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11.9.2012 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
245/3
GUIDELINES
GUIDELINE OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
of 20 July 2012
on the Data Exchange for Cash Services
(ECB/2012/16)
(2012/502/EU)
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,
cash-in-transit companies) to obtain greater benefits from
the single currency, thus, contributing to the Single euro
Cash Area.
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union, and in particular Article 128(1) and (2) thereof,
(4) The
Data
Exchange
for
Cash
Services
(DECS)
is
aimed
at
further harmonising cash services in the Eurosystem. It
maximises efficiency in the supply and withdrawal of
cash and the functioning of the cash cycle in the euro
Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central
area. As cash services currently offered by NCBs vary to a
Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular
significant extent, DECS ensures the interchangeability of
Article 16 thereof,
data for cross-border cash transactions and bulk transfers
of euro banknotes between NCBs that use different cash
management systems. DECS does not affect the provision
of cash services by NCBs at domestic level.
Whereas:
(5)
Given that the process of convergence of NCBs’ cash
(1) The
euro
banknote
production
is
organised
on
a
decen
services will require some flexibility, it is necessary to
tralised basis with pooling under which the annual
establish a simplified procedure to make technical
production of different banknote denominations is
amendments to this Guideline. Therefore, the Executive
pooled among the national central banks of Member
Board should be delegated the powers to make such
States whose currency is the euro (hereinafter the
amendments,
‘NCBs’) according to the NCBs’ percentage shares in the
subscribed capital of the European Central Bank (the
‘ECB’) for the relevant financial year calculated using
HAS ADOPTED THIS GUIDELINE:
the NCBs’ weightings in the key for capital subscription
referred to in Article 29.1 of the Statute of the European
System of Central Banks and of the European Central
Bank (hereinafter the ‘Statute of the ESCB’).
Article 1
Subject matter and scope
This Guideline sets out the requirements the NCBs shall comply
(2) Under
the
principle
of
decentralisation
as
laid
down
in with in relation to the use of DECS. This Guideline only applies
Articles 9.2 and 12.1 of the Statute of the ESCB, NCBs
to the exchange of data between NCBs.
are entrusted with putting into and withdrawing from
circulation all euro banknotes, including those issued
by the ECB. In line with this principle, the physical
Article 2
handling of euro banknotes is carried out by the NCBs.
Due to the decentralised production scenario with
Definitions
pooling, the efficient cross-border bulk transfers of euro
banknotes contribute to the smooth functioning of the
For the purposes of this Guideline, the following definitions
cash cycle in the euro area.
shall apply:
(a) ‘DECS’ means the common interface that communicates
(3) In
February
2007
the
ECB’s
Governing
Council
approved
with an NCB’s cash management system enabling the
the timetable and a roadmap for further convergence of
mapping, routing and transformation of electronic data
NCBs’ cash services in the medium term with a view to
messages between NCBs using different cash management
increasing harmonisation and integration to allow stake
systems or cash management specifications related to cash
holders (in particular the banking industry and
transactions and bulk transfers;

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L 245/4
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
11.9.2012
(b) ‘communication format’ means a set of files based on Cash
through its cash management system to a non-domestic/
Single Shared Platform (CashSSP), Global Standards One
receiving NCB. This message is: (i) for cash withdrawals, an
(GS1) or other communication formats;
‘order for cash withdrawal’ sent by a client; (ii) for cash
lodgements, a ‘notification of lodgement’ sent by a client;
(c) ‘cash management system’ means the logistical cash
(iii) for bulk transfers, a ‘bulk transfer message’ sent by the
management IT system used by an NCB based on the
supplying NCB;
CashSSP, GS1 or other communication formats;
(d) ‘cash management specifications’ means the technical spec
(q) ‘feedback validation message’ means a transaction message
ifications of a given cash management system;
sent by a non-domestic/receiving NCB to a domestic/sup
plying NCB via DECS through the domestic/supplying
(e) ‘cash’ means euro banknotes and coins, excluding collector
NCB’s cash management system on receipt of a transaction
coins;
order message;
(f) ‘cash lodgement’ means a free-of-charge cross-border cash
lodgement transaction between a client and a non-domestic
NCB;
(r) ‘transaction confirmation message’ means a transaction
message sent after a transaction takes place: (i) to a client
(g) ‘cash withdrawal’ means a free-of-charge cross-border cash
for cash transactions; or (ii) to a supplying NCB for bulk
withdrawal transaction between a client and a non-
transfers via DECS through the domestic/supplying NCB’s
domestic NCB;
cash management system. This message is: (i) for cash with
drawals, a ‘withdrawal receipt’ sent by a non-domestic NCB;
(h) ‘cash transaction’ means a free-of-charge cross-border cash
(ii) for cash lodgements, a ‘lodgement receipt’ sent by a
lodgement or cross-border cash withdrawal;
non-domestic NCB; (iii) for bulk transfers, a ‘bulk transfer
receipt’ sent by a receiving NCB;
(i) ‘bulk transfer’ means any cross-border transfer of euro
banknotes between two NCBs or between a printing
works and an NCB which is reported in the Currency
(s) ‘transaction message’ means a transaction order message, a
Information System 2 (CIS 2) ( 1 );
feedback validation message and a transaction confirmation
message;
(j) ‘domestic NCB’ means an NCB that provides to clients
established in its Member State an interface to its cash
management system for cash transactions;
(t) ‘printing works’ means printing works that concluded
contractual arrangements with an NCB for the production
(k) ‘non-domestic NCB’ means an NCB that enters into a cash
of euro banknotes;
transaction with a client established outside its Member
State;
(l) ‘supplying
NCB’
means
for
bulk
transfers
of
euro
banknotes
(u) ‘future Eurosystem NCB’ means the national central bank of
an NCB that is responsible for supplying euro banknotes to
a Member State that has fulfilled the conditions set for the
a receiving NCB from: (i) the production allocated to that
adoption of the euro and in relation to which a decision on
supplying NCB; (ii) the supplying NCB’s logistical stocks;
the abrogation of the derogation pursuant to Article 140(2)
(iii) the Eurosystem Strategic Stock;
of the Treaty has been taken.
(m) ‘receiving NCB’ means an NCB which receives euro
banknotes from a supplying NCB or a printing works for
Article 3
bulk transfers of euro banknotes;
NCB’s obligations
(n) ‘cash-in-transit company’ means an entity providing
transport, storage and handling services of banknotes and
1. NCBs
shall
connect
their
cash
management
systems
to
coins for credit institutions;
DECS to: (a) enable clients to exchange electronic data
messages concerning cash transactions with a non-domestic
NCB via the cash management system of their domestic NCB;
(o) ‘client’ means a credit institution providing cash services
and (b) facilitate the exchange of electronic data messages
incorporated in a Member State whose currency is the
concerning bulk transfers between NCBs or, subject to Article 1,
euro or, if applicable, a cash-in-transit company incor
between a printing works and a receiving NCB, via the cash
porated in a Member State whose currency is the euro
management system of the supplying NCB.
that is registered in the database of a domestic NCB for
the use of its cash management system and DECS;
(p) ‘transaction order message’ means a transaction message
2. If an NCB uses a cash management system based on
transmitted via DECS by a domestic/supplying NCB
communication formats other than CashSSP or GS1, it shall
convert the communication format of that cash management
system to CashSSP or GS1 before transmitting an electronic
( 1 ) Guideline ECB/2008/8 of 11 September 2008 on data collection
regarding the euro and the operation of the Currency Information
data message concerning cash transactions or bulk transfers to
System 2 (OJ L 346, 23.12.2008, p. 89).
DECS.

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EN
11.9.2012 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
245/5
3. NCBs shall ensure that electronic data messages
Article 6
concerning cash transactions and bulk transfers exchanged via
DECS are based on either CashSSP or GS1 communication
Bulk transfers
formats.
NCBs shall ensure that for bulk transfers printing works use the
communication format specified in the contractual
4. NCBs
shall
ensure
that
transaction
messages
are
stored
for arrangements between the NCBs and the printing works.
a minimum of 10 years.
5. NCBs
shall
establish
a
connection
between
their
cash
Article 7
management system and DECS as soon as they are technically
able to do so.
Requirements for transaction messages
Article 4
1. The
transaction
messages
shall
be
processed
via
DECS
as
set out in Annex I.
Obligations of domestic NCBs in relation to cash
transactions
1. Domestic
NCBs
shall
ensure
that
they
meet
the
technical 2. In the transaction order messages and transaction confir
requirements for communication via DECS.
mation messages NCBs shall indicate the local date and time
values, unless they are automatically added by DECS using the
2. Domestic NCBs shall put in place contractual Central European Time (CET) time zone.
arrangements with their clients stipulating that cash trans
actions, as defined in this Guideline, will be processed
through DECS.
3. A
transaction
order
message
shall,
in
particular:
3. Domestic
NCBs
shall
establish,
maintain
and
regularly
update a database of clients that agree to the use, conditions
(a) be sent separately for each individual cash transaction;
and technical requirements of DECS. They shall ensure that
clients inform them without delay about any relevant change.
(b) contain items to be delivered to only one branch of a client
4. Before
transmitting
a
transaction
order
message
from
a
or NCB;
client to DECS, domestic NCBs shall take appropriate
measures to verify whether the client is registered in the
database referred to in paragraph 3, and whether the transaction
(c) contain an order either for euro banknotes or euro coins;
order message was sent by a technical user entitled to do so by
the client.
(d) contain article items for single banknote pieces and for
5. Domestic
NCBs
shall
be
held
liable
only
for
a
failure
to
single coin pieces only;
comply with their obligations under paragraph 4. Domestic
NCBs shall not be held liable for the content of a transaction
message.
(e) comply with the packaging requirements in Annex II;
6. Domestic
NCBs
shall
not
be
parties
to
nor
be
held
liable
for cash transactions between clients and non-domestic NCBs.
(f) comply with the minimum quantity requirements in Annex
II;
Article 5
Obligations of non-domestic NCBs in relation to cash
(g) comply with the requirements on the banknote denomi
transactions
nations and series in Annex II;
Non-domestic NCBs, as soon as operationally feasible, shall
enter into contractual arrangements with the clients of
(h) comply with the quality requirements in Annex II;
domestic NCBs that intend to enter into cash transactions
with that non-domestic NCB via DECS. These contractual
arrangements shall govern, in particular:
(i) comply with the labelling requirements in Annex II;
(a) the conditions and technical requirements for processing
transaction messages via DECS, including the potential
(j) contain the minimum data items set out in Annex III.
cancellation of transactions via DECS;
(b) the physical handling of the cash transactions, e.g. general
terms and conditions of packaging and delivery;
Article 8
Compliance of future Eurosystem NCBs with the
(c) the rules and procedures for financial settlement between
requirements of DECS
the client and the non-domestic NCB, including the verifi
cation of whether a cash transaction can legitimately be
An NCB shall include in the contractual arrangements that it
carried out;
enters into with a future Eurosystem NCB pursuant to
Article 3(3) of Guideline ECB/2006/9 of 14 July 2006 on
(d) the conduct of individual plausibility checks on the volumes
certain preparations for the euro cash changeover and on front
of the cash transactions.
loading and sub-frontloading of euro banknotes and coins

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L 245/6
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
11.9.2012
outside the euro area ( 1 ), and taking into account Article 5 of
2. The Executive Board shall notify the Governing Council of
Guideline ECB/2008/8, specific provisions requiring that the
any amendments made pursuant to paragraph 1 without undue
future Eurosystem NCB shall comply with the requirements of
delay and shall abide by any Governing Council decision on the
this Guideline.
matter.
Article 11
Article 9
Entry into force
NCB cooperation
This Guideline shall enter into force on 1 October 2012.
NCBs shall duly cooperate in exchanging information about the
operation of DECS, in particular, where an NCB is faced with
potential or actual litigation initiated by a client stemming from
Article 12
a transaction processed through DECS.
Addressees
This Guideline is addressed to the NCBs.
Article 10
Role of the Executive Board
Done at Frankfurt am Main, 20 July 2012.
1. In
accordance
with
Article
17.3
of
the
Rules
of
Procedure
of the European Central Bank ( 2 ), the Executive Board shall be
For the Governing Council of the ECB
authorised to make technical amendments to the Annexes to
this Guideline, after taking into account the views of the
The President of the ECB
Banknote Committee and the Legal Committee.
Mario DRAGHI
( 1 ) OJ L 207, 28.7.2006, p. 39.
( 2 ) OJ L 80, 18.3.2004, p. 33.

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EN
11.9.2012 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
245/7
ANNEX I
TYPE AND FLOW OF TRANSACTION MESSAGES PROCESSED VIA DECS
1. A transaction order message is sent by a client, for cash transactions, or by a supplying National Central Bank (NCB),
for bulk transfers, which is transmitted by the domestic/supplying NCB via the Data Exchange for Cash Services
(DECS) to the relevant non-domestic/receiving NCB.
2. Upon receipt of a transaction order message, a feedback validation message is sent by the non-domestic/receiving NCB
to the domestic/supplying NCB via DECS, which the domestic/supplying NCB then transmits to the client, for cash
transactions, or the supplying NCB, for bulk transfers.
3. After a transaction takes place, the non-domestic/receiving NCB sends a transaction confirmation message to the
domestic/supplying NCB via DECS, which the domestic/supplying NCB then transmits to the client, for cash trans
actions, or the supplying NCB, for bulk transfers.
Table 1a: Type and flow of messages for cash lodgements
Cash Single Shared Platform (CashSSP) Global
Standards
One
(GS1)
1. Transaction order message: notification of Notification For Deposit Notification
of
Inpayment
lodgement
2. Feedback validation message (on receipt of Feedback Validation Service
Message
the transaction order message)
3. Transaction confirmation message (after Feedback Notification For Deposit Confirmation
of
Receipt
transaction) (*): lodgement receipt
Table 1b: Type and flow of messages for cash withdrawals
CashSSP GS1
1. Transaction order message: order for cash Order For Withdrawal Cash
Order
withdrawal
2. Feedback validation message (on receipt of Feedback Validation Service
Message
the transaction order message)
3. Transaction confirmation message (after Feedback Order For Withdrawal Confirmation
of
Delivery
transaction) (*): withdrawal receipt
Table 1c: Type and flow of messages for bulk transfers
CashSSP GS1
1. Transaction order message: bulk transfer Notification For Delivery Bulk
Transfer
Message
message
2. Feedback validation message (on receipt of Feedback Validation Service
Message
the transaction order message)
3. Transaction confirmation message (after Feedback Notification For Delivery Confirmation
of
Bulk
Transfer
transaction) (*): bulk transfer receipt
(*) If a non-domestic/receiving NCB receives excess parcels, an additional notification of lodgement/bulk transfer message shall be sent
for the excess parcels. If the non-domestic/receiving NCB receives fewer parcels than expected, then either a new notification of
lodgement/bulk transfer message shall be sent after closing the relevant transaction order message and sending a feedback validation
message (for non-acceptance of the delivery), or only the received parcels will be included in the transaction confirmation (for
partial acceptance of the delivery).

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L 245/8
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
11.9.2012
ANNEX II
PACKAGING AND QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Packaging and quality requirements for cash transactions
Cash withdrawals Cash
lodgements
Minimum
— For banknotes, only mono-denomination — For banknote denominations EUR 5 to 100,
quantity
parcels are handled
10 bundles (= 10 000 units); however, a
client may send once per day incomplete
— For banknote denominations EUR 5 to 100,
parcels which contain a minimum of 1
10 bundles (= 10 000 units)
bundle (= 1 000 banknotes) of one denomi
— For banknote denominations EUR 200 and
nation and a maximum 5 bundles (= 5 ×
500, 1 packet (=
100 units); National
1 000 banknotes) of one or more denomi
Central Banks (NCBs) may put several
nations
packets (also mixed EUR 200 and 500) into — For banknote denominations EUR 200 and
one parcel
500, 1 packet (= 100 units)
— For coins, at least one roll, depending on
each NCB’s business rules
— A complete withdrawal is carried out once
Banknote series Indicated in the transaction order message. Indicated
in
the
transaction
order
message.
For
(ES1 or ES2)
mixed bundles indications are based on the
client’s best estimate. NCBs can refuse the use of
mixed bundles.
Quality Only
fit
banknotes
and
coins. Only
unprocessed
banknotes.
Reuse of trans The non-domestic NCB decides if and after what The non-domestic NCB decides if and after what
action IDs
time the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) time the SSCC and CashSSP seal number are
and Cash Single Shared Platform (CashSSP) seal reused. The non-domestic NCB decides if and
number are reused. The non-domestic NCB after what time the transaction reference
decides if and after what time the transaction numbers (= master SSCC) are reused.
reference numbers (= master SSCC) are reused.
Packaging Approved
packaging
type
for
banknotes. Approved
packaging
type
for
banknotes.
2. Packaging and quality requirements for bulk transfers
Minimum quantity One
cardboard
box
(=
10
000
banknotes).
For other relevant Currency Information System 2 cross-border operations, there is no
minimum quantity.
Banknote series Indicated
in
the
transaction
order
message.
Where
there
are
mixed
bundles
indications
are based on the supplying NCB’s best estimate.
Quality Fit,
new,
unprocessed
or
unfit
banknotes.
Reuse of transaction IDs
The receiving NCB decides if and after what time the SSCC and CashSSP seal number
are reused. The receiving NCB decides if and after what time the transaction reference
numbers (= master SSCC) are reused.
Labelling The
physical
boxes
have
both
Global
Standards
One
(GS1)
and
CashSSP
barcodes,
except for banknote stocks which only bear the CashSSP barcode. There is no rela
belling when passing on a parcel between NCBs, i.e. the same seal number/SSCC is used
several times.
Packaging —
Approved
packaging
type
— One denomination per pallet and/or box

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11.9.2012 Official
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European
Union L
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— There can be different banknote series per pallet and/or box
— All articles in a box shall be of the same quality type
— Messages relate to either pallets containing boxes or only boxes (no pallets)
— Combining pallets and boxes in the same message is not possible

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L 245/10
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
11.9.2012
ANNEX III
MINIMUM DATA ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ELECTRONIC DATA MESSAGES
1. Minimum requirements relating to cash lodgements ( 1 )
Data item
File sender
Message sender
Message receiver
Article owner
Transport company
Packer
Payer
Lodgement recipient
Details of parcels and articles contained in them:
— identification number
— banknote series
— denomination
— number of items
— value
— quality type
( 1 ) Additional information may be mandatory depending on the cash management system used by the sender.
2. Minimum requirements relating to cash withdrawals ( 1 )
Data item
File sender
Message sender
Message receiver
Transport company
Payer
Pick up place
Location of delivery
Article owner
Details of the articles ordered:
— banknote series
— denomination
— number of items
( 1 ) Additional information may be mandatory depending on the cash management system used by the sender.

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EN
11.9.2012 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
245/11
3. Minimum requirements relating to bulk transfers
European Central Bank reference for the shipment
Supplying NCB (printing works)
Receiving NCB
Transport company (airline or cash-in-transit company)
Date of shipment
Total number of pallets
Total number of boxes
Total number of banknotes
Total value of banknotes (EUR)
Total weight of air freight (kg)
Details of pallets: Details
of
boxes:
— identification number (CashSSP) —
identification
number
(CashSSP)
— identification number (GS1) —
identification
number
(GS1)
— denomination —
denomination
— number of items —
number
of
items
— value —
value
— quality
— responsible NCB

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L 245/12
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Official Journal of the European Union
11.9.2012
GLOSSARY
This Glossary defines the technical terms used in this Guideline and its Annexes.
‘Approved packaging type’ means a safebag, a sealbag, a reusable box, a cardboard box, a euro pallet and half pallet
meeting the requirements as decided by the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB);
‘Banknote series’ means a number of denominations of euro banknotes defined as a series in Decision ECB/2003/4 of
20 March 2003 on the denominations, specifications, reproduction, exchange and withdrawal of euro banknotes ( 1 ) or in
a subsequent ECB legal act. The first series of euro banknotes as launched on 1 January 2002 consists of the denomi
nations EUR 5, EUR 10, EUR 20, EUR 50, EUR 100, EUR 200 and EUR 500. Euro banknotes that have revised technical
specifications or a revised design (e.g. a different signature for different Presidents of the ECB) only constitute a new
banknote series if referred to as such in an amendment to Decision ECB/2003/4 or in subsequent ECB legal act;
‘Eurosystem Strategic Stock’ (ESS) means the stock of new and fit euro banknotes stored by certain national central banks
(NCBs) to cope with a demand for euro banknotes which cannot be met from the logistical stocks ( 2 );
‘Extended custodial inventory programme’ (ECI programme) means a programme consisting of contractual arrangements
between the ECB, an NCB and individual credit institutions (ECI banks), whereby the NCB: (i) supplies the ECI banks with
euro banknotes, which they hold in custody outside Europe for the purpose of putting them into circulation; and (ii)
credits the ECI banks for euro banknotes which are deposited by their customers, checked for authenticity and fitness,
held in custody and notified to the NCB. The banknotes held in custody by the ECI banks, including those in transit
between the NCB and the ECI banks, are fully collateralised until they are put into circulation by the ECI banks or
returned to the NCB. Banknotes transferred from the NCB to ECI banks form part of the NCB’s created banknotes (data
item 1.1). Banknotes held in custody by ECI banks do not form part of the NCB’s national net issuance of banknotes;
‘Fit banknotes’ means: (i) euro banknotes which have been returned to NCBs and which are fit for circulation in
accordance with a separate ECB legal act on banknote processing by NCBs; or (ii) euro banknotes which have been
returned to credit institutions, including NHTO entities and ECI banks, and which are fit for circulation in accordance
with the minimum sorting standards laid down in Decision ECB/2010/14 ( 3 );
‘Logistical stocks’ (LS) means all stocks of new and fit euro banknotes, other than the ESS, held by NCBs, and for the
purposes of Guideline ECB/2008/8 by NHTO entities and ECI banks ( 4 );
‘New banknotes’ means euro banknotes which have not yet been put into circulation by NCBs, NHTO entities or ECI
banks, or frontloaded by future Eurosystem NCBs;
‘Notes-held-to-order scheme’ or ‘NHTO scheme’ means a scheme consisting of individual contractual arrangements
between an NCB and one or more entities (NHTO entities) in the NCB’s participating Member State, whereby the
NCB: (i) supplies the NHTO entities with euro banknotes which they hold in custody outside the NCB’s premises for
the purpose of putting them into circulation; and (ii) credits or debits directly the NCB account held by the NHTO entities
or by the credit institutions that are customers of the NHTO entities for euro banknotes which are deposited with or
withdrawn from the custody premises by NHTO entities or by their customers and notified to the NCB. Banknotes
transferred from the NCB to NHTO entities form part of the NCB’s created banknotes (data item 1.1). Banknotes held in
custody by NHTO entities do not form part of the NCB’s national net issuance of banknotes;
‘Unfit banknotes’ means: (i) euro banknotes which have been returned to NCBs, but which are not fit for circulation in
accordance with a separate ECB legal act on banknote processing by NCBs; or (ii) euro banknotes which have been
returned to credit institutions, including NHTO entities and ECI banks, but which are not fit for circulation in accordance
with the minimum sorting standards laid down in Decision ECB/2010/14 of 16 September 2010 on the authenticity and
fitness checking and recirculation of euro banknotes;
‘Unprocessed banknotes’ means: (i) euro banknotes which have been returned to NCBs but which have not been checked
for authenticity and fitness in accordance with a separate ECB legal act on banknote processing by NCBs; or (ii) euro
banknotes which have been returned to credit institutions, including NHTO entities and ECI banks, but which have not
been checked for authenticity and fitness in accordance with Decision ECB/2010/14.
( 1 ) OJ L 78, 25.3.2003, p. 16.
( 2 ) As referred to in a separate ECB legal act on the management of banknote stocks.
( 3 ) OJ L 267, 9.10.2010, p. 1.
( 4 ) As referred to in a separate ECB legal act on the management of banknote stocks.

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