ICDS VI - Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange rates

In this article, we will explain about ICDS VI and its difference with respective Notified AS.

ICDS VI Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange rates

ICDS VI deals with the treatment of transactions in foreign currencies and forward contracts involving foreign currencies and translating the financial statements of foreign operations.

Initial Recognition

A foreign currency transaction shall be recorded by applying exchange rate on foreign currency at the date of the transaction. An average rate for a week or a month that approximates the actual rate may be used, if the rate fluctuates then the actual rate at the date of transaction will be used.

Conversion in Reporting Currency

• Foreign currency monetary items will be converted into reporting currency at closing rate.
• Non-monetary items in a foreign currency shall be converted into reporting currency by using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
• Non-monetary item being inventory denominated in foreign currency, which is carried at the net realizable value shall be converted at exchange rate and then reported.

Recognition of Exchange Difference

Exchange difference arising due to settlement or conversion of monetary items at the end of the year shall be recognized as income or as expense in that year itself. But if it is due to non-monetary items, then such difference shall not be recognized.

Note: The financial statements of a foreign operation shall be translated in the same way as above.

Forward Exchange Contracts

Any premium or discount arising at the beginning of a forward exchange contract shall be amortized as expense or income over the life of the contract. Exchange differences on such a contract shall be recognized as income or as expense in the year in which the exchange rates change. Any profit or loss arising on cancellation or renewal shall be recognized as income or as expense for the previous year.

Such treatment will not be applied in the cases when the contract is:

• not intended for trading or speculation purpose
• entered to establish the amount of reporting currency required or available at the settlement date of the transaction
• entered to hedge the foreign currency risk of a firm commitment or a highly probable forecast transaction  

The premium or discount that arises on the contract is measured by the difference between:

• the foreign currency amount of the contract translated at the exchange rate at the last day of the previous year, or the settlement date where the transaction is settled during the previous year
• the same foreign currency amount translated at the date of inception of the contract or the last day of the immediately preceding previous year, whichever is later

Comparison of ICDS VI and AS 11

For further reading on these series, check out our next article on ICDS VII