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Syngenta AG (2011)

2. Accounting policies [extract]

provisions

A provision is recognized in the balance sheet when Syngenta has a legal or constructive obligation to a third party or parties as a result of a past event the amount of which can be reliably estimated and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date. If the effect of discounting is material, provisions are discounted to the expected present value of the future cash flows using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. Where some or all of the expenditures required to settle a provision are expected to be reimbursed by another party, the expected reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset only when virtually certain. Where Syngenta has a joint and several liability for a matter with one or more other parties, no provision is recognized by Syngenta for those parts of the obligation expected to be settled by another party. Syngenta self-insures or uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for certain risks. Provisions for these risks are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience and other actuarial assumptions and, where necessary, counterparty risk.