HomeCirculars › RBI/2006-2007/241

Clean Note Policy: Ban on Stapling and Writing on Notes

No longer current — replaced by Clean Note Policy 2025-27
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2006-2007/241 · issued 31 Jan 2007 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI directs all co-operative banks to stop stapling note packets, use paper bands instead, sort notes into re-issuable and non-issuable, issue only clean notes, and cease writing on watermark windows. Immediate compliance required.

What changed

RBI observed that banks continued stapling note packets despite prior instructions, damaging notes and reducing their lifespan. Banks also failed to sort notes and wrote on watermark windows. The directive now mandates immediate cessation of stapling, use of paper bands, sorting of notes, and a ban on any writing on watermark windows.

What it means for you

Banks must overhaul cash handling processes to eliminate stapling, which harms note quality and customer experience. Sorting notes into re-issuable and non-issuable categories ensures only clean notes reach the public, reducing soiled note circulation. Stopping writing on watermark windows preserves note integrity and aids recognition. Non-compliance could invite regulatory action under the Banking Regulation Act.

Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.

What banks were required to do at the time

Who it affects

All State Co-operative Banks, District Central Co-operative Banks, Currency Chests, Bank cash management and teller staff

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

Why is stapling note packets banned?

Stapling damages notes, reduces their lifespan, and makes it hard for customers to open packets easily. RBI mandates paper bands as a safer alternative.

What should we do with soiled notes?

Sort them as non-issuable, keep them unstapled, and tender them to RBI through Currency Chests in inward remittances.

Does this apply to all note packets?

Yes, the directive covers fresh, re-issuable, and non-issuable note packets. All must be secured with paper bands, not staples.

📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Superseded by Clean Note Policy 2025-27
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2006-2007/241 RPCD.CO.RF.BC No.43/ 07.38.03/2006-07 January 31, 2007 All State Co-operative Banks/ District Central Co-operative Banks Dear Sir Clean Note Policy - Stapling of Note Packets It is observed that despite instructions issued by the Reserve bank of India, banks still continue to follow the practice of stapling of note packets. This practice, apart from damaging notes, reduces the life span of notes and renders it difficult for customers to open note packets easily. 2. It is also observed that banks do not sort notes into re-issuables and non-issuables and issue soiled notes to the public. Banks also continue to follow the practice of writing number of note pieces in loose packets on watermark window of notes, which disfigures the water mark impression and renders it difficult for easy recognition. 3. It has, therefore, been decided that hereinafter and with immediate effect : a. banks should do away with stapling of any note packets and instead secure them with paper bands, b. banks should sort notes into re-issuables and non-issuables, and issue only clean notes to public. Soiled notes in unstapled condition may be tendered at the Reserve Bank in inward remittances through Currency Chests; and, c. banks should forthwith stop writing of any kind on watermark window of bank notes. 4. Accordingly, our Directive RPCD CO.RF.Dir. No.44/07.38.03/2006-07 dated January 31, 2007 is enclosed. 5. Please acknowledge receipt to the Regional Office concerned. Yours faithfully, (C.S.Murthy) Chief General Manager-in-Charge RPCD.CO.RF.Dir. No.44/07.38.03/2006-07 January 31, 2007 Clean Note Policy - Stapling of Note Packets In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Reserve Bank of India being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in public interest so to do, hereby directs that hereinafter and with immediate effect; i. Banks shall do away with stapling of fresh / re-issuable / non-issuable note packets and instead secure them with paper bands. ii. Banks shall sort notes into issuables and non-issuables, and issue only clean notes to public. Banks shall tender soiled notes in unstapled condition to Reserve Bank of India in inward remittances through Currency Chests. iii. Banks shall forthwith stop writing of any kind on watermark window of bank notes. (V.S.Das) Executive Director
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2006-2007/241 · issued 31 Jan 2007. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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Topics: Co-operative Banks
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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=3259&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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