Annex IIb CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF EURO BANKNOTES BY STAFF-OPERATED MACHINESF1
United Kingdom
Euro banknotes are classified into one of the categories set out in Table 1. Categories 4a and 4b euro banknotes are to be physically separated from categories 1, 2 and 3 euro banknotes. Machines which do not check euro banknotes for fitness do not need to distinguish between categories 4a and 4b euro banknotes.
Table 1
Classification and treatment of euro banknotes by staff-operated machines
| Category | Properties | Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Objects not recognised as euro banknotes | Not recognised as euro banknotes because of any of the following:
| Return by the machine to the operator for further evaluation and treatment. After visual evaluation by a staff member these can be returned by the cash handler to the customer. |
| 2. | Suspect counterfeit euro banknotes | Image and format recognised, but one or more authentication feature checked by the machine not detected or clearly out of tolerance | Return by the machine to the operator for further treatment. These are processed separately and handed over for final authentication to the competent national authorities immediately, at the latest 20 working days after processing by the machine. |
| 3. | Euro banknotes that are not clearly authenticated | Image and format recognised, but not all authentication features checked by the machine are recognised because of quality and/or tolerance deviations. In most cases unfit euro banknotes | |
| 4a. | Euro banknotes that are identified as genuine and fit | All authenticity and fitness checks carried out by the machine giving positive results | Can be used for recirculation. Credited to the account holder. |
| 4b. | Euro banknotes that are identified as genuine and unfit | All authenticity checks carried out by the machine giving positive results. At least one fitness criterion checked giving a negative result | Cannot be used for recirculation and are returned to the NCB. Credited to the account holder. |
Specific rule regarding Table 1:
If euro banknotes in categories 2 and 3 can be physically separated by the machine itself or by another banknote handling machine, or, if the NCB agrees, by trained staff members, then category 3 euro banknotes can be provided together with category 4b euro banknotes to the NCB. In such case the time limit for handing category 2 euro banknotes to the competent national authority and mixed category 3 and 4b euro banknotes to the NCB still apply as specified in the table.