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Registers of members' interests: how parliaments compare

Last checked 6 November 2026 · 9 sources

Short answer

Most parliaments make members declare outside interests on a public register, but the rules differ. UK MPs must register a change within 28 days 2. US House members file disclosures with the Clerk under the Ethics in Government Act 3. Canadian MPs have 60 days to report material changes 6. Australian members file within 28 days of their oath 7. MEPs declare private interests and assets 8. Cite the register edition and its date.
UK House of Commons
Changes within 28 days 2
US House
Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Title I 3
Canada House of Commons
Material changes within 60 days 6
Australia House
Statement within 28 days of oath or affirmation 7
European Parliament
Paid outside activities declared when total outside pay exceeds EUR 5,000 gross a year 8
South Africa
2026 public register published 7 August 2026 9

What these registers are for

A register of interests is an official record of what a member of a legislature declares about income, gifts, holdings and other links. The UK register covers any financial interest an MP has or any benefit they receive that others might reasonably consider to influence what they say or do as an MP 2. The Australian register aims to put on the public record interests that may conflict, or be seen to conflict, with a member's public duty 7.

A register shows what was declared. It is not a finding that an interest was improper. Nor is it a full financial statement.

Deadlines and update rules

LegislatureRulePublication
UK House of CommonsRegister any change within 28 days 2Kept by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards 1
US House of RepresentativesPeriodic transaction reports for securities deals over $1,000 within 30 days of notice or 45 days of the deal, whichever is earlier 3Reports filed with the Clerk of the House 3, published on the Clerk's disclosure site 4
Canada House of CommonsFull statement within 60 days of the election notice in the Canada Gazette. Material changes within 60 days 6Disclosure summary published on the Commissioner's website 6
Australia House of RepresentativesStatement within 28 days of the oath or affirmation 7Statements go to the Registrar of Members' Interests 7
European ParliamentDeclaration of private interests by the end of the first part-session after elections, or within 30 days of taking office mid-term 8Declaration of assets at the start and end of each term 8
Parliament of South AfricaCode of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests 92026 public register published 7 August 2026 9

Thresholds and gifts

Thresholds decide what reaches the record. In Canada, a member must file a statement within 60 days of receiving gifts or benefits worth $200 or more, or when gifts from one source reach that amount over 12 months 6. In the European Parliament, paid outside activities must be declared where the total pay from all of them exceeds EUR 5,000 gross in a calendar year, with the amount of each 8. Gifts worth more than EUR 150 received when representing Parliament officially should be handed to the President 8.

Registers beyond members

Some parliaments keep linked registers. The UK House of Commons publishes a Register of All-Party Parliamentary Groups, a Register of Interests of Members' Staff and a Register of Journalists' Interests 1.

In Canada, ministers and parliamentary secretaries are covered by the Conflict of Interest Act as well as the Code. Reporting public office holders appointed by the Governor in Council or a minister follow the Act's reporting and public disclosure rules 5. The Commissioner runs a searchable Public Registry 5.

Using a register in a sourced profile

  • Name the register and the edition or update date 1.
  • Quote the entry as published and do not add to it.
  • Check the deadline rule before saying a declaration was late 2,6 7.
  • Note compliance reports where the parliament publishes them. South Africa's committee said compliance was 100% by the due date in 2026 for the second year in a row 9.
  • Link the official page, such as the US House Clerk's disclosure site 4.

Common questions

How long do UK MPs have to register a new interest?

MPs must register any change to their registrable interests within 28 days 2.

Where are US House financial disclosures filed?

With the Clerk of the House, not the Ethics Committee 3. The Clerk publishes them on its disclosure site 4.

What gifts must Canadian MPs disclose?

Gifts or benefits worth $200 or more, or totalling that from one source over 12 months, within 60 days 6.

Do MEPs declare their assets?

Yes. MEPs declare assets and liabilities at the beginning and end of every term of office 8.

Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@entitydossier.com.

Sources

  1. UK Parliament: Registers of Interests
  2. UK Parliament: Register of Members' Financial Interests
  3. House Committee on Ethics: Financial Disclosure
  4. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives: Financial Disclosure
  5. Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner: Home
  6. House of Commons of Canada: Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons
  7. Parliament of Australia: Register of Members' Interests, 48th Parliament
  8. European Parliament Legislative Observatory: EP Rules of Procedure, strengthening integrity, independence and accountability (13 September 2023)
  9. Parliament of South Africa: Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests Publishes 2026 Public Register of Members' Interests (7 August 2026)

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