The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands (CBSI) issued an enforcement warning that using, weaving, or incorporating Solomon Islands banknotes into traditional ornaments, decorations, or crafts is illegal and must cease immediately, with failure to comply potentially leading to enforcement action. The notice cites Section 21(5) and Section 63(1) of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands Act 2012, which make wilfully altering the external appearance of currency an offence and allow the Bank to impose administrative penalties for contraventions. It also points to Section 364 of the Solomon Islands Penal Code, under which mutilating or defacing a currency note without lawful authority or excuse is a misdemeanour punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 penalty units. CBSI states that practices such as weaving, stitching, folding into ornaments, or attaching banknotes to traditional items amount to tampering with legal tender, shorten banknote lifespan, and increase replacement costs, and it calls on community leaders and cultural groups to use alternative materials that do not involve legal tender.
Central Bank of the Solomon Islands 2026-03-20
Central Bank of the Solomon Islands orders an immediate end to weaving banknotes into cultural ornaments and warns of penalties
The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands (CBSI) warned against using banknotes in crafts, citing legal prohibitions under the Central Bank of Solomon Islands Act 2012 and the Solomon Islands Penal Code. CBSI emphasized that such practices tamper with legal tender, increasing replacement costs, and urged community leaders to use alternative materials. Non-compliance may result in enforcement action, including penalties and fines.