The reproduction of euro or escudo banknotes is laid down in Article 9 of the Statute of Banco de Portugal.

Euro banknotes

Decision ECB/2013/10 of 19 April 2013 on the denominations, specifications, reproduction, exchange and withdrawal of euro banknotes lays down specific rules so that there is no risk of the public mistaking reproductions for genuine banknotes. Reproductions of banknotes in breach of the rules in question – as well as the absence of exemption by the European Central Bank or one of the national central banks – will be deemed unlawful as they might be mistaken for genuine euro banknotes.

Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 2 of the Decision, there is no risk that a reproduction might be mistaken for a genuine euro banknote if, for example, it complies with the following criteria:

• (a) one-sided reproductions of a euro banknote, provided that the size of the reproduction is equal to or greater than 125% of both the length and width, or equal to or less than 75% of both the length and the width of the respective original euro banknote;

•  (b) two-sided reproductions of a euro banknote, provided that the size of the reproduction is equal to or greater than 200% of both the length and width or equal to or less than 50% of both the length and width of the respective original euro banknote.

In case of doubt, requests for confirmation as to whether a reproduction is lawful and would not be mistaken by the general public for a genuine banknote should be sent to Banco de Portugal under the terms provided below (Contacts).

Escudo banknotes

The reproduction and distribution of escudo banknotes is subject to the terms established by Banco de Portugal.

Requests should be sent to Banco de Portugal.

In any case, applicants must safeguard the copyright on the banknotes. 

Contacts

Requests for a reproduction to be analysed and accepted by Banco de Portugal should be sent via email to info@bportugal.pt or post to:

Banco de Portugal

Departamento de Emissão e Tesouraria

Unidade Central de Operações com Numerário 

Apartado 2001

1101-801 Lisboa

Banco de Portugal does not charge a fee for analysing banknote reproduction requests.