Home › Circulars › RBI/2009-10/223

UCBs: Emboss Locker Keys with Bank/Branch ID Code

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2009-10/223 · issued 16 Nov 2009 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI directs Urban Co-operative Banks to emboss locker keys with the bank/branch identification code. For existing lockers, do this when customers visit; for new lockers, do it at installation. Involve vendors and ensure customer presence during embossing.

What changed

RBI extended earlier instructions (June 2007) on embossing locker keys with identification codes. It now allows banks to emboss keys of already-hired lockers when customers come to operate them, instead of requiring immediate compliance. New lockers must still have codes embossed at installation.

What it means for you

UCBs can phase in compliance for existing lockers, reducing operational disruption. Banks must set up embossing machinery with vendor help and contact customers to schedule embossing. This enhances traceability of locker keys for law enforcement without burdening customers.

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 Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, Branch operations teams handling safe deposit lockers, Locker hirers of UCBs

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

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

What is the identification code that must be embossed on locker keys?

The code should identify the bank and branch, as per the earlier circular. RBI does not specify a format in this circular, so banks should use their existing branch code or a unique identifier.

Can we emboss keys of existing lockers immediately?

No, RBI suggests doing it when the customer visits to operate the locker. You can also contact them telephonically or by post to arrange a visit. Do not emboss without the hirer present.

What if a customer refuses to have their key embossed?

RBI does not address refusal. Banks should encourage compliance by explaining the security and legal benefits. If issues arise, consult your regional office.

📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #1784: UBD.CO.BPD.(PCB).Cir.No.22/12.05.001/2009-10 — "Extension of Safe Deposit Locker / Safe Custody Article Facility and Access to Safe Deposit Lockers / Return o”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2009-10/223 UBD.CO.BPD. (PCB). Cir. No. 22/12.05.001/2009-10 November 16, 2009 Chief Executive Officer All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks Madam/Dear Sir Extension of Safe Deposit Locker/Safe Custody Article Facility and Access to Safe Deposit Lockers/Return of Safe Custody Articles by banks – Urban Co-operative Banks Please refer to paragraph No. 5 of our circular UBD.CO. BPD. No. 47/12.05.001/2006-07 dated June 21, 2007 on the captioned subject wherein banks were advised to ensure that Identification Code of the bank/branch is embossed on all the locker keys with a view to facilitate Authorities in identifying the ownership of the locker keys. Considering the practical difficulties in complying with the instruction in respect of the keys of already hired out lockers, it is suggested that locker keys could be embossed with Identification Code whenever a party comes to the bank to operate the locker. The parties could also be contacted telephonically or through post for this purpose. However, Identification Code should be embossed on keys of new lockers to be installed in future. 2. Banks are, therefore, advised to issue necessary instructions to branches to introduce a system whereby the locker keys could be embossed with the Identification Code of the bank/branch as and when the customer visits the branch for operating the locker. An arrangement for installation of necessary machinery at the branches with the help of the vendor company of the locker cabinet may be made for this purpose. The branches concerned may advise all the locker hirers about the embossing of the locker keys. It may also be ensured that the Identification Code is embossed on the locker keys in the presence of the locker hirer only. 3. Please acknowledge receipt to the Regional Office concerned. Yours faithfully, (A. K. Khound) Chief General Manager-in-Charge
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2009-10/223 · issued 16 Nov 2009. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=5371&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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