Fight against counterfeiting

Permanent quality control of banknotes in circulation enables the National Bank of Belgium and the other central banks in the euro area to rapidly intercept any counterfeit notes that might be put into circulation. Forged banknotes have always existed. There is nevertheless no reason at all to dramatise the phenomenon.

Awareness of the security features of euro banknotes is the best means of protection against counterfeiting. Forgeries can be recognised thanks to the feel-look-tilt test. 

We advise traders wishing to acquire a counterfeit detection device to consult the list of machines that have been successfully tested. (ECB)

Manufacturers of detection devices can have their equipment tested by a euro area national central bank, including the National Bank of Belgium.

Further information about the test procedure can be found on the ECB website.