Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price. Debtors do not carry interest and are stated at their nominal value. Appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts are recognised in the profit and loss account when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, are recognised at transaction price. Creditors are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.