Testing banknote authentication machines

At the OeNB Test Centre, we make sure that top standards are observed in cash processing: We test banknote handling machines, monitor their use and coordinate the collection of cash processing data across Austria.

Equipment tests

The OeNB’s Cash Security Unit tests banknote handling machines in accordance with uniform Eurosystem standards. This ensures that counterfeit money is reliably detected and that manufacturers can continually improve their devices. During equipment tests, manufacturers can test their machines using a wide range of representative counterfeit euro banknotes. The national central banks of the euro area, including the OeNB, offer tests for different types of banknote handling machines. Tests involve the use of test sets containing genuine and counterfeit euro banknotes.

What different tests are there?

  • Counterfeit detection tests: to test whether devices are capable of recognising genuine euro banknotes and distinguishing genuine euro banknotes from representative euro counterfeits.
     
  • Fitness-for-circulation tests: to test whether devices are capable of sorting euro banknotes according to their fitness for circulation and of separating fit and unfit euro banknotes.
     
  • Traceability tests: to test whether self-service devices have a correctly functioning traceability system in place so it is possible to trace who made a payment.

Those types of machines that have passed the test(s) carried out by a national central bank are listed in the ECB’s register of successfully tested types of banknote handling machines.

It is always possible that new counterfeits may emerge which differ from those used to test the machines’ detection capabilities. The published test results can therefore only indicate whether the banknote handling machine in question was able to detect the counterfeits contained in the test set on the day the machine was tested. 

We also test coin-processing equipment in collaboration with the Coins National Analysis Centre (CNAC) at Münze Österreich AG.

How to contact the OeNB Test Centre

To make an appointment for an equipment test, please contact us at

OeNB Test Centre
Otto-Wagner-Platz 3
1090 Vienna, Austria
Send e-mail

Delivery of banknote handling machines

Haulage companies must deliver banknote handling machines (in particular cash recycler systems) on working days between 09:00 and 11:00 at the OeNB’s loading bay.
Upon delivery (collection), a person authorised to act on behalf of the delivering company must be present to oversee the transport of the machines onto (from) the Test Centre’s premises.

Oesterreichische Nationalbank (sign reading "Ladehof"/loading bay)
Rotenhausgasse 2
1090 Vienna, Austria

 

Cash monitoring

The OeNB’s Cash Security Unit carries out regular cash monitoring exercises at the premises of cash handlers listed under Article 79 paragraph 1 Nationalbank Act 1984 and Article 6 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001. The legal basis for cash monitoring is provided by Article 79 paragraph 1 Nationalbank Act 1984 in conjunction with Article 10 paragraph 1 Decision of  the European Central Bank ECB/2010/14 as amended.

These monitoring exercises cover the operational functionality of banknote handling systems in live operation as well as reviews of organisational procedures in place to ensure that on-site banknote handling (i.e. on cash handlers’ premises) complies with the regulations.

Frequently asked questions

ATMs may be stocked with euro banknotes that have been checked by the OeNB and/or the GSA or by a suitable banknote handling machine.

Banknote handling machines are suitable if they are capable of checking banknotes for authenticity and fitness for circulation and if they have been successfully tested by a euro area national central bank. In Austria, the required tests are carried out by the OeNB Test Centre. A list of suitable devices can be found on the ECB's website.

It is not permitted to stock ATMs with banknotes that have been sorted by hand – not even if the sorting was carried out by trained staff.

Good to know: An ATM is a self-service cash machine that dispenses banknotes to customers by debiting the bank account linked to their bank card (or other suitable card). Self-checkouts where people can pay for goods or services using either a bank card, cash or other payment methods and which have a cash withdrawal function are also regarded as cash machines.

Data Collection Cash Processing (DCCP)

In accordance with Article 11 of Decision ECB/2010/14 of the European Central Bank, as amended, cash handlers must

  • inform the OeNB in writing, including by electronic means, before a type of banknote handling machine is put into operation and
  • provide the information specified in Annex IV of Decision ECB/2010/14 (= DCCP reporting)

in order for the ECB and the OeNB to monitor the compliance of cash handlers with this decision and to oversee developments in the cash cycle.

The following data need to be provided on a regular (six-monthly) basis:

  • information on establishments where cash is handled;
  • information on the number and type of banknote handling machines and ATMs; and
  • information on the volume of cash handled (number of euro banknotes processed and recirculated).

When are cash handlers subject to reporting requirements?

Cash handlers are subject to reporting requirements when devices are used for banknote handling. Reporting data need to be provided on a six-monthly basis (at the latest by end-February and end-August) and at the branch level (by authorized persons). The flow of information must be ensured within the reporting entity in question. The reporting entity’s OeNB portal application administrator manages the required reporting authorisations.

How to report DCCP data?

Data can be reported on a half-yearly basis via the OeNB portal or via joint reporting using encrypted data transmission. You can access the OeNB portal using ID Austria.

Access is granted by your company’s system administrator. This manual explains the role of company system administrators and how to log on to the OeNB portal (German only).

Information on machine identification numbers

As part of DCCP data reporting, cash handlers are required to report to the OeNB the identification number of banknote handling machines used. This is a 12-digit number the ECB assigns to the relevant software (data currency set).

In each reporting period, only currently valid machine identification numbers can be selected on the OeNB portal.

Machine identification numbers are published in the list of successfully tested types of banknote handling machines available on the ECB's website. To identify the correct machine identification number, cash handlers need to know the name and software version of the banknote handling machine used. Both can be found using a search form. Banknote handling machines can display the machine identification number on the screen.

As a rule, banknote handling machines bear a machine identification label. This label shows:

  • the machine’s identification number
  • a QR code that links to the list of successfully tested machines on the ECB's website 
  • the machine’s maintenance status including the next maintenance event

When reports are submitted, the OeNB records the names and organisational affiliations of the reporting parties as well as the date of the report or the date of the latest data update. This is to ensure that the reporting process is traceable and to enable us to contact reporting entities if necessary. The legal basis is Article 6(1)(e) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in conjunction with ECB/2010/14 and ECB/2012/19. The data will not be disclosed to third parties and will be anonymised after three years. See Data protection for details on your data protection rights. You can contact the OeNB’s Data Protection Officer at datenschutz@oenb.at.

Managing self-service locations with cash recycling systems

Self-service locations are branches or off-site terminal locations (e.g. cash recycling systems in shopping centres) where no staff from cash handlers are present on site.

From the end of September 2026, cash handlers can manage their self-service locations independently via the DCCP application on the OeNB portal. The menu option “SB-Filialen-Verwaltung” (self-service branch management) is available for this purpose. You no longer have to submit reports by e-mail using the MS Excel form “Formular zur Meldung von SB-Standorten” (form for reporting self-service locations).

In the DCCP application, you can make the following changes:

  • Conversion: An existing bank branch is converted into a self-service branch. The new identification number will be available in the system immediately after conversion.
  • New setup: A new self-service location is set up. The new identification number will be available in the system immediately after setup.
  • Change: The name or address of a self-service location that has already been recorded has changed. The identification number remains unchanged.
  • Closure: A self-service location that has already been recorded is closed.
  • Cancellation: A self-service location that has been entered by mistake is cancelled/removed.

Please also inform the relevant IT data centre of any changes. This ensures that the correct identification numbers are stored in the device data and that the data are reported correctly.

If you have any questions regarding data reporting, please contact dccp@oenb.at.

Frequently asked questions

If a banknote authentication machine (BAM), a banknote processing machine (BPM), a teller assistant machine (TAM) or a teller assistant recycling machine (TARM) are used, these are subject to reporting requirements. Data on these machines must be reported under the applicable legal provisions (ECB/2010/14).

Yes. Data on such machines must be reported even if the processed cash is not used to restock a cash machine or is only used at the counter, as it could potentially be used for restocking.

Processing data must always be reported, at least in the first column, “Total number of euro banknotes processed”. Otherwise, the report cannot be submitted for technical reasons.

Information on cash security

OeNB circulars on cash security

The OeNB circulars on cash security clarify existing legal provisions governing the handling of cash. They provide guidance, clear up any existing ambiguities and make transparent the expectations of the competent cash authority.

Furthermore, the circulars address practical issues that arise in day-to-day implementation. They highlight possible solutions and support those involved in implementing the legal requirements in a consistent and transparent manner.

The circulars are intended as a practical supplement to the existing statutory provisions. They are designed to promote security and clarity in cash handling and to provide a reliable basis for day-to-day practice.

Downloads

Cash conference

On 28 September 2026, the OeNB organised a cash conference that focused on cash monitoring. The conference provided an opportunity for professional exchange between the OeNB as the competent supervisory authority and cash handlers.

Participants gained insights into the cash monitoring process and learned about the shortcomings that are identified most frequently during on-site inspections. Supervised entities learned how to identify typical findings at an early stage and to proactively address potential vulnerabilities and risks in cash handling.