decommissioning A/c
Provision decreasesProvision for Decommissioning A/c Dr → To PPE A/c

#### Under Revaluation Model — Adjust Against Revaluation Gain/Loss

Direction of ChangeJournal Entry
Provision increasesRevaluation Loss A/c Dr → To Provision for Decommissioning A/c
Provision decreasesProvision for Decommissioning A/c Dr → To Revaluation Gain A/c

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### Why Not Through P&L?

The decommissioning provision was originally embedded in the asset's cost — changes to that estimate should adjust the same cost base (or its revaluation equivalent), not create immediate P&L volatility.

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### Quick Reference Summary

ModelIncrease in ProvisionDecrease in Provision
CostPPE ↑PPE ↓
RevaluationRevaluation Loss ↑Revaluation Gain ↑

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Taking changes in decommissioning provision directly to P&L instead of adjusting the asset cost (under cost model)
  • Applying the cost model treatment (adjust PPE) under the revaluation model — it should adjust revaluation gain/loss instead
  • Ignoring discount rate changes when reassessing the provision — all three triggers (timing, amount, rate) require revision
  • Reversing the direction of the journal entry — an increase in provision debits the asset (cost model), not credits it
Reference:
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