Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981

Part I Forgery and Kindred Offences

1 The offence of forgery.

2 The offence of copying a false instrument.

3 The offence of using a false instrument.

4 The offence of using a copy of a false instrument.

5 Offences relating to money orders, share certificates, passports, etc.

6 Penalties for offences under Part I.

7 Powers of search, forfeiture, etc.

Interpretation of Part I

8 Meaning of “instrument”.

9 Meaning of “false” and “making”.

10 Meaning of “prejudice” and “induce”.

ll Amendments of Mental Health Acts.

12 Amendments of Road Traffic Act and Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981.

13 Abolition of offence of forgery at common law.

Part II Counterfeiting and Kindred Offences

14 Offences of counterfeiting notes and coins.

15 Offences of passing etc. counterfeit notes and coins.

16 Offences involving the custody or control of counterfeit notes and coins.

17 Offences involving the making or custody or control of counterfeiting materials and implements.

18 The offence of reproducing British currency notes.

19 Offences of making etc. imitation British coins.

Prohibition of importation and exportation of counterfeits

20 Prohibition of importation of counterfeit notes and coins.

21 Prohibition of exportation of counterfeit notes and coins.

22 Penalties for offences under Part II.

23 Penalties for offences under Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 relating to counterfeits.

24 Powers of search, forfeiture, etc.

25 Directors’ etc. liability.

26 Amendment of Schedule 1 to the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980.

Interpretation of Part II

27 Meaning of “currency note” and “protected coin”.

28 Meaning of “counterfeit”.

Part III Miscellaneous and General

29 Amendment of Post Office Act 1953.

32 Northern Ireland.

Commencement and short title

33 Commencement.

SCHEDULE Repeals

Part I General Repeals Consequential on Part I

Part II General Repeals Consequential on Part II

Part III Northern Ireland Legislation—Repeals Consequential on Parts I and II

Royal arms

Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981

1981 CHAPTER 45

An Act to make fresh provision for England and Wales and Northern Ireland with respect to forgery and kindred offences; to make fresh provision for Great Britain and Northern Ireland with respect to the counterfeiting of notes and coins and kindred offences; to amend the penalties for offences under section 63 of the Post Office Act 1953; and for connected purposes.

[27th July 1981]