Introduction (906.1 to 906.2)
906.1
Firms are required to comply with the fundamental principles, be independent and apply the conceptual framework set out in Section 120 to identify, evaluate and address threats to independence.
906.2
Accepting gifts and hospitality from an assurance client might create a self-interest, familiarity or intimidation threat. This section sets out a specific requirement and application material relevant to applying the conceptual framework in such circumstances.
Requirement and Application Material (R906.3 to 906.3 A2)
R906.3
A firm or an assurance team member shall not accept gifts and hospitality from an assurance client, unless the value is trivial and inconsequential.
906.3 A1
Where a firm or assurance team member is offering or accepting an inducement to or from an assurance client, the requirements and application material set out in Section 340 apply and non-compliance with these requirements might create threats to independence.
906.3 A2
The requirements set out in Section 340 relating to offering or accepting inducements do not allow a firm or assurance team member to accept gifts and hospitality where the intent is to improperly influence behavior even if the value is trivial and inconsequential.
Building Blocks Approach
Complying with Part 4B requires knowing, understanding and applying:
- Part 1 - The fundamental principles and the conceptual framework
- Part 2 – Part 2 is also applicable to individual professional accountants in public practice (PAPPs) when performing professional activities pursuant to their relationship with the firm
- Part 3 - All of the relevant provisions set out in a particular section (Each 3xx section is also linked to 300)
- Part 4B – All the relevant provisions set out in a particular section.
The IESBA has applied a building blocks approach in establishing the structure of the Code. The conceptual framework set out in Part 1, Section 120, applies to all professional accountants (PAs) and is not repeated in subsequent Parts or sections but is expected to be applied by all PAs in the conduct of professional activities.
As an illustration of the building blocks approach:
- In all situations, paragraphs 120.8 A1 to 120.8 A2 of the conceptual framework identify conditions, policies and procedures that might be “factors relevant to evaluating the level of threats.”
- Incremental application material for evaluating threats is provided for PAPPs in paragraphs 300.7 A1 to 300.7 A2.
- Incremental context-specific factors are then included in each section and in each Part of the Code to emphasize the factors that are relevant to evaluating the level of the threat created by the specific circumstance.
Building Blocks Approach
Complying with Part 4B requires knowing, understanding and applying:
- Part 1 - The fundamental principles and the conceptual framework
- Part 2 – Part 2 is also applicable to individual professional accountants in public practice (PAPPs) when performing professional activities pursuant to their relationship with the firm
- Part 3 - All of the relevant provisions set out in a particular section (Each 3xx section is also linked to 300)
- Part 4B – All the relevant provisions set out in a particular section.
The IESBA has applied a building blocks approach in establishing the structure of the Code. The conceptual framework set out in Part 1, Section 120, applies to all professional accountants (PAs) and is not repeated in subsequent Parts or sections but is expected to be applied by all PAs in the conduct of professional activities.
As an illustration of the building blocks approach:
- In all situations, paragraphs 120.8 A1 to 120.8 A2 of the conceptual framework identify conditions, policies and procedures that might be “factors relevant to evaluating the level of threats.”
- Incremental application material for evaluating threats is provided for PAPPs in paragraphs 300.7 A1 to 300.7 A2.
- Incremental context-specific factors are then included in each section and in each Part of the Code to emphasize the factors that are relevant to evaluating the level of the threat created by the specific circumstance.
Inducements Basis for Conclusions (July 2018) Appendix 3 Gifts and hospitality offered by an audit or assurance client

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