Thanks for the input, Jordi.
JordiJanTaxi wrote: ↑Sun Jul 21, 2019 7:11 pmOn page 11, table 1, there's a dedcription of such "defects", and specifically, numbers 1, 2 & 3 describe dirtyness, spots and inscriptions/writings/scribblings, or, as it reads in the english version, "graffitti".
In respect to this point alone, I must notice that the part of text you quoted regards specifically the minimum standards for
automated fitness checking of Euro banknotes.
On the same Decision of the ECB, the next Annex deals with the minimum standards for
manual checking.
In the following paragraphs, I'm quoting the
latest consolidated version of this document, from 21/09/2012 (all languages
here). I'm adding some
orange-red emphasis on the most relevant parts:
Article 2
Definitions
For the purposes of this Decision:
[…]
11. ‘Unfit euro banknotes’ means euro banknotes which are evaluated as unsuitable for recirculation following the fitness checking referred to in Article 6.
Article 6
Detection of unfit euro banknotes
1. Manual fitness checking shall be carried out in accordance with the minimum standards laid down in Annex III.
2. Automated fitness checking shall be carried out by a successfully tested banknote handling machine according to the minimum standards which are published on the ECB’s website and amended from time to time.
3. An NCB may, after informing the ECB, lay down stricter standards for one or more denominations or series of euro banknotes if this is justified, for example by a deterioration in the quality of the euro banknotes in circulation in its Member State. These stricter standards shall be published on that NCB’s website.
4. Unfit euro banknotes shall be handed over to an NCB in consideration of national regulations.
ANNEX III
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MANUAL FITNESS CHECKING OF EURO BANKNOTES
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
[…]
3. Graffiti Visually noticeable added image or lettering written or marked in any manner on a euro banknote
[…]
The above Decision (as per
Article 1. Scope) "lays down common rules and procedures on the authenticity and fitness checking and recirculation of euro banknotes under Article 6(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001."
So here follows the relevant text on the
latest consolidated version of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001:
Article 6
Obligations relating to credit institutions engaged in the processing and distribution to the public of notes and coins
1. Credit institutions, and, within the limits of their payment activity, other payment service providers, and any other institutions engaged in the processing and distribution to the public of notes and coins, including:
— establishments whose activity consists in exchanging notes and coins of different currencies, such as bureaux de change,
— transporters of funds,
— other economic agents such as traders and casinos engaged on a secondary basis in the processing and distribution to the public of notes via automated teller machines (cash dispensers), within the limit of these secondary activities,
shall be obliged to ensure that euro notes and coins which they have received and which they intend to put back into circulation are checked for authenticity and that counterfeits are detected.
For euro notes, this check shall be carried out in line with procedures defined by the ECB.
[…]
In sum, what I said before is in fact official policy: if a bank (or any other institution dealing with banknotes) is handled a stamped note, it should be sent to the NCB as unfit for circulation.
The European legislation leaves some margin for national weaks. I have no idea if any country or national central bank provided different regulations in respect to stamped notes, or graffiti in general. If not, and ifsome staff members opt not to hand over stamped to an NCB, they are clearly disrespecting the official directives.
one note had 2x stamps it passed the control
