# 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 IIb: CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF EURO BANKNOTES BY STAFF-OPERATED MACHINES

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

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:
euro banknotes not supported by the machine
non-euro banknotes
euro banknote-like objects
wrong image or format
large folded corner(s) or missing part(s)
feeding or transportation error of the machine
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.

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