Directive 2014/62/EU of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

Article 3 Offences

1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the following conduct is punishable as a criminal offence, when committed intentionally:

(a) any fraudulent making or altering of currency, whatever means are employed;

(b) the fraudulent uttering of counterfeit currency;

(c) the import, export, transport, receiving or obtaining of counterfeit currency with a view to uttering the same and with knowledge that it is counterfeit;

(d) the fraudulent making, receiving, obtaining or possession of

(i)

instruments, articles, computer programs and data, and any other means peculiarly adapted for the counterfeiting or altering of currency; or

(ii)

security features, such as holograms, watermarks or other components of currency which serve to protect against counterfeiting.

2. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the conduct referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph 1 is punishable also with respect to notes or coins being manufactured or having been manufactured by use of legal facilities or materials in violation of the rights or the conditions under which competent authorities may issue notes or coins.

3. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the conduct referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 is punishable also in relation to notes and coins which are not yet issued, but are designated for circulation as legal tender.