On 23 September this year, the central banks of the euro area, including Eesti Pank, will release a new €10 banknote into circulation with a new design and security features. So that the new note can enter smoothly into circulation, it is important for companies to update their cash handling equipment in good time.

Having cash handling and authentication devices ready technically will make sure that payments with the new banknote can be made correctly when it enters into circulation. All traders have to accept legal tender in circulation, and not being ready technically or not having authentication devices is not a reason to refuse to accept the new €10 banknote.

Anyone who doesn't have an authentication device, or whose device is not working, can check the authenticity of the new notes from the four simple security features: the watermark and hologram with a portrait of Europa, the emerald green number and the short raised lines on the edge of the note. The security features can be checked by viewing the banknote against the light, tilting it back and forth, and feeling its surface.

Traders can get help in preparing their cash handling equipment from equipment suppliers. Suppliers needing to test the equipment with the new €10 banknote should contact Eesti Pank.

The European Central Bank has published a list of devices that can authenticate the new €5 banknote on its website and will add a list of those that can authenticate the €10 note (http://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/cashprof/cashhand/devices/html/results.en.html).

Eesti Pank will organise thorough training courses on the new banknote for cash handlers in Tallinn, Tartu and elsewhere in Estonia before it comes into circulation. More detailed information on the courses will be published on the website and sent out by email. Those interested in these courses should contact Eesti Pank.

In addition to this, the European Central Bank will send all cash handlers in Estonia a booklet on the new €10 banknote in June. This and other publications in Estonian language are also available in pdf format and can be printed from the Eesti Pank website (http://www.eestipank.ee/sularaha/trukised).

Pictures and videos of the new €10 note can be found at http://www.new-euro-banknotes.eu/News-Events/Media/Media-Gallery.

For further information:
Ingrid Mitt
Public Relations Office
Tel: +372 668 0965, +372 512 6843
Email:[email protected]