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For Cost Accounting Standard issued by ICWAI 





For Accounting Standards issued by ICAI

Cost Accounting Standard 5


Cost Accounting Standard 5

COST ACCOUNTING STANDARD 
 ON DETERMINATION OF 
 AVERAGE (EQUALIZED) COST OF  TRANSPORTATION  
The following is the text of the Cost Accounting Standard 5 (CAS-5) issued by the Council 
of the Institute of Cost & Works Accountants of India on “Determination of  Average 
(Equalized) Cost of Transportation”. This standard deals with the determination of average 
transportation cost of a product.  In this standard  the standard portions  have been set in bold 
italic type. These are to be read in the context of the background material which has been set 
in the normal type. 
1. Introduction: 
1.1 The cost accounting principles for tracing/identifying an element of cost, its 
allocation/apportionment to a product or service are well established.  Transportation 
cost is an important element of cost for procurement of materials for production and  
for distribution of product for sale. Therefore, Cost Accounting Records should present 
transportation cost separately from the other cost of inward materials or cost of sales of 
finished goods. The  Finance Act 2003  also specifies the certification requirement of 
transportation cost  for claiming  deduction while arriving at the  assessable value of 
excisable goods cleared for home consumption/ export. There is a need to standardize 
the record keeping of expenses relating to transportation and computation of 
transportation cost. 
2.      Objective 
2.1 To bring uniformity in the application of principles and methods used in the 
determination of averaged/equalized transportation cost. 
2.2 To prescribe the system to be followed for maintenance of records  for collection of  
cost of transportation, its allocation/apportionment  to cost centres, locations or  
products.  
For example, transportation cost needs to be apportioned among excisable, exempted, 
non-excisable and other goods for arriving at the average of transportation cost of 
each class of goods. 
2.3 To provide transparency in the determination of cost of transportation. 
3.   Scope
3.1 This standard should  be applied for calculation of cost of transportation  required 
under any statute or regulations or for any other purpose.  For example, this standard 
can be used  for  : 
(a) determination of average transportation cost for claiming the deduction for 
arriving at the assessable value of excisable goods  
(b) Insurance claim valuation 
(c) Working out claim for freight subsidy under Fertilizer Industry Coordination 
Committee  (d) Administered price mechanism of freight cost element  
(e) Determination of  inward freight costs included or to be included in the cost of 
purchases attributable to the acquisition. 
(f) Computation of freight included in the value of  inventory for accounting on 
inventory or valuation of stock hypothecated with Banks / Financial Institution, 
etc. 
  
 4.   Definitions 
The following terms are used in this standard with the meaning specified : 
4.1 Cost of Transportation comprises of the cost of freight, cartage, transit insurance and 
cost  of operating fleet and other incidental charges whether incurred internally or 
paid to an outside agency for transportation of  goods but does not include detention 
and demurrage charges. 
    
Explanation : 
Cost of transportation is classified as inward transportation cost and  outward  
transportation Cost. 
4.2 Inward Transportation cost is the transportation expenses incurred in connection with 
materials /goods received at  factory or place  of use or sale/removal.  
4.3 Outward Transportation cost is the transportation expenses incurred in  connection 
with  the sale or delivery   of materials or goods  from factory or depot or any other 
place from where goods are sold /removed 
4.4 Freight is the charges paid or payable to an outside agency for transporting materials/ 
goods from one place to another place. 
4.5 Cartage is the expenses incurred for movement of goods covering short distance for 
further transportation for delivery to customer or storage. 
4.6 Transit insurance cost is the amount of premium to be paid to cover the risk of  loss 
/damage to the goods  in transit. 
4.7 Depot is the bounded premises /place  managed internally or by an agent, including 
consignment agent and C & F agent, franchisee  for  storing of  materials/goods for 
further dispatch including the premises of Consignment Agent and C&F Agent for the 
purpose . 
Depot includes warehouses, go-downs, storage yards, stock yards etc.
4.8 Equalized transportation cost means average transportation cost incurred during a 
specified period. 
4.9 Equalized freight  means average freight. 5. Maintenance of  records for ascertaining Transportation Cost 
5.1 Proper records shall be maintained for recording the actual  cost of transportation  
showing each element of cost such as  freight,  cartage, transit insurance and others 
after adjustment for recovery of transportation cost.  Abnormal costs relating to 
transportation, if any,  are to be identified and recorded for exclusion of 
computation of average transportation cost. 
5.2 In case of a manufacturer having his own transport  fleet, proper records shall be 
maintained to determine the actual operating cost of vehicles showing  details of  
various elements of cost, such as salaries and wages of driver, cleaners and others, 
cost of fuel, lubricant grease, amortized cost of tyres and  battery, repairs and 
maintenance,  depreciation of the vehicles, distance covered and trips made, goods 
hauled and transported to the depot. 
5.3 In case of hired transport charges incurred for despatch of goods, complete details 
shall be recorded as to date of despatch, type of transport used, description of the 
goods, destination of buyer, name of consignee, challan number,  quantity of goods 
in terms of weight or volume, distance involved, amount paid, etc. 
5.4 Records shall be maintained separately for inward and outward transportation cost 
specifying the details particulars of goods despatched,  name of supplier / recipient, 
amount of freight  etc. 
5.5 Separate records shall be maintained for identification of transportation cost 
towards inward movement of material (procurement) and transportation cost of 
outward movement of goods removed /sold  for both home consumption and export. 
5.6 Records for transportation cost from factory to depot and thereafter shall be 
maintained separately. 
5.7 Records for transportation cost for carrying any material / product to job-workers 
place and back should be maintained separately so as include the same in  the 
transaction value of the product. 
5.8 Records for transportation cost for goods involved exclusively for trading activities 
shall be maintained separately and the same will not be included for claiming any 
deduction for for calculating assessable value excisable goods cleared for home 
consumption. 
5.9 Records of transportation cost directly allocable to a particular category of products 
should be maintained separately so that allocation in appendix –3 can be made. 5.10 For common transportation cost,  both for own fleet or hired ones, proper records 
for basis of apportionment should be maintained. 
5.11 Records for transportation cost for exempted goods, excisable goods cleared for 
export  shall be maintained separately. 
5.12 Separate records of  cost for mode of transportation other than road like ship, air  
etc are to be maintained in appendix –2 which will  be included in total cost of 
transportation.   6.  Treatment of cost: 
6.1 Inward transportation costs shall form the part of  the cost of procurement of 
materials which are to be identified for proper allocation/ apportionment to the 
materials / products. 
6.2 Outward transportation cost shall form the part of  the cost of sale and shall be  
allocated / apportioned  to the materials and goods  on a suitable basis.   
Explanation : 
Outward transportation cost of a product from factory to depot or any location of sale 
shall be included in the cost of sale of the goods available for sale. 
6.3The following basis may be used, in order of priority, for apportionment of outward 
transportation cost depending upon the nature of products, unit of measurement 
followed and type of transport used : 
i) Weight  
ii) Volume of goods 
iii) Tonne-Km 
iv) Unit / Equivalent unit 
v) Value of goods  
vi) Percentage of usage of space  
Once a basis of apportionment is adopted , the same should be followed consistently.  
6.4 For determining the transportation cost per unit, distance shall be factored in to arrive 
at weighted average cost. 
6.5 Abnormal and non  recurring cost  shall not be a part of transportation cost. 
Explanation  
Penalty, detention charges, demurrage and  cost related to abnormal break down will 
not be included in transportation cost. 
   
7. Cost Sheet 
The cost sheets shall be prepared and presented in a form  as per Appendices 1,2 and 3 or 
as near thereto.  Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 show the details of information to be 
maintained for compilation of transport cost for own fleet and hired transportation charges 
respectively.  Appendix 1 is applicable where the organization is having its own fleet. 
The directly allocable cost of own fleet ( outward)   shall be identified against  different 
categories of products as shown in Appendix 3 and same shall be indicated there. 
Similarly, total common cost of own fleet ( outward) shall be apportioned to different 
categories of products as shown in Appendix 3 on a basis which should be specified. The 
basis of apportionment may be adopted depending on the nature of product as indicated in 
para 6.3. Similar approach shall  also be applied for hired outward transport charges. More columns may be required to be shown in Appendix 3 specifying different types of 
transactions. For example:  Sale on specific rate basis, sale of waste, scrap, return from 
customer,  goods sent for job work,  goods received after job work etc. 
Unit of Measurement (UM) may vary depending upon the nature of the product. For 
example, Number, MT, Meter, Litre etc. 
Proper records shall be maintained to show separately the Transportation Cost relating to 
sending of jobs to job contractors/convertors and receipt back of processed jobs/converted 
materials. 
An enterprise shall be required to maintain cost records and other books of account in a 
manner which would facilitate preparation and verification of cost of transportation  and 
other related charges and its apportioning to various products.  
8. Transaction value : 
‘Transaction value’ shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 4 of The Central 
Excise Act, 1944 or Section 14 of The Customs Act , 1962 or as defined in any other Act  or 
Regulations as the case may be. 
9. The standard will be operative  from the date of issue. 
Finalized by CASB-WTO Committee on 20July2005 and circulated to the Council at its meeting on 21 July 2005  (1
st
draft was published in June 2002 journal)Appendix 1 
Name of the Manufacturer: 
Address of the Manufacturer: 
Statement of Operating Cost of own Fleet for the period……. 
Sl No  
A QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION 
A1 Number of Vehicles 
A2 Number of trips 
A3 Goods Transported – inward (UM)  
A4.  Goods transported – outward   (UM)  
A5. Goods transported – inward – Km  
A6.  Goods transported – outward – Km  
A7. Total Goods transported  inward – basis of apportionment ( Specify)  
A8. Total Goods transported  outward – basis of apportionment ( Specify)  
A9 Total ( A7+A8) 
B COST INFORMATION  (Rs) 
 Cost of Operation 
Variable Cost 
B1. Salaries & Wages of Drivers, Cleaners and others  
B2.  Fuel & Lubricants 
B3.   Consumables  
B4.   Amortized cost of Tyre, Tube & Battery  
B5.  Spares  
B6. Repair & Maintenance  
B7. Other Variable Cost ( specify) 
B8. Total Variable Cost ( B1 to B7) 
Fixed Cost 
B9. Insurance 
B10. Licence Fee, Permit Fee and Taxes 
B11. Depreciation 
B12. Other Fixed Costs ( Specify) 
B13. Total Fixed Cost  ( B9 to B12) 
B14. Total Operating Cost (B8+B13) 
C  APPORTIONMENT  ( Basis to be specified) - usage  
C1. Inward Transport Cost ( B14 *A7/ A9) 
C2. Outward Transport Cost (B14 *A8/A9) 
C3. Transit insurance for inward movement 
C4. Transit insurance for outward movement 
C5. Total transportation cost for inward movement (C1+C3)  
C6. Total transportation cost for outward movement (C2+C4)  
Note : 
1. Cost of Battery, and Tyres and Tubes shall to be amortised over its useful life. 
2. Asset Register shall be maintained for determination of depreciation and amortization cost.  
3. Separate Cost Sheet shall be prepared for different types of vehicles. Appendix 2 
Name of the Manufacturer: 
Address of the Manufacturer: 
Statement of Hired Outward Transportation Cost   for the period ending……. 
A Quantitative Information 
A1 Quantity of goods transported – outward  (UM) 
B COST INFORMATION )  (Rs) 
B1 Hired Transport Charges 
B2 Transit Insurance 
B3 Other ( specify) 
B4 Total  Transportation cost  ( B1 to B3) Name of the Manufacturer:             Appendix -3 
Address of the Manufacturer: 
Statement of apportionment of Outward Transportation Cost  to different goods and Determination of Averaged Outward Transport Cost  for the  period ending……. 
A Quantitative Information  Total Excisable goods Specific 
Rated 
goods 
Goods 
cleared for 
Export  
Exempted 
goods 
Goods 
Cleared  
on MRP 
Basis 
Goods 
cleared 
from 
factory to 
customer 
Goods 
cleared  
from 
Depot to 
Customer 
Others     
( specify) 
  Productgroup 1 
Product 
group 2 
Product  
group 3 
       
A1  Goods transported Outwards( UM  *)            
A2 Goods Transported  Outward ( KM)            
B Outward Transport Cost  ( Rs)             
B1 Directly allocated  own fleet  
transportation cost (Rs) 
           
B2 Basis of Apportionment  of own fleet 
cost       ( Specify) 
           
B3 Common own fleet  transport cost  to be 
apportioned   
           
B4 Directly allocated  hired transportation   
charges (Rs) 
           
B5 Basis of Apportionment of hired 
transportation cost  ( Specify) 
           
B6 Common hired transport charges  to be 
apportioned   
           
B7 Total Transport Cost  
 ( B1+ B3+B4+B6) 
           
B8 Averaged transport cost per unit   ( Rs) 
(B7/A1)   
           
   * UM is the Unit of measurement  
         Seal and signature of Company’s authorized  representative 
  
I /We, have verified above data and calculation in the appendix 1,  2 and  3  on test check basis with reference to the books of account, cost accounting records and other records. Based on the 
information and explanations given to me/us, and on the basis of generally accepted cost accounting principles and practices followed by the industry, I /We certify that the above cost data reflect 
true and fair view of averaged transport cost. 
Date  : 
Place  : 
                    Seal & Signature of Cost Accountant
Membership No.

Cost Accounting Standard 4



Cost Accounting Standard 4
1
COST ACCOUNTING STANDARD ON
COST OF PRODUCTION FOR CAPTIVE CONSUMPTION
The following is the text of the COST ACCOUNTING STANDARD 4 (CAS-4) issued by the
Council of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India on “Cost of Production for Captive
Consumption”. The standard deals with determination of cost of production for captive consumption.  
In this Standard, the standard portions have been set in bold italic type.  These should be read in the
context of the background material which has been set in normal type.
1.  Introduction
The Cost Accounting principle for determination of cost of production is well established.  Similarly,
rules for levy of excise duty on goods used for captive consumption are also well defined. Captive
Consumption means the consumption of goods manufactured by one division and consumed by
another division(s) of the same organization or related undertaking for manufacturing another
product(s). Liability of excise duty arises as soon as the goods covered under excise duty  are
manufactured but excise duty is collected at the time of removal or clearance from the place of
manufacture even if such removal does not amount to sale.  Assessable value of goods used for
captive consumption is based on cost of production. According to the Central Excise Valuation
(Determination of Price of Excisable Goods) Rules 2000, the assessable value of goods used for
captive consumption is 115% of cost of production of such goods, and as may be prescribed by the
Government from time to time.
2. Objective
2.1 The purpose of this standard is to bring uniformity in the principles and methods used for
determining the cost of production of excisable goods used for captive consumption.  
2.2 The cost statement prepared based on standard will be used for determination of assessable
value of excisable goods used for captive consumption.  
2.3 The standard and its disclosure requirement will provide better transparency in the valuation
of excisable goods used for captive consumption.
3. Scope
3.1 The standard is to be followed for determining the  cost of production to arrive at an
assessable value of excisable goods used for captive consumption.  
3.2 Cost of production will include various cost components.  They are already defined in Cost
Accounting Standard-1 (‘ Classification of Cost’ – CAS-1). Thus, this standard has to be read
in conjunction  with   CAS-1.    2
4. Definitions
4.1      Cost of Production : Cost of production shall consist of  Material Consumed, Direct Wages
and Salaries, Direct Expenses, Works  Overheads, Quality Control cost, Research and
Development Cost , Packing cost, Administrative Overheads relating to production.
To arrive at cost of production of goods dispatched for captive consumption, adjustment
for Stock of work-in-Process, finished goods, recoveries for sales of scrap, wastage etc
shall be made.
4.2 Captive Consumption : Captive Consumption means the consumption of goods  
manufactured by one division or unit and consumed by another division or unit  of the
same organization or related undertaking for manufacturing another product(s).
4.3   Normal Capacity is the production achieved or achievable on an average over a period or
season under normal circumstances taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from
planned maintenance. (CAS-2)
5.         Determination of Cost of Production for Captive Consumption
To determine the cost of production for captive consumption, calculations of different cost
components  and adjustments are explained below :
5.1 Material  Consumed
Material Consumed  shall include materials directly identified for production of goods
such as :
(a) indigenous materials
(b) imported materials
(c) bought out items
(d) self manufactured items
(e) process materials and other items
Cost of material consumed shall consist of cost of  material, duties and taxes, freight
inwards, insurance,  and other expenditure directly attributable to procurement. Trade
discount, rebates and other similar items will be deducted for determining the cost of
materials. Cenvat credit, credit for countervailing customs duty, Sales Tax set off, VAT,
duty draw back and other similar duties  subsequently recovered/ recoverable by the
enterprise shall also be deducted.
5.2       Direct wages and salaries
Direct wages and salaries shall include house rent  allowance, overtime and incentive
payments made to employees directly engaged in the manufacturing activities.
Direct wages and salaries include fringe benefits such as :
(i) Contribution to provident fund and  ESIS
(ii) Bonus/ ex-gratia payment to employees
(iii) Provision for retirement benefits such as gratuity and superannuation
(iv) Medical benefits
(v) Subsidised food
(vi) Leave with pay and holiday payment  3
(vii) Leave encashment
(viii) Other allowances such as children’s education allowance, conveyance allowance
which are payable to employees in the normal course of business etc.
5.3 Direct Expenses
Direct  expenses are the expenses other than direct material cost and direct employees costs
which can be identified with  the product.
Direct expenses  include :
(i) Cost of  utilities such as fuel, power, water, steam etc
(i) Royalty based on production
(ii) Technical  Assistance /  know –how fees
(iii) Amortized cost of moulds, patterns, patents etc
(iv) Job  charges
(v) Hire charges for tools and equipment
(vi) Charges for a particular product designing  etc.
 5.4      Works Overheads
Works  overheads are the indirect costs incurred  in the production process.  
Works overheads include the following expenses:
(i) Consumable stores and spares
(ii) Depreciation of  plant  and machinery,  factory building  etc
(iii) Lease rent of production assets
(iv) Repair and maintenance of plant  and machinery, factory building  etc
(v) Indirect employees cost connected with production activities
(vi) Drawing and Designing department cost.  
(vii) Insurance of plant  and machinery, factory building, stock of raw material & WIP etc
(viii) Amortized cost of  jigs, fixtures, tooling  etc
(ix) Service department cost such as Tool Room,  Engineering & Maintenance, Pollution
Control etc
5.5    Quality Control Cost
The quality control cost is the expenses incurred relating to quality control activities for
adhering to quality standard.  These expenses shall include salaries & wages relating to
employees engaged in quality control activity and other related expenses.   4
5.6       Research and Development Cost
The research and development cost incurred for development and improvement of the
process or the existing  product shall be included in the cost of  production.
5.7      Administrative Overheads
Administrative overheads needs to be analysed  in relation to production activities and
other activities. Administrative overheads  in relation to production activities shall be
included in the cost of production.  Administrative overheads  in relation to  activities other
than manufacturing activities e.g. marketing, projects management, corporate office
expenses etc. shall be excluded from the cost of production.
5.8      Packing Cost
If product is transferred/dispatched duly packed for captive consumption, cost of such
packing shall  be included.  
Packing cost includes  both cost of  primary and secondary packing required for transfer/
dispatch of the goods used for captive consumption.
5.9       Absorption of overheads
Overheads shall be analysed into variable overheads and fixed overheads.
Variable Overheads are the items which change with the change in volume of production,
such as cost of utilities  etc.
Fixed overheads are the items whose value do not change with the change in volume of
production such as salaries, rent etc.  
The variable production overheads shall be absorbed in production cost based on actual
capacity utilisation.  
The fixed production overheads and other similar item of fixed costs such as quality
control cost, research and development costs, administrative overheads relating to
manufacturing shall be absorbed in the production cost on the basis of the normal
capacity or actual capacity utilization of the plant, whichever is higher.
5.10     Valuation of Stock of work-in-progress and finished goods
Stock of work-in-progress shall be valued at cost on the basis of stages of completion as
per the cost accounting principles. Similarly, stock of finished goods shall be valued  at
cost. Opening and closing stock of work-in-progress shall be adjusted for calculation of
cost of goods produced and similarly opening and closing stock of finished goods  shall
be adjusted for calculation of goods despatched.
In case the cost of a shorter period is to be determined,  where the figures of opening  and
closing stock are not readily available, the adjustment of figures of opening and closing stock
may be ignored. 5
5.11     Treatment of  Joint Products and By-Products
A production process may result in more than one product being produced simultaneously.
In case joint products are produced, joint costs are allocated between the products on a
rational and consistent basis. In case by-products are produced, the net realisable value  of
by-products is credited to the cost of production of the main product.
For allocation of joint cost to joint products, the sales values of  products at the split off point
i.e. when the products become separately identifiable may become the basis.  Some other
basis may be adopted.  For example, in case of petroleum products, each product is assigned
certain value based on its certain properties, may be calorific value and  these values become
the basis of apportionment of joint cost among petroleum products.
5.12     Treatment of Scrap and Waste
The production process may generate scrap or waste. Realized or realizable value of scrap
or  waste  shall be credited to the cost of production.
In case, scrap or waste does not have ready market and it is used for reprocessing, the scrap
or waste value is taken at a rate of input cost depending upon the stage at which such scrap or
waste is recycled. The expenses incurred for making the scrap suitable for reprocessing shall
be deducted from value of scrap or waste.
Illustration
A production process has three stages.
Stage                  Input material cost             Processing cost                        Total
                               ( Rs/ MT)                                 ( Rs/MT)                      ( Rs/MT)
   1                                2000    500   2500
   2    2500             1000   3500
   3               3500                   1000    4500
If during the production process at stage3,  the scrap is produced  and the same is recycled at
stage2 after making an expenditure of    Rs 200 per MT to make it suitable for re-processing
at stage2, then scrap will be valued @ Rs ( 2500 – 200 )  i.e Rs 2300. If no expenditure is
involved to make scrap re-usable, the scrap value will be @ Rs 2500. The scrap value for the
scrap produced during a period calculated at the rate as explained above may be deducted to
find out the cost of production for the period.
5.13    Miscellaneous Income
Miscellaneous income relating to production shall be adjusted in the calculation of cost
of production, for example, income from sale of empty containers used for despatch of
the captively consumed goods produced under reference.
5.14    Inputs received free of cost 6
In case any  input material, whether of direct or indirect nature, including packing
material  is supplied free of cost  by the user of the captive product, the landed cost of such
material shall be included in the cost of production.
5.15     Moulds, Tools, Dies & Patterns etc received free of cost  

The amortization cost of such items shall be included in the cost of production.
5.16      Interest  and financial charges
Interest and financial charges  being a financial charge shall not be considered to be  a
part of cost of production.  
5.17     Abnormal and non-recurring cost  
Abnormal and non-recurring cost arising due to unusual or unexpected occurrence of
events, such as heavy break down of plants, accident, market condition restricting sales
below normal level, abnormal idle capacity, abnormal process loss, abnormal scrap and
wastage, payments like VRS, retrenchment compensation, lay-off wages etc. The abnormal
cost shall not form the part of cost of production.
6.        Cost Sheet
The cost sheet should be prepared in the format as par  Appendix – 1 or as near thereto as
possible. The manufacturer will be required to maintain cost records and other books of
account in a manner, which would facilitate preparation and verification of the cost of
production. For manufacturers covered under the ambit of Section 209(1)(d) of the
Companies Act, 1956, i.e., where Cost Accounting Records are statutorily required to be
maintained, the Cost Accountant certifying the cost of production for captive consumption
shall verify the correctness of the cost from these records. However, for manufacturers not
covered under Section 209(1)(d) of the Companies Act, 1956, it is desirable that they also
maintain cost accounting records in line with the records so prescribed as to facilitate
determination  and certification of cost of production.
7.      Disclosure
(i) If there is any change in cost accounting principles and practices during the
concerned period  which may materially affect the cost of production in terms of
comparability with previous periods, the same should be disclosed.
(ii) If opening stock  and closing stock of work -in-progress and finished goods are  not
readily available for certification purpose, the same should be disclosed. 7
Appendix – 1
Name of the Manufacturer :
Address of  the Manufacturer :
Registration No of Manufacturer :
Description of product captively consumed:
Excise Tariff Heading :
Statement of Cost of Production of _____________ manufactured / to be manufactured during the period _____________
      Qty
Q1 Quantity Produced (Unit of Measure)  
Q2 Quantity Despatched  (Unit of Measure)
Particulars  Total Cost
(Rs)
Cost/unit
( Rs)
1. Material Consumed  
2. Direct Wages and Salaries
3. Direct Expenses
4. Works  Overheads
5. Quality Control Cost
6. Research & Development Cost
7. Administrative Overheads (relating to production activity)  
8. Total (1 to 7)
9. Add : Opening stock of Work - in –Progress
10. Less : Closing  stock of Work -in- Progress
11. Total (8+9-10)
12. Less : Credit for Recoveries/Scrap/By-Products / misc income  
13. Packing cost
14. Cost of production ( 11 - 12 + 13)
15. Add: Inputs received free of cost
16. Add:  Amortised cost of  Moulds, Tools, Dies & Patterns etc received free of cost    
17. Cost of Production  for goods produced for captive consumption ( 14 + 15 + 16)  
18. Add : Opening stock of finished goods  
19. Less : Closing stock of finished goods
20. Cost of production for goods despatched ( 17 + 18 - 19)  
Seal & Signature of Company's Authorised Representative
I/We, have verified above data on test check basis with reference to the books of account, cost accounting records and other records.
Based on the information and explanations given to  me/us, and on the basis of generally accepted cost  accounting principles and
practices followed by the industry, I /We certify that the above cost data reflect true and fair view of the cost of production.
Date  :
Place  :
                    Seal & Signature of Cost Accountant
Membership No.8

Cost Accounting Standard 3


Cost Accounting Standard 3


COST ACCOUNTING STANDARD ON  “OVERHEADS” 
The following is the text of the COST ACCOUNTING STANDARD 3 (CAS- 3) issued by 
the Council of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India on “Overheads”.  The 
standard deals with the method of collection, allocation, apportionment and absorption of 
overheads” In this Standard, the standard portions  have been set in bold italic type.  These 
should be read in the context of the background material which has been set in normal type. 
1.  Introduction  
1.1 In Cost Accounting the analysis and  collection of  overheads, their allocation and  
apportionment to different cost centres and absorption to products  or services plays an  
important role in determination of cost as well as  control purposes.  A system of better  
distribution of overheads can only ensure greater accuracy in determination  of cost of 
products or services. It is, therefore, necessary  to follow standard  practices for allocation, 
apportionment and absorption of overheads for preparation of cost statements. 
2. Objective  
2.1 The standard is to prescribe the methods of collection, allocation, apportionment of 
overheads to different cost centres and absorption  thereof to products or services on a 
consistent and uniform basis in the preparation of cost statements and to facilitate inter-firm 
and intra-firm comparison. 
2.2 The standardization of collection, allocation, apportionment and absorption of 
overheads is to provide a scientific basis for  determination of cost of  different activities,  
products, services, assets, etc. 
2.3 The standard is to facilitate in taking  commercial and strategic management ` 
decisions such as resource allocation, product mix optimization, make or buy decisions, price 
fixation etc.   
2.4 The standard  aims at ensuring better  disclosure requirement and  transparency in the 
cost statement. 
3. Scope 
3.1 The standard should be followed for treatment of overheads by all  enterprises 
including companies covered under Cost Accounting Records Rules issued in pursuant to 
Sec 209(1)(d) of the Companies Act, 1956 or under the provisions of any other Act, Rules 
and Regulations. 
3.2    The standard shall be applied in Cost and Management  Accounting practices relating to 
(a) Cost of  products, services or activities 
(b) Valuation  of stock 
(c) Transfer pricing 
(d) Segment Performance 
(e) Excise / Custom  duty, VAT, Income Tax, Service Tax and other levies, duties 
and abatement fixation (f) Cost statements for any other purpose 
4. Definitions : 
4.1 Overheads – Overheads comprise of indirect materials, indirect employee costs and 
indirect expenses which are not directly  identifiable or  allocable to a cost object in 
an economically feasible way. 
  
Overheads are to be classified on the basis of functions to which the overheads are 
related ( Refer to ‘ Classification of cost’ – CAS-1),  viz  
- Production overheads  
- Administrative overheads 
- Selling overheads 
- Distribution overheads   
Overheads may also be classified on the basis of behaviour such as variable 
overheads, semi-variable overheads and fixed overheads.  
Variable overheads comprise of expenses  which vary in proportion to  the  change of 
volume of production. For example, cost of utilities etc. 
Fixed overheads comprise of expenses whose value do not change with the change in 
volume of production such as salaries, rent etc.   
Semi-variable overheads are partly affected by change in the production volume. 
They are further segregated into variable overheads and fixed overheads 
Any items of overheads arising out of  abnormal situation in business activity should  
not be treated as overheads. They are charged to Costing Profit and Loss Account. 
Items not related to business activities such as donation, loss / profit on sale of assets  
etc are also not to be treated as overheads. 
Borrowing cost and other financial charges including  foreign exchange fluctuations 
will not form the part of overheads. 
4.2 Collection of Overheads -  Collection of overheads  means  the pooling of indirect 
items  of expenses from  books of account and supportive/ corroborative records in 
logical groups having regards to their nature and purpose. 
Overheads are collected on the basis of  pre-planned groupings, called cost pools.  
Homogeneity of the cost components in respect of their behaviour and character  is to 
be considered in developing  the cost pool.  Variable and fixed overheads should be 
collected in separate cost pools under  a cost centre. A great  degree of homogeneity in 
the cost pools are to be maintained  to make the apportionment of overheads  more 
rational and scientific.  A cost pool for maintenance expenses will help in apportioning 
them to different cost centres which use the maintenance service.          
4.3 Allocation of overheads – Allocation of overheads  is assigning a whole item of cost 
directly to a cost centre. 
An item of expense which can be directly related to a cost centre is to be allocated to 
the cost centre.   For example, depreciation of a particular machine should be allocated 
to a particular cost centre if the machine is directly attached to the cost centre.  
4.4 Apportionment of overhead - Apportionment of overhead is distribution of  overheads 
to more than one cost centre on some equitable basis.
When the indirect costs are common to different cost centres, these  are to be 
apportioned to the cost centres on an equitable basis. For example, the expenditure on 
general repair and maintenance pertaining to a department can be allocated to that 
department but has to be apportioned to various machines (Cost Centres) in the 
department.  If the department is involved in the production of a single product, the 
whole repair & maintenance of the department may be allocated to the product. 
4.5 Primary and Secondary Distribution of Overheads : 
In case of multi-product environment, there are common service cost centres which 
are providing services to the various production cost centres and other service cost 
centres. The costs of services are required to be apportioned  to the relevant cost 
centres. First step to be followed is to apportion  the overheads to different cost 
centres  and then second step is to  apportion the  costs of service cost centres to 
production cost centres on an equitable basis.  The first step is termed as primary 
distribution and the second step is termed as secondary distribution of overheads.   
4.6   Absorption of  overheads - Absorption of  overheads is charging of overheads from 
cost centres to products or  services by means of absorption rates for each cost center 
which is  calculated  as follows : 
     
                                        Total overheads of the cost centre 
         Overhead  absorption Rate    =      _____________________________ 
              Total quantum of base 
The  base ( denominator)  is selected on the basis  of type of the cost centre and  its 
contribution to the products or services, for example, machine hours, labour hours, 
quantity produced  etc.  
Overhead absorbed = Overhead absorption rate  x  units of base in  product or service 
4.7    Normal Capacity is the production achieved or achievable on an average over a 
period or season under normal circumstances taking into account the loss of capacity 
resulting from planned maintenance. (CAS-2) 5. Apportionment and absorption of Production Overheads 
5.1  Overheads are to be  apportioned to different cost centres based on  following two    
principles : 
i) Cause and Effect -  Cause is the process or operation or activity   and effect is  the 
incurrence of cost. Apportionment of overheads based on this criterion ensures 
better rationality as it is guided by the relationship between cost object  and cost. 
ii) Benefits received – overheads are to be apportioned to the various cost centres in 
proportion to  the benefits received by them. 
5.2 Primary Distribution of overheads : 
Basis of  primary  apportionment of  items of  production overheads is to be selected  to 
distribute them among  the cost centres following the above two principles as given 
above in 5.1. 
Basis of apportionment  must be rational to distribute  overheads.  Once the base is 
selected, the same is to be followed  consistently  and uniformly.  However,  change in 
basis for apportionment  can be adopted only when it is considered necessary due to 
change in circumstances like change in technology,  degree of mechanization, product 
mix, etc. In case of such changes,  proper disclosure in cost records is essential. 
                  
         Examples of basis of primary distribution of some items  of  production  overheads 
Item of Cost Basis of Apportionment 
Power 
Fuel 
Jigs, tools & fixtures 
Crane hire charges 
Supervisors’ salary & fringe benefits 
Labour welfare cost 
Rent & rates 
Insurance 
Depreciation 
(H.P. rating of  Machines x hours x LF  * 
Consumption rate x  hour   
Machine hours or  Man hours 
Crane hours or weight of materials handled 
Number  of employees 
Number of employees  
Floor or Space area 
Value of fixed asset 
Value of fixed asset 
             *   LF = Motor Load  Factor 
5.3    Secondary Distribution of Overheads : 
 Secondary distribution of overheads may be done by  following  either  Reciprocal 
basis   or     Non-Reciprocal Basis.  While reciprocal basis considers the exchange of 
service among the service departments, non-reciprocal basis considers only one 
directional service flow  from a service cost centre to other production  cost centre(s). 
5.4  Secondary Apportionment of Overheads on Reciprocal Basis  
The services rendered by certain service cost centres  are also utilized by other service 
cost centres. In reciprocal secondary distribution, the cost of service cost centres are apportioned to production cost centres as well as   other service cost centres.  In such 
case, any one of the following three methods may be  followed : 
I. Repeated  Distribution Method 
II. Trial & Error Method 
III. Simultaneous Equation Method 
5.4.1  Repeated  Distribution Method  
Steps to be followed  under this method are : 
i) The proportion at which the costs of a service cost centres are to be distributed to 
production cost centres and other service cost centres are determined. 
ii) Costs of  first service cost centres are to be apportioned  to production cost centres 
and service cost centres  in the proportion  as determined  in step (i). 
iii) Similarly, the cost of  other service cost centres are to be apportioned. 
iv) This process as stated in (ii) and (iii) are to be continued  till the figures remaining 
undistributed in the service cost centres  are negligibly small. The negligible small 
amount left with service centre may be distributed to production cost centres. 
For example, refer to  Exhibit  1 
  
5.4.2  Trial and Error Method 
This method is to be followed when the question of  distribution of costs of  service cost 
centres which are interlocked among themselves arises. In the first stage, gross costs of 
services of service cost centres are determined and then in the second stage, costs of service 
centres are apportioned to  production cost centres. Steps to be followed : 
i) The proportion at which the costs of a service cost centre to be distributed to 
production cost centres and other service cost centres is determined. 
ii) Cost of first  service cost centre is distributed to the other service centres in the 
proportion of service they received from the first as assessed in step (i). 
iii) In the next  step,  total cost of second service cost centre so arrived has to be 
distributed to the other service centres in the proportion of service they received 
from the second as assessed in step (i). 
iv) Similarly, the cost of  other service cost centres are to be apportioned to the service 
cost centres. 
v) This process as described in (iii) and (iv) is to be continued  till the figures 
remaining undistributed in the service cost centres  are negligibly small. 
vi) At the last, total cost of service cost centres to  be distributed to production cost 
centres. 
For example, refer to  Exhibit  2 
5.4.3 Simultaneous Equation Method 
The simultaneous equation method is to be adopted to take care of secondary  distribution 
of cost of service cost centres to production cost  centres with the help of mathematical  
formulation and solution.  Steps to be followed : 
i) Proportion of  service benefits received by different cost centres from a cost centre 
are assessed on the basis of records ii) The same ratios are used as coefficients in the equations framed for apportionment 
of  cost  of service cost centres to production cost centres. 
iii) Solution  of the equations gives the cost of service cost centres. 
iv) Cost of service cost centres to be distributed to production cost centres 
For example, refer to  Exhibit  3 
5.5    Secondary Apportionment of Overheads on Non-Reciprocal  basis  
 In non-reciprocal  secondary distribution, the costs of service cost centres are 
apportioned to the production cost centres.  Steps involved are : 
i) The cost of first service cost centre is apportioned on a suitable basis to  
production cost centres. 
ii) The next step  is to apportion the cost of second  service centre to the 
production cost centres as indicated in stage (i). 
iii) The process is to be continued till  the costs of  all service cost centres are 
apportioned.   
For example, refer to  Exhibit  4 
                   
5.6 Common bases for absorption of Production overheads  from production cost centres 
to products or services : 
 Bases of denominator   Applicability 
Unit of Production When single  product is produced or various products are 
similar in specification. 
Direct labour cost When conversion process is labour intensive 
and wage rates are substantially uniform 
Direct labour hour When conversion process is labour intensive 
Machine Hour or 
Vessel Occupancy or 
Reaction Hour or 
Crushing Hour etc 
When production mainly depends on performance of the 
base  
5.7 Absorption of Production Overheads and production capacity 
       Overheads shall be analysed into variable overheads and fixed overheads. 
 The variable production overheads shall be absorbed to products or services  based on 
actual capacity utilisation. 
 The fixed production overheads and other similar item of fixed costs such as quality 
control cost  shall be absorbed in the production cost on the basis of the normal 
capacity or actual capacity utilization of the plant, whichever is higher.  
In case of  less production than normal, under-absorption of overheads shall be 
adjusted with Costing Profit & Loss Account. In case of higher production than 
normal, the over-absorption of overheads shall also be  adjusted with Costing Profit & 
Loss Account. 5.8 Absorption of Production overheads : 
Production  Overheads absorption rate for each cost centre is to be determined with the 
help of quantum base as indicated in 5.6 above and  the formula as indicated below : 
       Fixed overheads 
      Fixed  overheads absorption  rate  =     _____________________________  
                                                                              
                                                 Normal or actual  quantum of base, 
       whichever is higher  
    
         Variable  overheads 
      Variable overheads absorption  rate  =   ______________________     
                                                                           
                                                  Actual  quantum of base 
5.9   A pre-determined rate may be  used on a provisional basis for internal management 
decision making such as cost estimates for quotation, fixation of selling price etc. 
These rates  are to be calculated for each cost centre for a particular period. Budgeted 
overheads  for the respective  cost centres  for the period concerned are to be taken as  
numerator and budgeted normal base for the period as denominatotr for determining 
the rate.  
                                Budgeted Overheads for the period 
         Pre-determined overhead   Rate    =     _______________________________ 
       Budgeted normal  base  for the period  
The amount of total overheads absorbed by a product, service or activity will be  the 
sum total of the overheads absorbed from individual cost centres on pre-determined 
basis.  The difference between overheads absorbed on pre-determined basis and the 
actual overheads incurred is the under- or over-absorption of overheads. 
The under- or over- absorption of overheads is mainly due to variation between the 
estimation and actual. 
6.  Apportionment and absorption  of Administrative Overheads 
6.1 Administrative  overheads  include the following items of cost : 
Printing and stationery, other office supplies 
Employees cost – salaries of administrative staff 
Establishment expenses – Office rent & rates, insurance, depreciation of office 
building and   other assets, legal expenses, audit fees, bank charges etc. 
6.2 Administrative overheads are to be collected in different cost pools such as : 
- General Office 
- Personnel department 
- Accounts department - Legal department 
- Secretarial department etc 
6.3 Administrative overheads are to be further analysed  into two – one for production  
activities and other for sales and distribution activities. Costs collected under the cost 
pools indicated in 6.2 above are to be distributed to administrative overheads relating to 
production activities and administrative overheads  relating to selling and distribution 
activities on rational basis for each cost pool. 
6.4 Administrative overheads relating to production activities are to be apportioned to   
different production cost centres on the basis conversion costs of production cost 
centres. The apportioned overheads are absorbed to products on the basis of the normal 
capacity or actual capacity, whichever is higher. 
In case of  under-absorption or over-absorption of administrative overheads relating to 
production, the same shall also be  adjusted with Costing Profit & Loss Account. 
7.  Apportionment and absorption  of Selling overheads  and Distribution overheads 
7.1  The selling overheads and distribution overheads  are collected under  different cost 
pools  such  as : 
     Selling Overheads : 
(i) Sales Employees cost 
(ii) Rent 
(iii) Traveling expenses 
(iv) Warranty claim 
(v) Brokerage & Commission 
(vi) Advertisement relating to sales and sales promotion
(vii) Sales incentive 
(viii) Bad debt etc 
Distribution Overheads : 
(i) Secondary Packaging 
(ii) Freight  & forwarding 
(iii) Warehousing & storage 
(iv) Insurance etc. 
7.2 Some items of  selling  overheads and distribution overheads  are directly identified  and 
absorbed to products or services and remaining part of selling and distribution 
overhead along with the with share of administration overheads relating to selling and 
distribution activities are to be apportioned to various products or jobs or services on the 
basis of net actual sales value (i.e. Gross sales value less excise duty, sales tax and other 
government levies).  8. Presentation and Disclosure: 
8.1 Once the basis of collection, allocation , apportionment and absorption for different 
production cost centres are  selected, the same  shall be followed consistently  and  
uniformly 
8.2 Change in basis  for collection, allocation, apportionment and absorption can be 
adopted only when it is compelled by the change in  circumstances like change in 
technology, refinement and improvement in the basis etc and the change would provide  
more scientific approach. In case of such changes,  proper disclosure in cost records is 
essential.. 
8.3 Any change in basis  for collection, allocation, apportionment and absorption which 
has a material effect on the cost of the product should be disclosed in the cost 
statements. Where the effect of such change is not  ascertainable wholly or partly, the 
fact should be indicated in the cost statement. 
Exhibit  1 
Reciprocal Overheads Apportionment  : Repeated Method 
Production Department Service Department 
Machine Assembly Finishing Stores Repair 
Ratio of apportionment from Stores 50% 20% 15%  15%
Ratio apportionment from Repair 40% 35% 15% 10%  
Distribution from      
Primary Distribution 35500.00 31900.00 14800.00 5000.00 6000.00
Stores Dept. 2500.00 1000.00 750.00 -5000.00 750.00
Total 38000.00 32900.00 15550.00 0.00 6750.00
Repairs & Maintenance Dept 2700.00 2362.50 1012.50 675.00 -6750.00
Total 40700.00 35262.50 16562.50 675.00 0.00
Stores Dept. 337.50 135.00 101.25 -675.00 101.25
Total 41037.50 35397.50 16663.75 0.00 101.25
Repairs & Maintenance Dept 40.50 35.44 15.19 10.13 -101.25
Total 41078.00 35432.94 16678.94 10.13 0.00
Stores Dept. 5.06 2.03 1.52 -10.13 1.52
Total 41083.06 35434.96 16680.46 0.00 1.52
Repairs & Maintenance Dept 0.61 0.53 0.23 0.15 -1.52
Total 41083.67 35435.49 16680.68 0.15 0.00
Stores Dept. 0.10 0.03 0.02 -0.15 0.00
Total 41083.77 35435.52 16680.71 0.00 0.00
     Exhibit 2 
Reciprocal Overhead Apportionment  : Trial & Error Method
Production Department Service Department 
Machine Assembly Finishing Stores Repair 
Ratio of apportionment from Stores 50% 20% 15%  15%
Ratio of apportionment from Repair 40% 35% 15% 10% 
Distribution from      
Primary Distribution 35500.00 31900.00 14800.00 5000.00 6000.00
Distribution between service centres      
Stores Dept.       0.00 750.00
Total       5000.00 6750.00
Repairs & Maintenance To stores    675.00 0
Stores Dept. to Repair & Maint       0.00 101.25
Repairs & Maintenance To stores       10.13 0.00
Stores Dept. to Repair & Maint       0.00 1.52
Repairs & Maintenance To stores    0.15 0.00
Stores Dept. to Repair & Maint       0.00 0.02
Gross cost of service cost centres    5685.28 6852.79
Stores to Production cost centres 2842.63 1137.06  852.79 -5685.28
Repairs & Maint  to Production centres 2741.14 2398.46 1027.92 -6852.79
Total 41083.77 35435.52 16680.71  0    0
Exhibit   3 
Reciprocal Overhead Apportionment  :  Simultaneous Equation  Method 
       Production Departments Service Departments 
Machine Assembly Finishing Stores Repair 
Ratio of apportionment from Stores 50% 20% 15%  15%
Ratio of apportionment from Repair 40% 35% 15% 10% 
Distribution from      
Primary Distribution 35500.00 31900.00 14800.00 5000.00 6000.00
Let x, y  be Store Dept  and Repair & Maintenance Dept expenses respectively. 
x   -  0.10y    = 5000 
- 0.15x    +                y          = 6000 
Solving          x =  5685.28  ,                          y =  6852.79 
Now, distribution of expenses will be as follows : 
        Production Departments Service Departments 
Machine Assembly Finishing Stores Repair 
Ratio of apportionment from Stores 50% 20% 15%  15%Ratio of apportionment from Repair 40% 35% 15% 10% 
Amounts from Primary Distribution  35500.00 31900.00 14800.00 5685.28 6852.79
Stores to Production cost centres 2842.63 1137.06  852.79 -5685.28
Repairs & Maint  to Production centres 2741.14 2398.46 1027.92 -6852.79
Total 41083.77 35435.52 16680.71  0    0
Exhibit 4 
Non-Reciprocal Overheads Apportionment    
Primary Distribution 
   Production Departments Service 
Departments 
Expenses Basis of 
allocation / 
apportionment 
Total 
(Rs.) 
Machine 
Shop 
Assemb
ly Shop 
Finishing 
Dept 
Stores Repairs  

Maint. 
Consumable stores 
Supervision 
Rent & Rates 
Insurance 
Depreciation 
Power 
Light & Heat  
Direct Materials 
Direct Wages 
Area 
Asset  Value 
Asset Value 
H.PxHoursx LF 
Area 
15,400 
22,800 
10,000 
  2,000 
30,000 
  9,000 
  4,000 
  5,200 
  7,900 
  3,000 
     800 
12,000 
  5,400 
  1,200 
  6,000 
  5,100 
  2,000 
     900 
13,500 
  3,600 
     800 
  2,000 
  6,100 
  2,500 
     200 
  3,000 
      - 
  1,000 
     600 
  2,200 
  1,000 
       50 
     750 
        - 
     400 
  1,600 
  1,500 
  1,500 
       50 
     750 
       - 
     600 
Total  93,200 35,500 31,900 14,800    5,000   6,000
Secondary Distribution 
   Production Departments Service Departments 
Expenses Basis of 
allocation / 
apportionment 
Total 
(Rs.) 
Machine 
Shop 
Assembly 
Shop 
Finishing 
Dept 
Stores  Repairs & 
Maint. 
Primary dist. 
( earlier Table) 
Stores 
Repairs & Maint 
Direct Material 
( 9 : 6 :5) 
Direct  
( 2: 3: 1) 
93,200   35,500  
 2,250 
  2,000 
31,900 
 1,500 
  3,000 
14,800 
 1,250 
  1,000 
 5,000 
- 5,000 
  6,000 
- 6,000 
  93,200 39, 750 36.400 17,050       0      0 

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