Some Hryvnias May Not Be Accepted in Stores in Ukraine

In Ukraine, banks, stores, and other legal entities have the right to refuse to accept certain banknotes of the hryvnia, and this is done on legal grounds. According to current regulations, institutions may refuse to accept damaged banknotes.

This is reported by AgroReview

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) states that this refers to banknotes that have been damaged by fire, water, various liquids, or chemicals. Refusal to accept may also apply to banknotes whose area during processing is reduced to less than 55% of the original area – this particularly concerns cases where a significant part of the banknote has been torn off.

In addition, banknotes contaminated with chemical, radioactive substances, or toxic organic compounds that may pose a health risk may not be accepted.

“The territorial units of the National Bank exchange genuine banknotes contaminated with chemical and radioactive substances, or any toxic organic materials, only if there is a document regarding the disinfection and/or decontamination of the banknotes provided by the institution (person) entrusted with these functions according to Ukrainian legislation,” the NBU noted.

Which Hryvnias Will Be Accepted Without Restrictions

At the same time, it is clarified that if damaged hryvnia banknotes “retain an intact part with an area of at least 55% of their original area,” bank tellers are obliged to accept them without restrictions. Torn or cut banknotes are also accepted if:

• both identical numbers and series are preserved;
• the total area of these parts is at least 55% of the original area of the banknote.