Counterfeit detection of forint banknotes by UV light
The detection of whether or not a forint note is counterfeit is a very important daily cash office activity.
In addition to the traditional manual check by the feel of the paper, the transparency of the banknote or by movement, various devices and counterfeit detection equipment are also available for the examination of banknotes.
Genuine forint banknotes contain security features which are invisible to the naked eye as they are outside the visible range of light. Some of these are bifluorescent items visible in two UV (ultraviolet) regions of light, UV-A and UV-C.[1] Each of these security features responds differently to the two types of UV light (they reflect different colours).
In the detection of banknotes by a UV device, it must be checked whether the banknote responds to the different types of UV light in the expected manner. The reactions can be verified by exposing the banknote alternately to the two kinds of UV light (UV-A and UV-C).
| A 20,000-forint banknote |
| lit by UV-A |
and UV-C light |
 |
|
For further information on the criteria of the UV counterfeit detection of forint banknotes and additional information on forint notes, visit the MNB’s website.
A wide range of commercially available UV lamps contain both the UV-A and UV-C fluorescent tubes required for banknote detection.[2]
Beside these UV lamps, counterfeit detection equipment for banknotes can also be used, significantly speeding up the verification of genuineness of large volumes of forint banknotes.
The use of counterfeit detection equipment for banknotes is subject to authorisation by the MNB.
The list of these authorised models is published on the MNB website in the ‘list of banknotes counterfeit detection equipment model successfully authenticated by the MNB, compliant with the expected requirements’.
[1] According to the ISO-21348 standard the wavelength ranges are: UV-A = 315-400 (typically 365) nm, UV-C = 100-280 (typically 254) nm.
[2] Disclaimer:
The devices enabling the counterfeit detection of banknotes assist users in checking the genuineness of banknotes and therefore the detection of counterfeits.
As the body responsible for banknote and coin issuance and the trouble-free circulation of money, the MNB intends to support users and manufacturers respectively in the proper use and the development of such equipment by the publication of its system of criteria concerning the use of UV banknote detection devices.
The verification criteria published by the MNB refer to the UV counterfeit detection of forint banknotes only. Counterfeit detection by UV light is independent of the model of the device.
On drawing up the criteria of the UV detection of banknotes, the MNB did not test the devices for compliance with any other criteria, including but not limited to health and safety, technical and other specifications and requirements (e.g. ease of use, durability or the availability of components). The MNB does not assume any liability for the compliance of the device or the emitted UV light with legal requirements or end-user expectations.
The system of criteria has been drawn up by the MNB on the basis of the security features of forint banknotes, taking into consideration the types of counterfeit know to the MNB at the time of the testing of the device. The MNB does not assume responsibility for the potential existence, at the time of drawing up the system of criteria, of counterfeits unknown to it or for the emergence, in the future, of new types of counterfeits that may give the appearance of genuine banknotes by bearing items resembling the security items of genuine banknotes.
The MNB does not assume any guarantee that the counterfeit detection carried out on the basis of its system of criteria will establish the genuineness of forint banknotes with absolute certainty, regardless of whether or not the user of the device complies with the user requirements.
The outcome of the counterfeit test based on the MNB’s criteria shall not affect the liability, based on contract or the law, of the users and the manufacturer of the device vis-à-vis their customers.