Tumba Bruk printed euro notes as trial run

Date 31/03/1999

Euro notes have been printed by Tumba Bruk on a trial basis in accordance with the European Central Bank's specifications for technical comparisons of notes printed in different countries. The aim is to incorporate all the security features that are required for modern notes. Euro notes have to comply with security standards that are more rigorous than those for current notes.

For Sweden, the trial run really has nothing to do with the euro as such. Instead it is one aspect of Tumba Bruk's preparations as a future supplier of notes that comply with higher standards. Tumba Bruk needs that capability in order to meet Sweden's future requirements as well as Tumba's exports. Even if Sweden does not decide to adopt the euro, the current series of notes will be due for replacement some years from now.

Moreover, when the Riksdag (Sweden's parliament) decided that Sweden would not be joining the euro area for the time being, it underscored the importance of maintaining a position whereby future participation would be feasible. This freedom of action presupposes that Tumba Bruk is capable of producing euro-standard notes.

The notes produced in the trial run are not finished articles that could be put into circulation. The Riksbank does not have any stocks of euro notes.

The number of notes in circulation in Sweden totals approximately 300 million, with an aggregate face value of about SEK 75 billion.

For further information, please contact the Cashiers' Department:
Tom Dagne, Head of Department, phone +46 8 787 00 00
Per-Olof Arevik, phone +46 8 787 00 00.