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 IIIb 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

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