Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan warns on unlawful sales of simulated banknotes and reiterates reproduction requirements

The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan published a notice reminding that reproductions of banknotes are only permitted if they comply with specific conditions, after monitoring identified cases of print-produced imitations of Azerbaijani and foreign currency being sold in retail outlets and open markets. The Bank warned that non-compliant replicas can be mistaken for genuine money and are treated as counterfeit under the legal framework. Under Article 41-1 of the Law on the Central Bank and the “Banknote Reproduction Rule” approved by the Central Bank’s Board on 25 October 2023, paper reproductions must be either up to 50% of the surface area of an issued banknote or more than 200%, with a colour tone at least 30% darker or at least 30% lighter than the banknote’s main tone, and must display the word “REPRODUKSİYA” in large, clearly readable, indelible lettering that stands out from the reproduction’s main colour tone. The Central Bank noted that imitation “money” currently sold often fails to meet these requirements, and that producing, acquiring or selling such items can lead to criminal liability under Article 204 of the Criminal Code. The Bank advised the public to remain cautious and to report suspected cases to law enforcement authorities or to the Central Bank or its regional offices.