HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"L 176/52
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
5.7.2011
DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
of 21 June 2011
on the environmental and health and safety accreditation procedures for the production of euro
banknotes
(ECB/2011/8)
(2011/397/EU)
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,
(5) In
order
to
monitor
the
environmental
and
health
and
safety performance of the accredited manufacturers of
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
euro banknotes and euro banknote raw materials as
Union, and in particular Article 128(1) thereof,
closely as possible, the ECB needs to regularly gather
data from those manufacturers on the impact on the
environment and on the health and safety of their
Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central
production of euro banknotes and euro banknote raw
Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular
materials,
Article 16 thereof,
Whereas:
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
(1)
Article 128(1) of the Treaty and Article 16 of the Statute
SECTION I
of the European System of Central Banks and of the
European Central Bank (hereinafter the ‘Statute of the
GENERAL PROVISIONS
ESCB’) provide that the European Central Bank (ECB)
Article 1
has the exclusive right to authorise the issue of euro
banknotes within the Union. This right includes the
Definitions
competence to take measures to protect the integrity of
For the purposes of this Decision, the following definitions shall
euro banknotes as a means of payment.
apply:
(2) The
Union’s
environmental
policy
is
based
on
the
principle of environmental integration, as laid down in
(a) ‘NCB’ means the national central bank of a Member State
Article 11 of the Treaty, according to which environ
whose currency is the euro;
mental protection requirements must be integrated into
the definition and implementation of the Union’s policies
and activities, in particular with a view to promoting
(b) ‘euro banknote raw materials’ means paper, ink, foil and
sustainable development. Bearing this principle in mind,
thread used to produce euro banknotes;
the Eurosystem promotes good environmental
management based on the ISO 14000 series of
standards.
(c) ‘manufacturing site’ means any premises that a manufacturer
uses, or wishes to use, for the production of euro banknotes
or euro banknote raw materials;
(3) According
to
Article
9
of
the
Treaty,
in
defining
and
implementing its policies and activities, the Union shall
take into account requirements, inter alia, linked to the
(d) ‘manufacturer’ means any entity that is, or wishes to be,
protection of human health. Bearing this principle in
involved in a euro banknote production activity;
mind, the avoidance and minimisation of any risks to
the health and safety of the general public and of the
workers involved in the production of euro banknotes or
(e) ‘environmental accreditation’ means the status, the scope of
of euro banknote raw materials is of paramount
which is set out in Article 3, granted by the ECB to a
importance to the Eurosystem. The Eurosystem
manufacturer confirming that its euro banknote production
supports good health and safety management in line
activity is in conformity with the requirements laid down in
with the policies of the European Agency for Safety
Section II;
and Health at Work ( 1 ) and the OHSAS 18000 series
of standards.
(f) ‘health and safety accreditation’ means the status, the scope
of which is set out in Article 4, granted by the ECB to a
(4)
For these reasons, environmental and health and safety
manufacturer confirming that its euro banknote production
accreditation procedures should be put in place to ensure
activity is in conformity with the requirements laid down in
that only manufacturers that conform with minimum
Section III;
environmental and health and safety requirements are
accredited to carry out a euro banknote production
activity.
(g) ‘accredited manufacturer’ means a manufacturer which has
been granted environmental accreditation and health and
( 1 ) Available on http://osha.europa.eu.
safety accreditation;

---

EN
5.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
176/53
(h) ‘certification authority’ means an independent certification
Article 3
authority which evaluates manufacturers’ environmental or
health and safety management systems and is accredited to
Environmental accreditation
certify that the manufacturer fulfils the requirements of the
1. Accreditation on the basis of the ISO 14000 series of
ISO 14000 or OHSAS 18000 series of standards;
standards on environmental management systems shall follow
the procedure set out in Section II. A manufacturer may only
carry out a euro banknote production activity if the ECB has
(i) ‘euro banknote production activity’ means the production of
granted it environmental accreditation for that activity.
euro banknotes or of any euro banknote raw materials;
2. A
manufacturer
may
be
granted
environmental
accredi
(j) ‘ECB working day’ means a day from Monday to Friday,
tation for a euro banknote production activity provided that
excluding ECB public holidays;
it fulfils all of the following conditions:
(k) ‘plate making’ means the production of printing plates for
(a) it conforms with the ISO 14001 standard at a particular
the offset or intaglio printing technologies used for the
manufacturing site for a particular euro banknote
production of euro banknotes;
production activity and the certification authority has
issued a certificate to that effect;
(l) ‘individual production’ means production composed of
(b) where it is a printing works, its manufacturing site is located
several batches made out of the same raw materials from
in a Member State;
the same suppliers, whereby the composition is homo
geneous throughout, and does not introduce new
substances, or the same substances with above the limit
(c) where it is not a printing works, its manufacturing site is
concentration variations, as specified by the ECB separately.
located in a Member State or in a Member State of the
European Free Trade Association.
Article 2
3.
The Executive Board may grant exemptions to the location
General principles
requirement set out in paragraph 2(b) and (c) on a case-by-case
basis, taking into account the views of the Banknote
1. A
manufacturer
may
only
carry
out
a
euro
banknote Committee. Any such decision shall be promptly notified to
production activity if the ECB grants it environmental accredi
the Governing Council. The Executive Board shall abide by
tation and health and safety accreditation for that activity.
any decision of the Governing Council on this issue.
2. The
ECB
requirements
for
environmental
and
health
and
4. Environmental
accreditation
shall
be
granted
to
a
manu
safety accreditation shall be minimum requirements. Manu
facturer for 3 years, subject to any decision taken pursuant to
facturers may adopt and implement stricter environmental
Article 13 or 14.
and/or health and safety standards, but the ECB shall only
assess the manufacturer’s fulfilment of the requirements laid
down in this Decision.
5. The
ECB’s
prior
written
consent
shall
be
required
for
an
environmental accredited manufacturer to outsource the
production of euro banknotes or euro banknote raw materials
3. The
Executive
Board
shall
be
competent
to
take
all to another manufacturing site or to any third party, including
decisions relating to a manufacturer’s environmental and
the manufacturer’s subsidiaries and associated companies.
health and safety accreditation, taking into account the views
of the Banknote Committee, and shall inform the Governing
Council thereof.
Article 4
Health and safety accreditation
4. An
accredited
manufacturer
may
only
carry
out
a
euro 1. Accreditation on the basis of the OHSAS 18001 standard
banknote production activity at the manufacturing sites for
on health and safety management systems shall follow the
which it has been granted: (a) environmental accreditation;
procedure set out in Section III. A manufacturer may only
and (b) health and safety accreditation, notwithstanding any
carry out a euro banknote production activity if the ECB has
other accreditation granted pursuant to any other ECB legal act.
granted it health and safety accreditation for that activity.
2. A
manufacturer
may
be
granted
health
and
safety
accredi
5. Any
costs
and
associated
losses
that
a
manufacturer
incurs tation for a euro banknote production activity provided that it
in connection with the application of this Decision shall be
fulfils all of the following conditions:
borne by the manufacturer.
(a) it conforms with the OHSAS 18001 standard at a particular
6. The
ECB
shall
lay
down
separately
technical
details
of
the
manufacturing site for a particular euro banknote
requirements to be fulfilled by manufacturers to obtain environ
production activity and the certification authority has
mental and health and safety accreditation.
issued a certificate to that effect;

---

L 176/54
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
5.7.2011
(b) where it is a printing works, its manufacturing site is located
3. The
ECB
shall
reject
the
initiation
request
and
inform
the
in a Member State;
manufacturer in writing of its decision to do so and the reasons
within the time limits specified in paragraph 2 if any of the
following applies:
(c) where it is not a printing works, its manufacturing site is
located in a Member State or in a Member State of the
European Free Trade Association.
(a) the manufacturer fails to provide the information required
pursuant to paragraph 1;
3.
The Executive Board may grant exemptions to the location
(b) it fails to supply any complementary information requested
requirement set out in paragraph 2(b) and (c) on a case-by-case
by the ECB pursuant to paragraph 2 within a reasonable
basis, taking into account the views of the Banknote
period to be mutually agreed;
Committee. Any such decision shall be promptly notified to
the Governing Council. The Executive Board shall abide by
any decision of the Governing Council on this issue.
(c) the environmental accreditation of the manufacturer has
been revoked and the period of prohibition on reapplication
specified in the revocation decision has not elapsed;
4. Health
and
safety
accreditation
shall
be
granted
to
a
manufacturer for 3 years, subject to any decision taken
pursuant to Articles 13 or 14.
(d) the location of the manufacturing site does not meet the
requirements laid down in Article 3(2)(b) or (c).
5. The
ECB’s
prior
written
consent
shall
be
required
for
a
Article 6
health and safety accredited manufacturer to outsource the
production of euro banknotes or euro banknote raw materials
Environmental accreditation
to another manufacturing site or to any third party, including
the manufacturer’s subsidiaries and associated companies.
1. In the event of a positive evaluation by the ECB of the
initiation request pursuant to Article 5(2), the manufacturer
shall be granted environmental accreditation.
SECTION II
ENVIRONMENTAL ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE
2. The
ECB’s
decision
granting
the
manufacturer
environ
mental accreditation shall clearly identify:
Article 5
Initiation request
(a) the name of the manufacturer;
1. A manufacturer that wishes to carry out a euro banknote
production activity shall make a written request to the ECB to
(b) the manufacturing site for which environmental accredi
initiate the environmental accreditation procedure. The
tation is granted and its exact address;
initiation request shall include all of the following:
(c) the date of expiry of the environmental accreditation;
(a) a specification of the manufacturing site and its location;
(d) any specific conditions relating to points (b) and (c).
(b) a copy of the ISO 14001 certificate for the specified site;
3. Environmental
accreditation
shall
be
granted
to
a
manu
facturer for a renewable period of 3 years. If the environmental
(c) a summary in English of the latest annual audit report
accredited manufacturer re-applies for environmental accredi
issued by the certification authority;
tation before the date of expiry of such accreditation, its envi
ronmental accreditation shall remain valid until the ECB has
taken a decision pursuant to paragraph 1.
(d) an annual report in English describing the performance of
its internal environmental management system using a
template provided by the ECB.
4. If
the
ECB
rejects
the
request
for
environmental
accredi
tation, the manufacturer may initiate the review procedure laid
down in Article 15.
2. The
ECB
shall
check
whether
the
documentation
provided
by the manufacturer in its initiation request is complete. It shall
inform the manufacturer of the outcome of this evaluation
SECTION III
within 30 ECB working days from the date of receipt of the
HEALTH AND SAFETY ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE
initiation request. The ECB may extend this time limit once,
with written notice to the manufacturer. While the ECB is
Article 7
carrying out this evaluation, it may request complementary
Initiation request
information from the manufacturer in relation to the
requirements listed in paragraph 1. If the ECB requests comple
1. A
manufacturer
that
wishes
to
carry
out
a
euro
banknote
mentary information, it shall inform the manufacturer of the
production activity shall make a written request to the ECB to
outcome of the evaluation within 20 ECB working days from
initiate the health and safety accreditation procedure. This
the date of receipt of the complementary information.
initiation request shall include all of the following:

---

EN
5.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
176/55
(a) a specification of the manufacturing site and its location;
(c) the date of expiry of the health and safety accreditation;
(b) a copy of the OHSAS 18001 certificate for the specified
(d) any specific conditions relating to points (b) and (c).
site;
3. Health
and
safety
accreditation
shall
be
granted
to
a
(c) a summary in English of the latest annual audit report
manufacturer for a renewable period of 3 years. If the health
issued by the certification authority;
and safety accredited manufacturer re-applies for health and
safety accreditation before the date of expiry of such accredi
(d) an annual report in English describing the performance of
tation, its health and safety accreditation shall remain valid until
its internal management system on health and safety using a
the ECB has taken a decision pursuant to paragraph 1.
template provided by the ECB.
4. If
the
ECB
rejects
the
request
for
health
and
safety
accredi
2. The
ECB
shall
check
whether
the
documentation
provided tation, the manufacturer may initiate the review procedure laid
by the manufacturer in its initiation request is complete. It shall
down in Article 15.
inform the manufacturer of the outcome of this evaluation
within 30 ECB working days from the date of receipt of the
initiation request. The ECB may extend this time limit once with
SECTION IV
written notice to the manufacturer. While the ECB is carrying
CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS
out this evaluation, it may request complementary information
from the manufacturer in relation to the requirements listed in
Article 9
paragraph 1. If the ECB requests complementary information, it
shall inform the manufacturer of the outcome of the evaluation
Continuing obligations of accredited manufacturers
within 20 ECB working days from the date of receipt of the
1. An
accredited
manufacturer
shall
inform
the
ECB
in
complementary information.
writing and without undue delay of any of the following:
3. The
ECB
shall
reject
the
initiation
request
and
inform
the (a) the commencement of any procedure for the winding-up or
manufacturer in writing of its decision to do so and the reasons
reorganisation of the manufacturer or any analogous
within the time limits specified in paragraph 2 if any of the
procedure;
following applies:
(a) the manufacturer fails to provide the information required
(b) the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator or
pursuant to paragraph 1;
similar officer in relation to the manufacturer;
(b) it fails to supply any complementary information requested
(c) any intention to subcontract or to involve third parties in a
by the ECB pursuant to paragraph 2 within a reasonable
euro banknote production activity for which the manu
period to be mutually agreed;
facturer has environmental and health and safety accredi
tation;
(c) the health and safety accreditation of the manufacturer has
been revoked and the period of prohibition on reapplication
(d) any change that occurs after environmental and health and
specified in the revocation decision has not elapsed;
safety accreditation has been granted that affects, or may
affect, the fulfilment of the requirements for environmental
and health and safety accreditation;
(d) the location of the manufacturing site does not meet the
requirements laid down in Article 4(2)(b) or (c).
(e) any change of control of the accredited manufacturer
Article 8
following a change in its ownership structure or for any
other reason.
Health and safety accreditation
1. In the event of a positive evaluation by the ECB of the
2. An
accredited
manufacturer
shall
provide
the
ECB
for
the
initiation request pursuant to Article 7(2), the manufacturer
relevant manufacturing site with:
shall be granted health and safety accreditation.
(a) a copy of the certificates for its environmental and health
2. The
ECB’s
decision
granting
the
manufacturer
health
and
and safety management systems each time the certificate
safety accreditation shall clearly identify:
referred to in Articles 3(2)(a) and 4(2)(a) is renewed;
(a) the name of the manufacturer;
(b) for each calendar year and within 4 months following the
end of the year, the summaries, translated into English, of
(b) the manufacturing site for which health and safety accredi
the latest environmental and health and safety external audit
tation is granted and its exact address;
reports issued by the relevant certification authorities;

---

L 176/56
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
5.7.2011
(c) for each calendar year and within 4 months following the
Article 19, exceeding these acceptance limits, including in the
end of the year, annual reports in English on the
cases foreseen in Article 9(3)(c), shall have no impact on a
performance of its environmental and health and safety
manufacturer’s health and safety accreditation.
management systems following the templates referred to
in Articles 5(1)(d) and 7(1)(d);
2. The
ECB
shall
maintain
a
list
of
laboratories
to
be
used
to
analyse the presence and concentration of chemical substances
(d) for each calendar year and within 4 months following the
on the list referred to in paragraph 1. The analysing methods to
end of the year, general information and environmental data
be applied shall be laid down separately.
on annual consumption and emissions caused by euro
banknote production activity as established by the ECB
3. The
ECB
shall
inform
accredited
manufacturers
of
any
Environmental Questionnaire provided by the ECB.
updates to the lists referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2.
3. If
the
accredited
manufacturer
is
a
printing
works,
it
shall
SECTION V
also:
CONSEQUENCES OF NON-CONFORMITY
(a) perform analyses on the chemical substances specified in the
Article 11
list referred to in Article 10(1) conducted by the laboratories
Non-conformity
indicated on the list referred to in Article 10(2). These
analyses shall be carried out on finished euro banknotes
If the accredited manufacturer does not comply with any of the
according to standard operating procedures laid down
obligations laid down in Article 9 or if the information
separately at least once per each individual production
provided to the ECB according to Article 9(2)(b), (c) and (d)
and additionally whenever the accredited manufacturer
and Article 9(3)(a) and (b) is incomplete, this shall constitute a
deems it appropriate to monitor conformity with the
non-conformity by the manufacturer with the requirements for
chemical substances’ acceptance limits. The accredited
environmental or health and safety accreditation.
manufacturer shall report to the ECB on each individual
sample analysis by using the analysis report template
Article 12
provided by the ECB;
Written observation
(b) report for each calendar year and within 4 months
1. The
ECB
shall
make
a
written
observation
to
the
following the end of the year on the performance of the
accredited manufacturer in the event of non-conformity of the
laboratories having carried out the analyses referred to in
type referred to in Article 11, laying down the time limit for
point (a) by using a performance report template provided
such manufacturer to remedy the non-conformity.
by the ECB;
2. The
written
observation
shall
state
that:
(a)
if
the
non-
(c) conclude supply contracts with euro banknote raw material
conformity has not been remedied within the time limit
suppliers, which include the obligation for euro banknote
referred to in paragraph 1; or (b) if there is a second instance
raw material suppliers to ensure that any chemical
of non-conformity within the time limit referred to in
substances contained in euro banknote raw materials
paragraph 1, the ECB shall take a decision under Article 13.
produced by the latter do not, when analysed in finished
euro banknotes pursuant to paragraph 3(a), exceed the
Article 13
acceptance limits referred to in Article 10(1). To fulfil this
requirement, the accredited manufacturer shall provide the
Suspension of environmental or health and safety
euro banknote raw material suppliers with all relevant docu
accreditation in relation to new orders
mentation. Euro banknote raw materials suppliers may use
1. If,
within
the
time
limit
referred
to
in
Article
12(1),
either
the laboratories specified in the list referred to in
the non-conformity has not been remedied or there is a second
Article 10(2) for their own analytical needs;
instance of non-conformity, but the accredited manufacturer
puts forward a reasonable case that it will be able to correct
(d) ensure that any plate making company to which it
the non-conformity, the ECB shall take a decision:
outsources has valid ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001
certificates for its relevant production sites.
(a) laying down, in consultation with the accredited manu
facturer, a time limit for the accredited manufacturer to
remedy the non-conformity;
4. An
accredited
manufacturer
shall
keep
confidential
the
technical details relating to environmental and health and
safety requirements referred to in Article 2(6).
(b) suspending the accredited manufacturer’s accreditation with
respect to its ability to accept new orders for the euro
banknote production activity in question, including partici
Article 10
pation in tender procedures relating to a euro banknote
Continuing obligations of the ECB
production activity, until the time limit referred to in
point (a) expires or, if the non-conformity has been
1. The
ECB
shall
establish
a
list
of
chemical
substances
to
be
remedied within this time limit, until the non-conformity
analysed and their acceptance limits. Without prejudice to
has been remedied.

---

EN
5.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
176/57
2. If
however
the
accredited
manufacturer
does
not
put facturers for specific information or clarification in relation to
forward a reasonable case that it will be able to correct the
the data provided in the ECB Environmental Questionnaire
non-conformity referred to in paragraph 1, the ECB shall take
referred to in Article 9(2)(d). If necessary, the ECB may
a decision pursuant to Article 14.
require a meeting with the accredited manufacturer at the
ECB’s premises. The ECB may also decide, with the permission
Article 14
of the accredited manufacturer and in conformity with all
security requirements in force with regard to the accredited
Revocation of environmental or health and safety
manufacturer, to carry out an on-site visit. The accredited
accreditation
manufacturer may also invite the ECB to an on-site visit to
clarify the data provided in the ECB Environmental Ques
1. The
ECB
shall
revoke
an
accredited
manufacturer’s
envi
tionnaire.
ronmental or health and safety accreditation: (a) if the accredited
manufacturer is not able to rectify its non-conformity within
the time limit referred to in Article 13(1)(a); or (b) pursuant to
SECTION VII
Article 13(2).
FINAL PROVISIONS
2. In its revocation decision, the ECB shall specify the date
Article 17
from which the accredited manufacturer may reapply for
ECB accreditation register
accreditation.
1. The
ECB
shall
keep
a
register
of
environmental
and
health
and safety accreditations:
Article 15
Review procedure
(a) listing the manufacturers which have been granted environ
1. If the ECB has taken any of the following decisions:
mental and health and safety accreditation and the relevant
manufacturing sites;
(a) rejecting a request to initiate the environmental or health
and safety accreditation procedure;
(b) indicating in respect of each manufacturing site the euro
banknote production activity for which environmental and
health and safety accreditation has been granted;
(b) refusing to grant environmental or health and safety accredi
tation;
(c) recording the expiry of any environmental and health and
safety accreditation.
(c) a decision pursuant to Articles 12 to 14,
2. If
the
ECB
takes
a
decision
under
Article
13,
it
shall
record
the manufacturer or accredited manufacturer may, within 30
the duration of the suspension.
ECB working days of notification of such a decision, submit a
written request to the Governing Council to review the decision.
The manufacturer or accredited manufacturer shall include its
3. If
the
ECB
takes
a
decision
pursuant
to
Article
14,
it
shall
reasons for such a request and all supporting information.
remove the name of the manufacturer from the register.
2. If the manufacturer or accredited manufacturer explicitly
4. The
ECB
shall
make
available
to
NCBs
and
accredited
so requests, and gives reasons, the Governing Council may
manufacturers a list of accredited manufacturers contained in
suspend the application of the decision that is to be reviewed.
the register and any updates thereto.
3. The
Governing
Council
shall
review
the
decision
and
Article 18
communicate its reasoned decision in writing to the manu
Annual report
facturer or accredited manufacturer within 2 months of
receipt of the request.
1. The
ECB
shall,
on
the
basis
of
the
information
provided
by the accredited manufacturers, compile an annual report on
the environmental impact of euro banknote production activity
4. The application of paragraphs 1 to 3 shall be without
and its effects on health and safety.
prejudice to any rights under Articles 263 and 265 of the
Treaty.
2. The
ECB
shall
disclose
information
to
the
public
on
the
general environmental and health and safety impacts of euro
SECTION VI
banknote production activity in accordance with Regulation
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
(EC) No 1367/2006 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 6 September 2006 on the application of the
Article 16
provisions of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information,
Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in
Information on the accredited manufacturer’s
Environmental Matters to Community institutions and
environmental performance
bodies ( 1 ).
In order to better assess accredited manufacturers’ environ
mental performance, the ECB may require accredited manu
( 1 ) OJ L 264, 25.9.2006, p. 13.

---

L 176/58
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
5.7.2011
Article 19
Transitional provision
From the 2016 production of euro banknotes, NCBs shall not validate any printed euro banknotes with
chemical substances exceeding the acceptance limits referred to in Article 10(1).
Article 20
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European
Union.
It shall apply from the 2013 production of euro banknotes.
Done at Frankfurt am Main, 21 June 2011.
The President of the ECB
Jean-Claude TRICHET

---