OREANDA-NEWS. On 23 September Eesti Pank and the other central banks of the euro area will release a new ten-euro banknote into circulation with a new design and security features. Companies need to be sure that they are technically ready so that the new notes can enter circulation smoothly.

Companies should contact the suppliers of cash processing equipment and authentication devices to make sure that they are up to date. It is not allowed for anyone to refuse to accept the new note because they do not have an authentication device or because their device is not working, as the authenticity of the new ten-euro notes can be checked with the four simple security features: the watermark and the hologrammic stripe with a portrait of Europa, the emerald green number, and the short raised lines on the edge of the note.

Eesti Pank is organising free training for cash handlers in Tallinn, Tartu, Parnu and Narva in September to demonstrate the security features of the new notes. All companies that use cash during their day-to-day operations are welcome to attend the seminars. The programme and registration details for the seminars can be found in Estonian on the Eesti Pank website http://www.eestipank.ee/sularaha/uusi-europangatahti-tutvustav-loengusari.

Five and ten-euro banknotes of the first series will continue to be valid for payment, and there is no limit on when they can be exchanged at the central bank. They will gradually be withdrawn from circulation and eventually they will cease to be legal tender. An announcement about this will be made well in advance.

The interactive materials on the website http://www.new-euro-banknotes.eu/ can be used to get a thorough understanding of the security features.