Which types of money do not meet circulation standards according to new regulations

Lawyer Nguyen Thi Thuy, YouMe Law Company Limited answers:

Article 4 of Circular No. 25/2013/TT-NHNN stipulating the collection and exchange of money that does not meet circulation standards is amended and supplemented by Article 2 of Circular No. 16/2026/TT-NHNN (effective from May 19, 2026) stipulating the standards for money that does not meet circulation standards as follows:

1. Money not meeting circulation standards due to circulation process (objective cause group):

a) Banknotes that have changed color, blurred images of patterns, letters, numbers; wrinkled, ripped, blurred, dirty, old; torn or pieced up that have been sealed but the banknote is still intact;

b) Metal coins are worn, rusty, partially or completely damaged with images, patterns, letters, numbers and plating on the coin.

2. Money not meeting circulation standards due to preservation process (subjective cause group):

a) Paper money is punctured, partially torn; money is sealed; burned or deformed due to contact with high heat sources; printed paper, colors, and safety technical characteristics of the coin are changed due to the impact of chemicals (such as detergents, acids, corrosives...); writing, drawing, erasing; the coin is rotten or deformed for other reasons but not due to acts of destruction;

b) Metal money is bent, deformed, changes in shape, design image due to the impact of external force or high temperature; corroded due to contact with chemicals.

Thus, from May 19, 2026, the type of money that does not meet circulation standards is determined according to the above standards.