# Decision of the European Central Bank of 16 September 2010 on the authenticity and fitness checking and recirculation of euro banknotes (ECB/2010/14) (2010/597/EU), Annex III: MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MANUAL FITNESS CHECKING OF EURO BANKNOTES

Extent: E+W+S+N.I.

This Annex lays down minimum standards for manual fitness checking of euro banknotes by trained staff members.
In the course of the fitness checks, euro banknotes with any defect as set out in the table below, or with a clearly noticeable defect in one of the visible security features, are unfit. However, folded euro banknotes and euro banknotes with folded corners may be rectified by manual unfolding where possible. The fitness checks are carried out by a visual inspection of the individual euro banknotes and do not require the use of any tools.
List of sorting criteria for manual fitness checking
Feature
Description
1.
Soil
Visually noticeable distribution of dirt across the euro banknote
2.
Stain
Visually noticeable localised concentration of dirt
3.
Graffiti
Visually noticeable added image or lettering written or marked in any manner on a euro banknote
4.
De-inked note
Visually noticeable lack of ink on part or whole of the euro banknote, e.g. a washed euro banknote
5.
Tear
Euro banknote with at least one tear at the edge
6.
Hole
Euro banknote with at least one visually noticeable hole
7.
Mutilation
Euro banknote with a part/parts missing along at least one edge (in contrast to holes), e.g. a missing corner
8.
Repair
Parts of one or more euro banknotes joined together by tape, glue or other means
9.
Crumples
Euro banknote with multiple random folds across it that strongly affect its visual appearance
10.
Limpness
Euro banknote with structural deterioration resulting in a marked lack of stiffness
11.
Folded euro banknote
Euro banknote that is folded, including a euro banknote that cannot be unfolded
12.
Folded corner
Euro banknote with at least one clearly noticible folded corner

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/2010/14/annex/III (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/eu-decision-2010-14/annex-III
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.