Protection against counterfeiting: medals and tokens similar to euro coins

PURPOSE : to regulate the use of the terms "euro", "eurocent" and the "euro

symbol" and to establish a level playing field for the production of medals

and tokens.

LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Regulation 2182/2004/EC concerning medals and tokens similar to euro coins.

CONTENT : Commission Recommendation 2002/664/EC of 19 August 2002 concerning medals and tokens similar to the euro coins recommended that certain visual characteristics should be avoided in the sale and production, stocking, importation and distribution, for sale or for other commercial purposes, of medals and tokens whose size is close to that of euro coins.

Citizens may be led to believe that medals and tokens bearing the terms ‘euro' or ‘euro cent', the euro symbol, or a design similar to that which appears on the common face or on any of the national sides of the euro coins, have legal-tender status in any of the Member States that have adopted the euro, or in a participating third country.

There is an increasing risk that medals and tokens having a size and metal properties similar to euro coins may be unlawfully used in the place of euro coins.

Consequently, this Regulation stipulates that medals and tokens having visual characteristics, size or metal properties which are similar to euro coins should not be sold, produced, imported or distributed for the purpose of sale or for other commercial purposes.

It is for each Member State to introduce applicable sanctions for infringements, with a view to achieving an equivalent protection of the euro against similar medals and tokens throughout the Community.

ENTRY INTO FORCE : 21/12/2004.