Information on the Regulation for Currency Reproduction (Imitation)

10-06-2025

10 June 2025, Baku: The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan regularly implements preventive measures to effectively combat currency counterfeiting. Recently, there have been cases of the illegal sale of printed reproductions of national and foreign currencies in retail establishments throughout the country, as evidenced by observations in this area.

According to Article 41-1 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan", the reproduction of currencies (production of imitations) is permitted only in accordance with the Regulation on the Reproduction of Currencies, approved by the Central Bank's Management Board Resolution No. 51/2 on October 25, 2023. According to the Regulation, the dimensions of the reproduced banknotes must be up to 50 percent or more than 200 percent of the surface area of banknotes issued by the Central Bank. The color must be at least 30 percent darker or lighter than the main color tone of the banknotes. The word "REPRODUCTION" must be written in a clearly legible font in large, indelible letters that are distinguishable from the main color tone of the reproduction.

It has been determined that the imitation currencies currently being sold in retail establishments and open markets do not comply with the aforementioned regulation's requirements. This poses a risk of citizens accepting these reproductions as real money. According to current legislation, currencies produced in violation of reproduction rules are considered counterfeit. The sale, acquisition, or production of such currencies is a criminal offense under Article 204 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and grounds for criminal liability.

Taking the above into account, citizens are advised to be careful and cautious so as not to be deceived by counterfeit currencies. They should immediately contact law enforcement agencies, the Central Bank, or its territorial offices if they encounter such cases. These measures are important for personal safety and economic security.