— Banco de Moçambique —
Administration

BANKING OPERATIONS, ISSUE AND PAYMENT SYSTEMS OVERSIGHT DEPARTMENT

CIRCULAR NO. 01/OEF/2026

Maputo, 12 June 2026

SUBJECT: Selection criteria for Metical banknotes of the 2024 series

On 16 June 2024, Banco de Moçambique introduced banknotes and coins of the Metical 2024 series, which circulate simultaneously with the other series issued since 2006.

Accordingly, as it is necessary to establish the selection criteria for Metical banknotes of the 2024 series, under the provisions of article 6 of Notice no. 2/GBM/2020, of 24 March, Banco de Moçambique determines:

1. Credit institutions and financial companies that, in the course of their activities, handle cash, as well as entities that professionally carry out the activities of verifying authenticity, quality and handling of banknotes, on behalf and by order of those institutions, must carry out the selection of Metical banknotes, observing the quality verification criteria set out in this Circular.

2. During the process of verification and classification of fit and unfit banknotes, the following criteria must be considered:

a) Soiling

i. When the banknotes show any substance over a considerable area, which retains and produces a sticky sensation to the touch, showing darker colouring in the white or coloured areas.

ii. As regards soiling, banknotes are classified as fit and unfit, in accordance with the reference limits presented in the images contained in Annex I, which forms an integral part of this Circular.

b) Discolouration

i. When the banknotes lose ink due to natural wear, washing, exposure or submission to certain degrading agents.

ii. As regards discolouration, banknotes are classified as fit and unfit, in accordance with the reference limits presented in the images contained in Annex II, which forms an integral part of this Circular.

c) Other criteria

For stains/graffiti, tears, holes, reconstructions, missing parts, folds/bent corners, burns, shrinkage, crumpling, as well as for the criteria for valuing mutilated banknotes, the selection criteria contained in Annex III apply, which forms an integral part of this Circular.

3. Any doubts arising in the interpretation and application of this Circular must be submitted to the Issuance and Treasury Department of Banco de Moçambique.

4. This Circular enters into force immediately.

BANCO DE MOÇAMBIQUE
Department of
Inspection and
Supervision
Jamal Luís Omar
Administrator

SOILING

ANNEX I

FIT BANKNOTE - 1000.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 1000.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 1000.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 1000.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 500.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 500.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 500.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 500.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 200.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 200.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 200.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 200.00 MT

DISCOLOURATION

ANNEX II

FIT BANKNOTE - 100.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 100.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 100.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 100.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 50.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 50.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 50.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 50.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 20.00 MT

FIT BANKNOTE - 20.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 20.00 MT

UNFIT BANKNOTE - 20.00 MT

ANNEX III

Other selection criteria for Metical banknotes of the 2024 series

i. Stains/Graffiti

Banknotes contain stains/graffiti when they show a concentration of soiling localised at specific points or any type of writing of numbers, letters, drawings, stamps and other characters.

Banknotes with stains/graffiti fit for circulation.

Pencil writing on banknotes must be erased carefully and the banknote must be put back into circulation.

Notes with stains/graffiti unsuitable for circulation.

ANNEX III

Banco de Moçambique
Administration

ii. Tears

When they present tears of dimensions equal to or greater than 4 mm.

Notes with tears suitable for circulation.

Notes with tears unsuitable for circulation.

iii. Holes

When the notes present holes of any shape, anywhere.

Notes suitable for circulation when they present holes smaller than or equal to 6 mm².

ANNEX III

Banco de Moçambique
Administration

Notes unsuitable for circulation when they present holes larger than 6 mm².

iv. Reconstructions

When the notes are reconstructed using glue, adhesive tape, staples and other materials, they must be considered unsuitable.

Adhesive tape

Staples

v. Missing parts

Notes with a missing part with an area less than 30 mm² must be considered suitable for circulation.

ANNEX III

Banco de Moçambique
Administration

Notes with a missing part with an area greater than 30 mm² must be considered unsuitable.

vi. Folds/Folded corners

When the notes present folds, anywhere, they must be straightened and considered suitable for circulation.

ANNEX III

Banco de Moçambique
Administration

vii. Burning or Shrinkage

Notes burned or shrunk by the action of heat must be considered unsuitable.

viii. Crumpled

Notes that present multiple creases, wrinkles, folds or crumples spread over the entire surface, considerably affecting their visual appearance, must be considered unsuitable.

ANNEX III

— Banco de Moçambique —
Administration

Criteria for valuation of mutilated notes

Mutilated notes must be valued according to the following criteria:

a) Full valuation

i. When the note has a surface not less than two thirds or when the fragments complete its total surface.

Burned paper note

Burned paper note

Note with missing part

Note with missing part

Fragmented note

Fragmented note

ii. Shrunk and whole polymer notes that present at least one security element.

ANNEX III

— Banco de Moçambique —
Administration

b) Half valuation

i. When the note has a surface or fragments that complete at least half of the note's surface.

ii. Half of a shrunk polymer note that presents at least one security element.