Circular No. 37/2014/TT-NHNN on the design of money templates, engraving, and management of printing and minting of Vietnamese currency

CIRCULAR

Article 24Prescribes the design of banknote models, printing plates and dies, and management of printing and minting of Vietnamese currency

____________________

 

Pursuant to the Law on the State Bank of Vietnam No. 46/2010/QH12;

Pursuant to Decree No. 156/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 11, 2013 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the State Bank of Vietnam;

Pursuant to Decree No. 40/2012/NĐ-CP dated May 2, 2012 of the Government on cash issuance operations; storage and transportation of valuable assets and securities within the State Bank of Vietnam system, credit institutions, and foreign bank branches;

At the proposal of the Director of the Issuance and Treasury Department;

The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam issues this Circular prescribing the design of banknote models, printing plates and dies, and management of printing and minting of Vietnamese currency by the State Bank of Vietnam (referred to as the State Bank).

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular prescribes the design of banknote models; the manufacture of printing plates and dies for minting money and the management of printing and minting of Vietnamese currency by the State Bank of Vietnam.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Relevant units under the State Bank.

3. Other organizations and individuals related to the work of designing banknote models, manufacturing printing plates and dies, and printing and minting money.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Banknote design model is a draft of the banknote design, including: research model, backup model, and new banknote model to be issued into circulation.

2. Official design model is the approved new banknote design model by the Prime Minister.

3. Standard printing and minting model is the single shape trial printing or multi-shape trial printing model that has been approved by the competent authority as prescribed in Article 12 of this Circular.

4. Original printing plate, original die is the printing plate and die of the single shape standard printing and minting model that has been approved and accepted by the Governor of the State Bank (referred to as the Governor).

5. Technical standards of banknotes are technical characteristics of banknotes regarding printing and minting materials; ink; printing plate and die manufacturing technology; printing and minting technology; security technical factors and other relevant standards.

Chapter II

DESIGN OF BANKNOTE MODELS

Article 4. Development of the Banknote Design Proposal

1. Based on the approved banknote design policy, the Cash Issuance and Treasury Department studies and develops the Banknote Design Proposal to submit to the competent authority as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article. The Banknote Design Proposal must specify the following contents: denomination structure, size, color, material, weight, theme, security techniques; production technology; other technical requirements; budget and implementation organization of the Proposal.

2. The Governor approves the Research Banknote Design Proposal and Backup Banknote Design Proposal. For the New Banknote Design Proposal, the Governor submits it to the Prime Minister for approval.

Article 5. Banknote Model Design

1. The Cash Issuance and Treasury Department is responsible for developing and implementing the Banknote Model Design Plan in accordance with the approved Banknote Design Proposal. The Banknote Model Design Plan must specify the tasks for each banknote model and the time frame for implementation.

2. Requirements for banknote design models

a) High aesthetic value, reflecting national cultural identity; ensuring durability, high anti-counterfeiting capability, and conformity with global banknote design trends.

b) Easy to recognize denominations and authenticity of banknotes; convenient for use, storage, and counting, checking real and counterfeit banknotes, and sorting banknotes by machine.

c) Compatible with banknote printing and minting materials; printing plate and die manufacturing technology; equipment at printing and minting facilities.

Article 6. Approval of Banknote Design Models

1. After completing the banknote design according to the approved Proposal, the Cash Issuance and Treasury Department prepares the Documentation to submit to the competent authority as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article. The Documentation for approving the banknote design model includes:

a) A request for approval of the banknote design model.

b) Complete design model.

c) Technical layout.

d) Technical and technological requirements, including:

- Types of paper, ink, metal blanks.

- Security technical factors.

- Technology for manufacturing printing plates and dies and banknote printing and minting technology.

đ) Preliminary cost estimate of the product (for backup models and new banknote models).

e) Approved Banknote Design Proposal.

g) Other related documents.

2. The Governor approves the Research Banknote Design Model and Backup Banknote Design Model. For the New Banknote Design Model, the Governor submits it to the Prime Minister for approval.

3. Any adjustments or modifications to the banknote design model must be approved by the competent authority as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article.

Chapter III

MANUFACTURE OF PRINTING PLATES AND DIES FOR MINTING MONEY

Article 7. Manufacturing original printing plates and casting molds

2. The selection of domestic printing and minting facilities to manufacture original printing plates and casting molds is decided by the Governor based on the proposal of the Issuance and Treasury Department. In cases where original printing plates and casting molds are manufactured abroad, the Issuance and Treasury Department shall report to the Governor for submission to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision. The selection of foreign facilities to manufacture original printing plates and casting molds shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on bidding and protecting state secrets in the banking sector.

4. In cases where adjustments or modifications to certain details on the printing plates and casting molds are required to align with printing and minting equipment, technology, or materials, leading to the need to adjust or modify the officially designed sample, the printing and minting facility must submit a written request to the Issuance and Treasury Department for review and submission to the Governor in accordance with Clause 3 of Article 6 of this Circular.

Article 8. Trial Printing and Minting

1. During the process of manufacturing original printing plates and casting molds, the printing and minting facility must conduct trial printing and minting to determine the highest quality printing and minting samples and perfect the printing plates and casting molds.

2. Methods of trial printing and minting

a) For metallic coins: trial casting and stamping of single images on metallic coin blanks.

3. After completing the trial printing and minting, the printing and minting facility must prepare and submit the Dossier for Approval of Trial Printing and Minting Samples in accordance with Article 10 of this Circular to the Issuance and Treasury Department.

Article 9. Safety Locks

1. The Director of the Issuance and Treasury Department decides on the type of safety lock and the installation of safety locks for each sample of currency. The person installing the safety lock shall be designated in writing by the Director of the Issuance and Treasury Department and shall be responsible for preparing and transferring all relevant files to the Director of the Issuance and Treasury Department immediately upon completion of the work.

2. The Director of the Issuance and Treasury Department directly manages the safety locks and is responsible for reporting to the Governor in writing immediately after the installation of the safety locks is completed.

3. Staff members involved in the installation of safety locks are responsible for protecting state secrets regarding safety locks in accordance with the laws on protecting state secrets.

Article 10. Documentation for Reviewing Sample Printing and Casting Trials

1. Documentation for reviewing single-pattern printing and casting trial samples

a) A request for the Governor's approval of the single-pattern printing and casting trial samples and acceptance of the original print and casting molds.

b) Single-pattern printing and casting trial samples.

c) Technical documentation on the prints and casting molds.

d) Test results and evaluations of the technical quality of the single-pattern printing and casting trial samples.

2. Documentation for reviewing multi-pattern printing trial samples

a) A request for the Issuance and Treasury Department's approval of the multi-pattern printing trial samples.

b) Standard single-pattern printing samples.

c) Multi-pattern printing trial samples.

d) Test results and evaluations of the technical quality of the multi-pattern printing trial samples based on standard single-pattern printing samples.

Article 11. Evaluation of Printing and Casting Trial Samples

During the evaluation process, if the printing and casting trial samples do not meet the technical and technological requirements specified in the documentation for reviewing the design samples as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 6 of this Circular, the Issuance and Treasury Department is responsible for requesting the printing and minting facility to make corrections and improvements to the prints and casting molds based on the official design samples and the technical and quality requirements of the currency.

2. In cases where it is necessary to hire individuals or organizations within or outside the country to evaluate the printing and casting trial samples, prints, and casting molds, the Issuance and Treasury Department shall submit to the Governor for consideration and decision.

Article 12. Approval of Printing and Casting Trial Samples

2. The Director of the Issuance and Treasury Department approves standard multi-pattern printing samples based on standard single-pattern printing samples, technical standards of the currency, and the evaluation results of the multi-pattern printing trial samples.

1. In cases where it is necessary to research, test, and apply new developments in security technology to enhance the anti-counterfeiting capabilities, durability, and cleanliness of Vietnamese currency, the Issuance and Treasury Department shall submit to the Governor for consideration and decision on the creation and trial printing and casting of research samples and backup samples.

2. The creation and trial printing and casting of research samples and backup samples shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations for creating and trial printing and casting of new currency samples as stipulated in this Circular.

Chapter IV

PRINTING AND CASTING OF CURRENCY

Article 14. Establishing technical standards for currency

1. Based on the submitted design sample files, printing and minting standard single-form samples, and related documents, the Issuance and Treasury Department shall take the lead and coordinate with the printing and minting facilities to establish technical standards for each type of currency to be submitted to the Governor for approval.

2. In cases where it is necessary to hire foreign consultants to establish technical standards for currency, the Issuance and Treasury Department shall submit to the Governor for consideration and decision. The selection of foreign consultants shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on bidding and protecting state secrets in the banking sector.

3. Technical standards for currency serve as a legal basis for managing the quality of printed and minted currency.

Article 15. Printing and Minting Currency

1. The printing and minting of currency at printing and minting facilities shall be conducted based on:

a) A printing and minting contract signed between the State Bank and the printing and minting facility based on the printing and minting plan approved by the Governor.

b) Standard multi-form printing samples (for paper money) and standard single-form minting samples (for metal coins) approved by the competent authority.

c) Technical standards for each type of currency approved by the Governor.

2. The production of printing plates and minting dies by printing and minting facilities to fulfill contracts with the State Bank must ensure accuracy like the original printing plates and minting dies and be consistent with the quantity of currency required to be printed and minted as stipulated in the printing and minting contract with the State Bank.

3. In cases of printing and minting currency abroad, the Issuance and Treasury Department shall report to the Governor for submission to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision. The selection of foreign printing and minting facilities shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on bidding, ensuring the quality of currency and security during the printing and minting process.

4. Contracts for plate-making, printing, and minting must clearly specify the responsibilities of the printing and minting facilities in managing and using printing plates, dies, and confidential documents about printing and minting, ensuring compliance with regulations on protecting state secrets in the banking sector and relevant laws.

Article 16. Managing the Quality of Currency

1. During the production process, printing and minting facilities must comply with the printing and minting technology procedures and management regulations during the printing and minting process to ensure that the products delivered to the State Bank meet the technical standards for currency. The results of the quality inspection by the printing and minting facilities must be documented and confirmed by authorized personnel from the facilities.

3. Before the printing and minting facilities deliver products to the State Bank, the Issuance and Treasury Department shall be responsible for inspecting the quality of newly printed and minted currency through sampling methods, and the results must be documented. The inspection standards for the quality of newly printed and minted currency shall be decided by the Governor.

If necessary, to ensure compliance with technical standards for currency, the Issuance and Treasury Department may organize appraisals of the quality of newly printed and minted currency.

5. The packaging and sealing of newly printed and minted currency shall be carried out in accordance with the State Bank's regulations on the receipt, storage, and transportation of cash in the banking sector.

6. The management of serial numbers during the printing process and the new serial numbers during the receipt and delivery process shall be carried out in accordance with the State Bank's regulations on managing newly printed serial numbers.

Article 17. Costs for designing money templates, engraving, printing, and minting

All costs related to designing money templates, engraving, printing, and minting shall be implemented according to the financial regulations of the State Bank.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION

1. Organize the implementation of tasks related to the functions and responsibilities of the Issuance and Treasury Department as stipulated in this Circular.

2. Develop and submit to the Governor projects for printing and minting new types of money that have not yet been issued, annual plans for printing and minting money.

3. Report regularly every quarter to the Governor on the implementation of the plan for printing and minting money; proactively propose adjustments to the annual plan for printing and minting money of the State Bank when necessary.

4. Issue regulations on managing and using computer systems (or internal networks), specialized software for designing money templates at the Issuance and Treasury Department to ensure strict management over users, access, modification, copying, and exporting information to protect information confidentiality and data security regarding money template design.

5. Guide printing and minting facilities in managing each type of printed and minted money.

6. Protect state secrets concerning files, documents, and objects carrying information related to the design and production of printing plates and molds, and printing and minting money.

7. Participate in evaluating the cost of products for each type of money.

The Internal Audit Department organizes supervision and internal auditing of the National Note Printing Works' printing and minting activities according to the State Bank's regulations and relevant laws.

1. Develop and submit to the Governor (through the Issuance and Treasury Department) for issuance technological procedures for engraving, printing, and minting money; regulations on quality management of engraving and coin quality throughout the entire process of printing and minting money.

2. Develop and issue internal regulations on managing specialized materials for printing and minting money, printing plates, molds, destruction of defective printing plates and molds or those without usage needs; management of information and data on money design templates, production of printing plates and molds, computer systems (or internal networks), specialized software in money design, production of printing plates and molds; protection of state secrets in printing and minting activities and ensuring security and safety during the production process.

"3. Submit to the Issuance and Treasury Management Department the following documents:"

- Documents specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article.

- Reports on material consumption standards and actual material consumption rates for paper, ink (offset, Intaglio, number printing, overlay printing) for each type of money and product defect rates.

- Reports on the results of technical standard and quality evaluation experiments for trial-printed and trial-minted products and officially printed and minted products.

4. Protect state secrets concerning files, documents, and objects carrying information related to money design templates, production of printing plates and molds, and printing and minting money.

Article 21. Implementation clause

This Circular takes effect from January 12, 2015, and replaces Circular No. 23/2009/TT-NHNN dated December 2, 2009, which stipulates the design of money templates, engraving, and management of printing and minting Vietnamese money.

Article 22. Responsibility for Implementation

The Director of the Office, the Director of the Issuance and Treasury Department, the Head of the Internal Audit Department, the Heads of relevant units within the State Bank system; the Chairman of the Board of Members; the General Manager (Director) of printing and minting facilities are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular./.