STANDARD 3.1 - Automated Processing of Vouchers (Debits)

Standard

STANDARD 3.1 AUTOMATED PROCESSING OF VOUCHERS Debits

COPYRIGHT Copyright in this document lies with Cheque and Credit Clearing Company Limited. Without the express written permission of Cheque and Credit Clearing Limited, it must not be: 1) 2) as is 3)

altered or amended in any way; copied or reproduced in whole or in part in paper form, electronically or otherwise (other than reasonably necessary for the application of this standard by the purchaser); re-sold in whole or in part.

Copies of this standard are available exclusively from: The Standards Administrator Cheque and Credit Clearing Company Limited

2 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1YN Telephone: Facsimile:

020 3217 8200 020 7488 4232

(International: + 44 (0)20 3217 8200) (International: + 44 (0)20 7488 4232)

STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

CONTENTS

PAGE: 1 1 April 2012

FOREWORD

5

1

INTRODUCTION

7

1.1

C&CCC Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme (CPAS)

7

1.2

Image Processing

7

1.3

Pira/C&CCC Non-Impact Print Research Results

8

1.4

C&CCC Best Practice Guidelines (BPG)

8

1.4.1

For Users of Company Cheques

8

1.4.2

For Companies Using Computer Printers to Infill Cheques

8

1.4.3

For Companies Wishing to Personalise Cheques Including the MICR Code Line 8

2

CHEQUE LAYOUT

9

2.1

Main Elements of Design of Cheques

9

2.2

Cheque Dimensions, Reference Edges and Tolerances

10

2.2.1

Cheque dimensions

10

2.2.2

Reference Edges as Basis for Measurements

10

2.2.3

Tolerances

10

2.3

Types of Cheques

10

2.3.1

Personal Cheques

10

2.3.2

Business Cheques

11

2.3.2.1 Bank Standard Business Cheques

11

2.3.2.2 Bespoke Business Cheques

11

2.3.3

Corporate Cheques

11

2.3.4

Bankers Payments and Drafts

11

2.3.5

Dividends and Interest Warrants

11

2.3.6

Travellers Cheques

11

2.3.7

Cheques in Datamailers

11

2.3.8

Postal Orders

11

2.4

CLEAR BAND

11

2.4.1

Watermarked CBS1 paper

12

2.4.2

Background printing

12

2.4.3

Printing in the Clear Band

12

2.5

Restraint Area

12

2.5.1

Amount Box (Mandatory)

13

2.5.2

£ Symbol (Mandatory)

13

2.5.3

Account Name Personalisation

13

2.5.4

Signature Area

14

2.5.5

Date line within Restraint Area

14

2.5.6

Sorting Code Number (mandatory)

14

2.5.7

Transaction Code (optional)

14

2.5.8

Serial Number and Account Number (Both Optional)

15

2.5.8.1 Serial Number

15

2.5.8.2 Account Number

15

C&CCC

© Cheque and Credit Clearing Company Limited

STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

CONTENTS


2.6

Body of the Cheque

16

2.6.1

Drawee Bank Name (Bank to be Debited), Branch Title and Address

16

2.6.2

Payee Name field

16

2.6.3

Amount in Words

17

2.6.4

Customer Name

17

2.6.5

Date outside the Restraint Area

17

2.6.6

Crossing (Optional but Recommended)

18

2.7

Permitted Variations

18

2.7.1

Bank Internal Code

18

2.7.2

Letter "R" to Indicate Receipt

18

2.7.3

Printing for Window Envelopes

18

2.7.4

Use of Welsh or Gaelic, etc. on cheques

18

2.8

Reverse of Cheque

19

2.9

Cheques in Data-mailers

19

2.10

Hologram on Cheques (Optional)

19

2.10.1 Characteristics of the Hologram

20

2.10.2 Approved Hologram Appliers

20

2.11

Bar Codes (Optional)

20

3

PRINTING CHEQUES

21

3.1

Paper

21

3.1.1

Watermarked Paper

21

3.2

Security Inks

21

3.3

Identification of CPAS Printer

21

3.3.1

Identification Options

21

3.4

Image Requirements

22

3.5

OCR-B Printing

22

3.6

Printing on the Reverse of the Cheque

22

3.7

Cheques for Machine Printing

22

3.7.1

Cut Sheet "Letter Cheques"

22

3.7.2

Continuous Cheques

22

3.8

Perforations and Trimming

23

3.8.1

Continuous Stationery

23

3.8.2

Cut Sheet

23

3.8.3

Tear-off Vouchers

23

3.8.4

Perforations, Attachments and Adhesions

23

3.9

Sundry Cheque Types

24

3.9.1

Promotional Cheques

24

3.9.2

Travellers' Cheques

24

3.9.3

Other Vouchers

24

3.10

Letter Cheques

24

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CONTENTS


4

MICR ENCODING

4.1

Layout Regulations

4.1.1

Font to be used

4.1.2

Ink to be used

4.1.3

Code Line Position and Tolerances

4.1.4

Spacing Between Adjacent Fields

4.1.5

Field Separators

4.2

Layout Specification

4.2.1

Amount Field

4.2.2

Transaction Code Field

4.2.3

Account Number Field

4.2.4

Sorting Code Field

4.2.5

Reference Field

4.3

Regulations for Code Line Encoding

4.3.1

Cheques

4.3.2

Reimbursement Claim Forms or Vouchers

4.3.3

Agents Claim Voucher (used by some Scottish banks)

4.3.4

Unpaid Claim Advice form

25 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 28 28 28 28 28

4.3.5

Travellers’ Cheques

28

5

DATA-MAILERS

29

6

COMPLETION (INFILLING) OF CHEQUES

30

6.1

Computer Printers

30

6.1.1

Impact Printers

30

6.1.2

Non-impact Printers

30

6.1.2.1 Inkjet

30

6.1.2.2 Laser

30

6.2

Font Size and Type

30

6.3

Typewriters

30

6.4

Hand-written Cheques

30

6.5

Fields to be infilled

31

6.5.1

Payee Name

31

6.5.2

Amount in Words

31

6.5.3

Amount in Figures

31

6.6

Corporate Cheques where Funds Originate from Personal Accounts

31

6.7

Cheques in Data-Mailers

31

6.8

Letter Cheque or Remittance Advice with attached Cheque

31

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CONTENTS


FIGURES Figure 1: Restraint area for Personal and Corporate Cheques Figure 2: 61/8" x 3" Personal Cheque Figure 3: 8" x 3½" Corporate Cheque Figure 4a: 8" x 4" Corporate Cheque Figure 4b: 8" x 4" Corporate Cheque for Computer Printing Figure 5: MICR Code Line Positions Figure 6: Reverse of Cheque Figure 7: Personal Cheque Completed at Point of Sale Figure 8: 8" x 4" Advice of Sterling Unpaid Item

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

APPENDICES A. EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROVISIONS OF STANDARD 3.1 A.1 ALLIANCE & LEICESTER A.2 BANK OF ENGLAND A.3 BANK OF SCOTLAND A.4 BARCLAYS BANK A.5 CLYDESDALE BANK A.6 CO-OPERATIVE BANK A.7 HSBC BANK A.8 LLOYDS/TSB BANK A.9 NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK A.10 NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY A.11 ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND A.12 SANTANDER

41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 42 42 42

B.

EURO DENOMINATED CHEQUES

42

43

B.1 INTRODUCTION B.2 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES B.3 DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS B.4 INK COLOUR B.5 FIGURES B.6 COUNTRY IN WHICH PAYABLE Figure B1: Restraint area for Personal and Corporate Cheques Figure B2: 61/8” x 3” Personal Cheque Figure B4b: 8” x 4” Corporate Cheque for Computer Printing Figure B9: Euro Unpaid Voucher

43 43 43 44 44 44 45 46 47 48

GLOSSARY

49

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FOREWORD


FOREWORD Standard 3, comprising Standards 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5, (Note: 3.4 and 3.5 are restricted issue available only to Accredited Printers and Member banks) has been developed to facilitate the automation of the clearing process for both debit and credit vouchers, and for this reason banks will want to ensure the greatest degree of compliance with the specifications laid down. Designers of vouchers are reminded of the need to seek the advice of their bankers. Where vouchers are presented for clearing which do not conform to the relevant standard, then banks may find it necessary to subject such vouchers to special clearing procedures and charge accordingly. Rules for the Automated Debit Clearing – Clearing Articles (Reproduced below) Sterling Debit Clearing Articles “Articles to be passed through the Automated Sterling Debit clearing shall be subject to approval by the Cheque & Credit Clearing Company Limited Board who shall consider their suitability, with reference to the technical standards currently in force, and to any other requirements prescribed from time to time regarding the size, shape and form of the cheque and the materials used in its production. Approved articles are referred to in these rules as cheques and include: 1

All cheques drawn on a branch or office of a Scheme Member (except those excluded – Cheques Excluded from the Clearing).

2

All cheques drawn on or payable by non-Members which maintain either a debit or full agency with a Scheme Member. These cheques must bear a sorting code number within a Scheme Member's range.”

Also included are: Unpaid Claim Vouchers, (see C&CCC Standard 3.1 clause 4.3.4) Bankers Payments, (see clause 2.3.4) Reimbursement Claim Forms or Vouchers, (seeclause 4.3.2) Agents Claim Voucher, which may be inserted in the English Clearing by some Scottish banks. (see clause 4.3.3). Travellers’ cheques (see clause 4.3.5) C&CCC Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme (CPAS) All cheques must be printed by a printer accredited under the C&CCC Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme. Metric Measurements Most of the measurements given in this standard are derived from equipment manufactured to an imperial design, and were thus themselves originally quoted in imperial units. The necessary accuracy in metric units can often only be obtained with an unwieldy number of significant digits. If this is not done then there is some loss of accuracy, particularly when a single measurement is continually multiplied, e.g. E-13B character spacing. To enable the necessary accuracy to be retained, and to provide simplicity for a clear understanding of the measurement calculations (particularly in relation to tolerance specifications), the practice of quoting all measurements in the base in which they were originally established, and are commonly used, has been adopted.

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STANDARD 3.1

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FOREWORD


Metric alternatives to imperial measurements are given (in brackets); imperial alternatives to metric measurements, being unnecessary, generally not. Metric equivalents are normally given to the nearest millimetre. In some cases, particularly for small measurements, this is insufficient in which case more significant digits are quoted for greater precision. Readers are reminded that dimensions must be taken from the text and not measured off the Figures. Tolerances are specified but these are not cumulative, see clause 2.2.3 for more details.

Version Control Sheet: Revision

Version

Author

Summary of Changes

September 2011

6.0

C&CCC

Administrative Update to previous version

April 2012

7.0

C&CCC

Amendment to section 2.6.1

Date

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STANDARD 3.1

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PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1


INTRODUCTION

All debit vouchers presented to the clearing banks must conform to the Standards laid down in this STANDARD. Customers must refer their proposed designs to their clearing bank (i.e. a settlement member of the Cheque & Credit Clearing Company or their nominated supplier) for approval before issuing vouchers for use. This standard is split to make it easier for the various categories of readers to find the information relevant to their business. It is intended that the main audience for each Part will be: Cheque designers – Parts 1, 2 and 3 Cheque printers – Parts 1, 2 , 3 and 4 1.1

C&CCC Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme (CPAS)

All cheques which are likely to be cleared through the GB automated cheque clearing must be printed (manufactured) by a cheque printer accredited under the C&CCC CPAS scheme. CPAS printers are regularly inspected to ensure that their premises, procedures and systems meet security requirements necessary for the production of security documents such as cheques and that they can produce cheques that meet the requirements of this standard. A full list of CPAS printers is available via www.chequeandcredit,co.uk or from the Cheque & Credit Clearing Company – telephone 020 3217 8279; fax 020 7488 3397; e-mail [email protected] 1.2

Image Processing

Image capture technology is used by the majority of cheque processors to improve the automation of cheque processing and keep an audit trail of items passing through the clearing system. This electronic imaging of cheques places specific requirements on the overall design of documents. The use of documents properly designed for image processing ensures that all essential information is captured by the imaging process, that the images are useable and legible, and that the file sizes of images are small enough to be stored and moved in a cost efficient manner. All devices used for cheque image capture, whether they are high-or low-speed reader/sorters, work to the same standards although there are minor differences between individual image capture systems. Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) is used to read the amount in figures written or printed in the amount box on a cheque, hence the need for the amount box to be of a fixed size and in one of two locations. To ensure that all cheques can be successfully captured by image systems, care must be taken with the depth of shade, or colour of the ink used in the printing process. All information that needs to be retained, be it printed on the original cheque, hand written, stamped or machine printed, must be printed in a colour which provides sufficient contrast with the background to be clearly "seen" by the image capture system. Boxes or lines around the area where the amount in figures is entered on a cheque can create recognition problems for ICR and hence any borders to the amount box must be printed in such a way that they "drop out" and are not "seen" by the image capture system.

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PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1.3


Pira/C&CCC Non-Impact Print Research Results

The Cheque and Credit Clearing Company (C&CCC) commissions Pira International (“Pira”) to carry out tests of various non-impact printers to examine the mechanical removal of print on various types of cheque paper. This work is commissioned at the request of C&CCC Members for their own business use and that of C&CCC. It is not intended to be a comprehensive examination of all aspects of all known printers. Only the identities of those non-impact printers, and in the case of a laser printer the recommended toner, which pass the Pira tests are published. Whilst it is impossible for any printer to produce print which cannot be removed, printers on the Pira/C&CCC list can produce print which is difficult to remove without leaving tell-tale signs. However these printers will only produce good results if they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and that the advice given in the C&CCC Best Practice Guidelines (see clause 1.4 below) is followed. The latest version of the Pira/C&CCC list can be obtained via www.chequeandcredit.co.uk or from Cheque & Credit Clearing Company – telephone; 020 3217 8279; fax 020 7488 3397; e-mail [email protected] 1.4

C&CCC Best Practice Guidelines (BPG)

Copies of the guidelines are available from Cheque & Credit Clearing Company – telephone 020 3217 8279; fax 020 7488 3397; e-mail [email protected] or can be downloaded in PDF format from the C&CCC web site (http://www.chequeandcredit.co.uk). Details and a link for each is given below.

1.4.1

For Users of Company Cheques

This BPG provides general guidance on the ordering, storing and handling, infilling, signing and despatch by post of cheques. A copy can be downloaded via the internet from: http://www.chequeandcredit.co.uk/files/candc/cpas/ccccbpg2__using_company_cheques_safely.pdf

1.4.2

For Companies Using Computer Printers to Infill Cheques

This BPG includes important security information for ordering, storing, handling and distribution of cheques to be infilled using a computer printer. It also includes important information relating specifically to the use of laser printers. A copy can be downloaded via the internet from: http://www.chequeandcredit.co.uk/files/candc/cpas/ccccbpg2__using_company_cheques_safely.pdf

1.4.3

For Companies Wishing to Personalise Cheques Including the MICR Code Line

This BPG is intended for use by companies wishing to personalise cheques using their own computer software. Cheque Personalisation refers to the process of overprinting the security background of base stock cheque paper with the cheque skeleton and other personalisation details, including completing the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Code Line. A copy can be downloaded via the internet from: http://www.chequeandcredit.co.uk/files/candc/cpas/ccccbpg1__personalising_company_cheques.pdf

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STANDARD 3.1

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PART 2: CHEQUE LAYOUT 2


CHEQUE LAYOUT

This section covers the basic structure of a cheque:

2.1

Subject

Reference

Main elements of design of cheques

Clause 2.1

Cheque dimensions, reference edges and tolerances

Clause 2.2

Types of cheques

Clause 2.3

Clear Band

Clause 2.4

Restraint Area

Clause 2.5

Body of the cheque

Clause 2.6

Permitted variations

Clause 2.7

Reverse of the cheque

Clause 2.8

Cheques in datamailers

Clause 2.9

Holograms on cheques

Clause 2.10

Bar codes

Clause 2.11

Main Elements of Design of Cheques

For the purposes of this Standard a cheque is divided into three areas: i)

the Clear Band which is the 5/8" (16mm) strip along the bottom of the cheque which contains the MICR code line, see clause 2.4

ii)

the Restraint Area which is the right hand 2" (51mm) above the Clear Band, see clause 2.5

iii)

the Body of the Cheque, see clause 2.6, which is the rest of the cheque above the Clear Band and to the left of the Restraint Area.

Within the above areas there are a number of fields which provide for fixed and variable information. Except where specifically stated, the dimensions and position of the fields are dependent on the amount of information to be entered, the size of the cheque and the overall layout rules. Fixed fields are: within the Restraint Area: Amount Box, see clause 2.5.1 £ Symbol, see clause 2.5.2 Account name personalisation, see clause 2.5.3 Signature area, see clause 2.5.4 Date, see clause 2.5.5 Sorting Code number, see clause 2.5.6 Transaction Code, see clause 2.5.7 Serial number, see clause 2.5.8.1 Account number, see clause 2.5.8.2

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PART 2: CHEQUE LAYOUT


within the Body of the cheque: Drawee Bank and Branch name and address, see clause 2.6.1 variable areas are all within the Body of the Cheque and are: Customer Name, see clause 2.6.4 Date (outside the Restraint Area), see clause 2.6.5 Payee name, see clause 0 Amount in Words, see clause 2.6.3 Crossing, see clause 2.6.6 For purposes of Clauses 2.5 through 2.9, cheques with a height of less than 3½" (89mm) are defined in this Standard as "Personal Cheques". Those with a height of 3½" (89mm) or more

are known as "Corporate Cheques". 2.2

Cheque Dimensions, Reference Edges and Tolerances

2.2.1

Cheque dimensions

The maximum and minimum dimensions are specified below. Cheques with a length to depth ratio of greater than 2.4 : 1 should not be used, i.e. long thin cheques are not acceptable. Length

Depth

Maximum

8.27 inches (210mm) x

4 inches (102mm)

Minimum

61/8 inches (156mm) x

27/8 inches (73mm)

2.2.2

Reference Edges as Basis for Measurements

All horizontal dimensions are measured from the right-hand edge of the trimmed voucher which is known as the Vertical Reference Edge (VRE). All vertical dimensions are measured from the bottom edge of the trimmed voucher which is known as the Bottom Reference Edge (BRE).

2.2.3

Tolerances

The measurements given in this Standard for the various elements in the design of a voucher are the nominal dimensions and locations. It is accepted that it is not possible to maintain position absolutely during printing and therefore the following tolerances relative to the nominal location of each field are acceptable: ±1/16" (1.6mm) vertically and ±1/20" (1.3mm) horizontally. Reliance on the use of printing tolerances to make undersized or oversized features or mandatory element positions from the Reference Edges or from each other, is not acceptable practice. 2.3

Types of Cheques

2.3.1

Personal Cheques

Personal cheques are those cheques which are typically 61/8" (156mm) long x 27/8" (73mm) or 3" (76mm) deep.

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STANDARD 3.1

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2.3.2

Business Cheques

2.3.2.1

Bank Standard Business Cheques

Bank Standard Business cheques are normally less than maximum size and are typically 6½" (165mm) long x 3½" (89mm) deep.

2.3.2.2

Bespoke Business Cheques

These may be of any size within the limits set out in Clause 2.2.1 above. Typically though, these cheques are between 6½" (165mm) and 8.27 inches (210mm) long and 3½" (89mm) to the maximum 4" (102mm) deep.

2.3.3

Corporate Cheques

For the purpose of this standard, Corporate Cheques are defined as cheques which are 3½" (89mm) or more deep. Many Business Cheques will fall into this category.

2.3.4


Bankers Payments and Drafts must be the size of Corporate Cheques, i.e. 3½" or more in height. The amount box must be in the alternative, higher, position. The voucher should conform as far as possible to the requirements for cheques. Additional security features may be added.

2.3.5

Dividends and Interest Warrants

Dividends and Interest Warrants must have the same design layout and security characteristics as cheques.

2.3.6

Travellers Cheques

Sterling travellers’ cheques are to follow the general design guidelines as far as is possible within the constraints of the issuer's overall corporate design. As an amount interpretation code is included in the serial number field of the MICR code line (see clause 4.3.5) the amount box does not have to conform to the normal amount box specification for cheques.

2.3.7

Cheques in Datamailers

Cheques in datamailers are standard cheques, normally corporate sized, but with special coatings on the surface of the cheque in the areas for infilling with matching positions on the inside of the mailer. When infilled on an impact printer the two coatings interact to create visible and indelible infilling on the cheque. For details see Part 5.

2.3.8

Postal Orders

Postal Orders are fully compliant with C&CCC Standard 3.1 and have the same design layout and security characteristics as cheques. 2.4

CLEAR BAND

Only the MICR code line, and any background printing in accordance with Clause 2.4.2, is allowed to be printed within the Clear Band area. All debit vouchers are to contain a clear band, preferably white, and located a)

Vertically, of height 5/8" (16mm) measured from the Bottom Reference Edge (BRE) and,

b)

Horizontally, the whole length - from the right-hand [Vertical Reference Edge (VRE)] to the left-hand edge - of the voucher.

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STANDARD 3.1

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2.4.1


Watermarked CBS1 paper

Watermarked paper is acceptable provided that the watermark conforms to the requirements (see Standard 3.5). If the watermark is of an overall design then the background security print is not to extend into the code line area. This is so that the watermark can easily be seen when held up to the light. Where the watermark is in register with the printing, i.e. where there is no watermark in the Clear Band, then there must be an unprinted area of the cheque outside the security tablet where the watermark can be viewed when held up to the light.

2.4.2

Background printing

A background tint or pastel shade, with an Average Background Reflectance (ABR) of greater than 60% may be used in the Clear Band area if the paper is not watermarked or if the watermark is in register with the background security panel and does not appear in the Clear Band.

2.4.3

Printing in the Clear Band

Nothing is to be printed at any time on the face or on the reverse of the voucher in the Clear Band area, other than an approved standard code line on the face only,or background printing as specified in 2.4.2. Gauge marks for cutting may appear only above the Clear Band or on the counterfoil. The Clear Band may be indicated by a horizontal line (the Clear Band Divider) with a width of 1/50" (0.5mm) to 1/25" (1mm), across the face of the voucher, at least 5/8" (16mm) from the BRE. This divider is not be joined to any other line or text. Any wording such as "Please do not write below this line or fold this voucher" may be added but is to be above the Clear Band. If there is any printing on the reverse of the voucher, then a Clear Band divider may be printed on the reverse. The Clear Band divider must not be printed in magnetic ink. Where non-impact printing using magnetic "ink" toner is used then no Clear Band divider line is to be printed in magnetic "ink" because of the potential for displaced toner particles affecting the subsequent code line reading process. 2.5

Restraint Area

This is an imaginary rectangle on the right hand side of the voucher in which only those items specified in this Standard are permitted. Strong design features are not permitted in the Restraint Area especially in the top right hand corner. Only the specified contents and background design may extend within the Restraint Area. The left hand boundary of the Restraint Area is positioned 2" (51mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge of the voucher; the right hand boundary is the Vertical Reference Edge of the voucher. The Restraint Area extends from the Bottom Reference Edge to the top of the voucher. Within the Restraint Area the location of fields are as specified in relation to the Bottom Reference Edge. This location is fixed for the Personal Cheque, and is the preferred location for the Corporate Cheque. However, in the case of Corporate Cheques with a height of 3½" (89mm) or over, fields may be fixed at a location equal to 3/8" (10mm) further from the Bottom Reference Edge. Where this applies the alternative position of each field is given in italics. Any pre-printed characters in this area are to be printed in an ink, preferably black, giving a Print Contrast Signal (PCS) greater than 0.6 (60%). The sorting code number, optional transaction code, optional account number and optional serial number (2.5.6 to 2.5.8.2) are to be printed in characters meeting OCR B1 British Standard BS 6616:1986 specifications (see Standard 3.3, Clause 3 Print Specifications for Optical Character Recognition). The character pitch is to be nominally 1/10" (2.54mm). Note:

Any printing and the design of the cheque to the left of the Restraint Area are subject to approval by the clearing bank.

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STANDARD 3.1

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2.5.1


Amount Box (Mandatory)

The amount box area is to be 13/5" (41mm) wide and 3/8" (9.5mm) deep. The amount box is positioned within the Restraint Area with the lower edge of the box 13/8" (35mm); and the upper edge of the box 1¾" (44.5mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge of the voucher. See Figure 1. The left hand edge of the box is 14/5" (46mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge with the right hand edge of the amount box 1/5" (5mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge. This is the preferred location.

For Corporate Cheques the box may be located with its lower edge at 1¾" (44.5mm), and its upper edge at 21/8" (54mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge. The left and right hand edges are to be as specified in the previous paragraph. Note:

References to the amount box, or amount box area, and its dimensions specifically exclude any surrounding border. Any border is to be a supplementary feature to aid visual differentiation of the area for completion and is not to impinge upon the area specified for the amount box.

The minimum thickness of this border is to be 1/20" (1.3mm). The Dynamic Contrast Ratio of the border must not exceed 20% (0.20) using white or pastel shades (see Standard 3.4 Part 4, Amount Box). The low contrast border is to immediately surround the amount box area, i.e. the internal dimensions of the low contrast border, if any, are to be 13/5" (41mm) x 3/8" (9.5mm).

2.5.2

£ Symbol (Mandatory)

The £ symbol is preferably to be printed in black. Where a bank or customer wishes to use an alternative ink to black, the only permissible variations are visibly bold colours with a PCS of greater than 0.6 (60%) relative to the darkest parts of the immediately adjacent area. The £ symbol is to conform to the OCR-B character style with a height of 4mm and is to appear, within the Restraint Area, outside the amount box to the left of and centred vertically on the box. The space between the right hand edge of the £ symbol and the left hand edge of the amount box area is to be no greater than 1/25" (1mm). The £ symbol will thus be partially within the left hand vertical border, if present, or no more than 1/25" (1mm) to the left of the left hand edge of the amount box area, i.e. the measurement is to be taken from the inside of the left hand vertical border, if present, or the left hand edge of the amount box area. The right hand side of the £ sign will thus be 46.5mm from the VRE.

2.5.3

Account Name Personalisation

See Appendix A for exceptions. If within the Restraint Area the personalisation printing is to be in the space below the amount box and above the clear band. There is to be a minimum clear area of 1/8" (3.2mm) between the top of the characters forming the personalisation printing and the lower edge of the amount box area, i.e. the inside of the lower edge of the low contrast border, if present. The height of the characters is not to exceed 2/25" (2mm) (about 10pt). The personalisation data may contain or consist of the account number. Where the personalisation data is too long to fit within the Restraint Area, it may extend to the left into the body of the cheque or, with the agreement of the customer’s bank, be placed elsewhere outside the Restraint Area. For positioning see Figure 1.

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STANDARD 3.1

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2.5.4


Signature Area

The space for the signature is normally between the personalisation printing within the Restraint Area and the Clear Band. Where more than one signature is required and they cannot be accommodated comfortably in the area designated within the Restraint Area then the area for signatures may extend leftwards into the body of the cheque above the Clear Band.

2.5.5

Date line within Restraint Area

The base of the horizontal line is to be posiioned at 21/8" (54mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge of the voucher. The right hand edge of the date line is to be positioned at 1/5" (5mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge.

For Corporate Cheques the alternative location for the base of the horizontal line, if in the Restraint Area, is to be 2½" (64mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge. Where cheques are designed for completion on a computer printer then there is no need for a physical line to be printed. The word "Date" or "(Date)" to the left, inside or outside the Restraint Area, of the space in which the date is to be filled-in may be used. The serial number/account number (see clause 2.5.8) and sorting code (see clause 2.5.6) are to be positioned with successive vertical separations of ¼" (6.3mm) fixed from that of the date.

2.5.6

Sorting Code Number (mandatory)

The Sorting Code Number must be printed, with a PCS of greater than 0.6 (60%), within the Restraint Area, in OCR-B1 font (see clause 3.5), with the base of the characters positioned 25/8" (67mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge of the voucher and with the right hand edge of the rightmost digit of the sorting code number at 1/5" (5mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge.

For Corporate Cheques the alternative location is to be 3" (76mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge. Each pair of digits of the sorting code number is to be separated by a hyphen. The sorting code number must appear in the top position, with the serial number/account number (optional) on the next line, and the date below. The sorting code printed on the cheque is normally to be identical to the sorting code encoded in the code line. Variation between the two is possible, but the following conditions are always to apply: a)

The sorting code in the MICR line must indicate the destination for clearing purposes.

b)

The sorting code at the top of the cheque must be that of the drawee bank branch or that allocated under an agency arrangement.

c)

The first two digits of both sorting codes must come from within the range of one bank.

Note: The sorting code number must always be printed in the MICR code line (see Part 4)

2.5.7

Transaction Code (optional)

Should any bank wish to include a transaction code in the Restraint Area it must be on the same line as, and to the left of, the Sorting Code number. The left most digit of the Transaction Code, if present, is to be 14/5" (46mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge and is to be printed in OCR-B1 font (see clause 3.5).

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STANDARD 3.1

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2.5.8


Serial Number and Account Number (Both Optional)

The completion of one or both of these fields is at the option of, firstly, the bank, and secondly, the customer. If present, and within the Restraint Area, then both are to be positioned on the same line within the Restraint Area, and vertically between the date line (or where the date line would be if it were in the Restraint Area) and the sorting code number. The serial number is to be to the left of the account number. If present these fields must be printed in OCR-B1 font (see clause 3.5) with a PCS of greater than 0.6 (60%). Note:

The account number and serial number must always be printed in the MICR code line (see Part 4)

2.5.8.1

Serial Number

This is to be positioned with the base of the characters 23/8" (60mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge of the voucher and with the leftmost digit 14/5" (46mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge and on the same line as the account number. A delimiter of a colon (:) placed immediately to the right of the serial number is optional if the account number (see clause 2.5.8.2) is not shown but mandatory if both are present.

For Corporate Cheques the alternative location for this line is 2¾" (70mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge. 2.5.8.2

Account Number

This is to be positioned with the base of the characters 23/8" (60mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge of the voucher and with the right hand edge of the rightmost digit of the number at 1/5" (5mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge. Where, exceptionally, a bank prints the account number under the amount box as personalisation data this practice may continue. See clause 2.5.3 for positioning of personalisation data; also see Appendix A for exceptions.

For Corporate Cheques the alternative location for this line is 2¾" (70mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge. Summary of the base line positions (from the Bottom Reference Edge) of fields within the Restraint Area. Field

Personal Cheques

Corporate Cheques

sorting code

25/8" (67mm)

3" (76mm)

transaction code

25/8" (67mm)

3" (76mm)

account number

23/8" (60mm)

2¾" (70mm)

serial number

23/8" (60mm)

2¾" (70mm)

date

21/8" (54mm)

2½" (64mm)

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STANDARD 3.1

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2.6

Body of the Cheque

2.6.1

Drawee Bank Name (Bank to be Debited), Branch Title and Address

The Bank or Building Society name and postal address must always be shown clearly outside the Restraint Area and preferably in the top half of the voucher. The branch name is optional. Should a bank or building society use a trading name, then that trading name plus the name and address of the bank or building society must be shown. Cheques can be printed for banks, building societies, agencies of banks or building societies including (as a result of changes brought in under the Payment Services Regulations 2009)agencies which are not banks or building societies. If the item is drawn on an institution authorised to carry out payment services which is not a bank or building society (called an Authorised Payment Institution) then their name may appear on the face of the voucher. The name and address of the settlement bank MUST also be shown. In the event that it is not clear whether the institution name to be printed at the top of the cheque is a bank, a building society, an agency of a bank or building society or an Authorised Payment Institution, guidance should be sought from the settlement bank.

2.6.2

Payee Name field

The payee name field must be below drawee bank name and should preferably be above or before the amount in words (but see exception for Corporate Cheques in 2.7.3). Payee name Line Restraint: This is the right end limit of the payee line indicating the point where writing is to end. It is to be marked with a vertical line as shown: Pay________________________________________| The line restraint must be no closer than 1/10" (2.5mm) to the Restraint Area, i.e. 21/10" (53mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge. The height of the restraint line is to be between 1/ " (3.2mm) and ¼" (6.3mm). 8 Alternative methods of payee line restraint may be used but these are subject to the approval of the drawee bank. Long payee names may continue on the next line followed directly by the amount in words.

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STANDARD 3.1

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It is recommended that the legend "Pay" or "Pay to" should not be above the space for the payee name; it should be on the same line and immediately to the left of the space where the payee name is to be inserted. However if the legend is positioned above the space for the payee name then the “Pay” or “Pay to” legend must be enclosed in a small box and the payee name line replaced by a long rectangular box (see Figure 4B). Alternatively, the space to the right of the “Pay” or “Pay to” legend is to be filled with a line of asterisks or another fill character, leaving no room for the insertion of another payee name on the same line as the legend, as shown below. Pay ****************************************************************

or Pay to

The payee name line restraints and the right hand side of the boxes, and/or the rightmost fill character, are to be no closer than 21/10" (53mm) to the Vertical Reference Edge.

2.6.3

Amount in Words

The amount in words should preferably be below or following the payee name (but see exception for Corporate Cheques in 2.7.3). Lines or a box should be used to indicate the area for completion. Amount in Words Line Restraint: The right end limit of the amount in words lines indicating the point where writing is to end are to be marked with a vertical line as shown: _____________________________________________| The line restraints or the right hand side of the box are to be no closer than 21/10" (53mm) to the Vertical Reference Edge. The height of the restraint line is to be between 1/8" (3.2mm) and ¼" (6.3mm). The practice of having separate boxes to be filled with values "ZERO" to "NINE" for each digit of the amount in figures is not recommended and is to be discouraged. The word "NIL" should be avoided because it is comparatively easy to change it into "NINE". It is recommended that the amount in words be spelt out in full. See C&CCC Best Practice Guidelines for Users of Company Cheques, see clause 1.4.1 for details of how to obtain copies.

2.6.4

Customer Name

The customer name and/or logo, if printed, is to be at the top of the voucher outside the Restraint Area. It is not to detract from the ease with which the drawee bank name and branch title, the sorting code number and bank internal code (see clause 2.7.1), if any, can be read.

2.6.5

Date outside the Restraint Area

It is permissible, with the approval of the customer's clearing bank, for the date field to be outside the Restraint Area, e.g. to the left of the payee name.

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STANDARD 3.1

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2.6.6


Crossing (Optional but Recommended)

Any crossing must consist of two parallel lines, printed bolder than any adjacent lines on the voucher, placed vertically or diagonally across the centre of the cheque and may incorporate a band of distinctive colour or shade. The crossing is not to extend into the clear band. Customers wishing to use a crossing less than 1¼" (32mm) in length or 2/5" (10mm) in width must first obtain approval from their clearing bank. Any wording associated with the crossing is to be placed between the parallel lines. 2.7

Permitted Variations

See Appendix A for the exceptions which apply to the cheques of each bank. Other variations may be permitted, but prior approval of the customer's clearing bank is to be sought. Permitted printed additions are subject to the conditions listed below. Any other variations must have prior approval from the customer's clearing bank which must notify C&CCC.

2.7.1

Bank Internal Code

Any bank internal code must be in or near the top left hand corner of the voucher but see Appendix A for exceptions.

2.7.2

Letter "R" to Indicate Receipt

If printed this is to be in bold, heavy type at least ½" (13mm) high and shown immediately to the left of the £ symbol (see clause 2.5.2) but outside the Restraint Area, i.e. no closer than 23/10" (53mm) to the VRE. Note:

Individual clearing banks may require a marginally larger size and liaison with the bank is most important.

2.7.3

Printing for Window Envelopes

If the name and address need to be printed to enable a window envelope to be used then the payee/addressee name should be printed in an area which will conform to the Post Office Regulations for the use of window envelopes. This information may be encompassed by markings to assist alignment but must not be in the Clear Band Area. The payee's name must also be printed separately and above the name and address area. In all cases the payee is to be clearly identified as such. Neither the payee name nor the words "Pay" or "Pay to" are to be visible in the window of the envelope as this would make it obvious that the envelope contains a cheque. The amount in figures must be in one of the two amount box positions; the amount in words may need to be printed on a different line. In the case of Corporate Cheques, it is acceptable for the payee name to follow or be below the amount in words.

2.7.4

Use of Welsh or Gaelic, etc. on cheques

The name and address of the bank/branch is provided on a cheque so that the payee can know where to go to determine the fate of the cheque and for the convenience of bank staff so that should the cheque fail to be processed automatically it can still be processed efficiently. Thus the use of "foreign" languages on cheques is to be limited to duplicating the information shown in English.

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STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

PART 2: CHEQUE LAYOUT 2.8


Reverse of Cheque

The reverse of the item must be kept free of any printing unless it has been agreed by the customer's clearing bank. In agreeing the positioning of any printing attention is drawn to restrictions in the following areas: a)

Behind the Clear Band

There must be no printing behind the Clear Band Area (see clause 2.4) b)

Endorsement position

The area on the bottom left hand corner measuring 13/10" (33mm) vertically up from the Bottom Reference Edge, and 3½" (89mm) from the left hand edge (Vertical Reference Edge) must be kept clear of all print or dark colours to enable the out clearing bank's endorsement to be read (see Figure 6). c)

Carbon strip

On cheques which are to be used with a backing ledger sheet where the date, payee name and amount in figures are on a single line, a carbon strip may be printed across the back of the cheque. 2.9

Cheques in Data-mailers

See Part 5. 2.10

Hologram on Cheques (Optional)

Customers wishing to use cheques incorporating holograms, will require approval of their cheques by their Clearing bank who will check that: i)

the hologram attachment meets the required characteristics as specified in 2.10.1.

ii)

the hologram has been applied by a C&CCC Approved Hologram Applier or by a C&CCC approved attaching device supplied directly to a bank customer who wishes to perform their own attaching process.

The assessment of the value of the hologram as a security device is a matter for the judgement of the issuing bank and its customer.

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STANDARD 3.1

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2.10.1


Characteristics of the Hologram

Location (see Figure 4A) The hologram, if present, is to be located in the top left hand corner of the cheque, positioned no nearer than 1/8" (3.2mm) from the adjacent top and left hand edges of the cheque and no further than 1¼" (32mm) from those edges. Size and Shape The hologram is to be no greater than 1"x 1", and preferably circular, rectangular or square in shape. Thickness Holograms should be applied by hot stamping or similar process. There should be no evidence of embossment, and never greater than 5 microns for the transferred layer. The process of application should leave no evidence of distortion of the paper. Design Combinations of printed and holographic designs are permitted if in the perception of the customer this will enhance the security of the cheque. For the same reason, the hologram image itself may be of the form of a registered or non registered security design. The levels of precision, clarity and distinctive and recognisable optically variable shifts within the hologram are by agreement between the customer and the applier.

2.10.2

Approved Hologram Appliers

The Hologram Appliers which have passed the tests defined in this Standard are included in the list of C&CCC CPAS printers. This is available via www.chequeandcredit.co.uk or from Cheque & Credit Clearing Company – telephone; 020 3217 8279; fax 020 7488 3397; e-mail [email protected]

2.11

Bar Codes (Optional)

A bar code may be printed on a cheque, other than in the Restraint Area or Clear Band, provided that it does not interfere with processing. It must be no larger than 1½" (38mm) long by 1" (25mm) high. It is recommended that any bar code appears in the position occupied by the hologram as this should minimise the likelihood of it being overprinted with a crossing stamp. Any other position must be agreed with the customer's clearing bank. C&CCC Standard 49, Machine Readable Data on Cheques, refers and is available from: The Standards Administrator, C&CCC. See inside of front cover for contact details.

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STANDARD 3.1

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PART 3: PRINTING CHEQUES 3


PRINTING CHEQUES

This Part is primarily for cheque printers and cheque designers. 3.1

Paper

Paper conforming to the CBS1 specification must be used (see Standard 3.5 – Access restricted to CPAS Members and Member banks only)

3.1.1

Watermarked Paper

If watermarked CBS1 paper is to be used then the front of the cheque must be printed on the "flat" side of paper. Mould made watermark paper must be registered, i.e. no part of the watermark is to appear in the clear band area. 3.2

Security Inks

These details are contained in Standard 3.4 (Security) and has “Restricted Access” to CPAS Members and Member banks only. 3.3

Identification of CPAS Printer

The name of the accredited printer must appear on the face of the cheque, in full or abbreviated form, together with the accreditation number (see below for details). This information must be printed vertically on the furthest left part of the voucher in a small but legible font. It must be clear of the Clear Band. If practical, the date, e.g. month and year, of production should also appear. The date of personalisation and, optionally, the name or initials and accreditation number of the personalisation printer, may be printed at the bottom left hand side of the cheque above the clear band (see Figures 2 to 4b). Note:

Even where an order is for unencoded base stock for a customer who will be using a C&CCC approved non-impact MICR printer to complete the cheque and the code line, the accredited cheque printer's identity must appear on the cheques. It is acceptable for the accredited cheque printer to add a code to denote that the cheque was supplied as unencoded base stock, e.g. "CPL 9599/U" or "CPL 9599/B" to denote Unencoded or Base stock.

3.3.1

Identification Options

i)

An accredited printer receives the order direct from a customer. In this case the imprint must be "name of accredited printer + accreditation number". Example: "Cheque Printers Ltd. 9599" or "CPL 9599" This applies whether the printer: a) undertakes all of the printing; b) undertakes only part of the printing, e.g. sub-contracts either the base-stock or the personalisation printing; c)

sub-contracts the whole order to another accredited printer. In this case it is optional whether the sub-contractor's identity and accreditation number appears on the cheque in addition to that of the printer who received the order.

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STANDARD 3.1

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PART 3: PRINTING CHEQUES ii)


An accredited printer receives an order from a broker or non-accredited printer. a) Where the accredited printer undertakes all of the printing the imprint must be: "name of print broker/print farmer (if required) / name of accredited printer + accreditation number". Examples: "A Broker Ltd / Cheque Printer Ltd 9599" or "A Broker Ltd / CPL 9599" b) Where the accredited printer supplies just the base stock for subsequent personalisation then the imprint must be: "name of print broker/print farmer (if required) / name of base stock accredited printer + accreditation number". Optionally, and if there is space, then the name and accreditation number of the personalisation printer may also be recorded. Example: "A Broker Ltd / Cheque Printer Ltd 9599 / Personalisation Print Ltd 9598" or "A Broker Ltd / CPL 9599 / PPL 9598".

3.4

Image Requirements

See Standard 3.4 – Restricted Access - available only to Accredited Printers and Member banks. 3.5

OCR-B Printing

OCR-B fields must be printed in accordance with OCR B1 British Standard BS 6616:1986 specifications (see Standard 3.3, Clause 3 Print Specification for Optical Character Recognition) with a nominal character pitch of 1/10" (2.54mm). It is recommended that the characters be printed in black with a PCS of 0.6 (60%) or greater. 3.6

Printing on the Reverse of the Cheque

Printing on the reverse of the cheque is allowed as specified in Clause 2.8 - Reverse of Cheque. Any other printing will require the approval of the customer's clearing bank. 3.7

Cheques for Machine Printing

These are cheques designed for printing by mechanical means, e.g. computer printer. As such the design will normally have the main fields delimited by boxes. The position of these fields is often determined by the requirements of the particular equipment or software being used.

3.7.1

Cut Sheet "Letter Cheques"

This is normally an A4 size letter cheque, i.e. remittance advice with a tear-off cheque at the bottom. The advice part would normally be approximately twice the depth of the cheque thus enabling the whole to be folded twice in order to fit a standard size envelope, one fold being on the perforation between the advice and cheque. See also 3.8.2 and Clause 3.10.

3.7.2

Continuous Cheques

These are cheques with ½" sprocket hole margins. The cheques, with or without remittance advice, must be guillotined or burst after infilling and before enveloping. The acceptable types of perforations and requirements for guillotining and side slitting or bursting are detailed in clause 3.8 but see also 3.8.1.

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STANDARD 3.1

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PART 3: PRINTING CHEQUES 3.8


Perforations and Trimming

Perforations must give a clean tear and provide adequate retention of the document. This is most easily achieved by using slit or knife perforations with 6-9 ties to the inch (25mm) and with a retaining web of approximately 30 thousandths of an inch (0.75mm). Micro perforations are also permitted.

3.8.1

Continuous Stationery

Incorrect cutting can result in the code line position (see clause 4.1.3) being moved either too far left or right of the voucher or positioned too low or high; this causes rejection of the code line information. Perforations are permissible on any edge; however, if they are on a reference edge the need for a clean tear is paramount. Before presentation to a bank all forms of sprocket holes, and pin wheel feed perforations, must be removed and all vouchers separated. a)

Separation by Guillotine Where a horizontal perforation occurs a double cut must be used giving a clean edge to both vouchers. Sufficient space will need to be allowed in the design to ensure that this does not result in the code line being positioned too low after guillotining, i.e. less than 3/16" (5mm), see clause 4.1.3

b)

Separation by Burster The horizontal perforations must be of a long slit type designed to minimise the residual webs after bursting. Cutting devices used for the removal of pin wheel feed perforations, sprocket holes, and for document separation, must allow for the correct positioning of any encoding in relation to the new reference edges of the document.

3.8.2

Cut Sheet

When the paper is in a stack there should be no increase in stack height at the area of the perforation. Printing must not infringe any perforation. A clear area of 1/16" (1.6mm) should be left each side of any perforation. Gauge marks must not encroach into the clear band area.

3.8.3

Tear-off Vouchers

It is essential to preserve the reference edges as these are used to align the document in automatic paper feed mechanisms. Thus counterfoils should be to the left of, or above, the voucher. If the counterfoil is to the right of, or below, the voucher then care must be taken to ensure that the perforations between the voucher and the counterfoil consistently result in a clean separation with minimal risk of the reference edges of the voucher being damaged.

3.8.4

Perforations, Attachments and Adhesions

The body of the voucher must not contain perforations, holes or any other incisions. No attachments or adhesions are normally permitted on vouchers presented to a clearing bank. The attachment of holograms to cheques is permitted where there is specific C&CCC approval to do so (see Standard 3.3, Clause 4).

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STANDARD 3.1

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PART 3: PRINTING CHEQUES 3.9

Sundry Cheque Types

3.9.1

Promotional Cheques


If the use of cheques for promotional purposes is proposed then the customer's bank must obtain the agreement of the Cheque & Credit Clearing Company Operational Committee to the proposed promotion before any cheques are printed. Examples of promotional cheque uses which have caused problems or have been rejected are as gift vouchers where the amount is pre-printed but the payee is left blank, and where it was proposed to fold each cheque into a 1" square.

3.9.2

Travellers' Cheques

The Sorting Code Number must be readily accessible for accurate routing by remitting branch staff. Hence the Sorting Code Number must be: a)

In characters at least 1/8" (3.2mm) high (12pt) and preferably in OCR-B font.

b)

In or near the top right hand corner. Nothing is to be printed above or to the right of the number.

c)

Unencumbered by proximity to other figures, unobscured by any background printing, and distinct from any border.

3.9.3

Other Vouchers

For an example of the layout of an Unpaid Claim Advice Form see Figure 8. MICR code line details for Reimbursement Claim Forms or Vouchers, and Unpaid Claim Advice Form are specified in 4.3.2 and 4.3.4 respectively. 3.10

Letter Cheques

Where letter cheques are printed then it is recommended that the remittance advice also has a background design printed on it. Where watermarked paper is used then it is mandatory for a background design to be printed on the remittance advice. Any background design or watermark must be markedly different from that of the cheque. Part of the validation of a watermarked paper cheque is the presence of the watermark; thus counterfeiters will be keen to obtain the correct watermarked cheque paper.

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STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

PART 4: MICR ENCODING 4


MICR ENCODING

All customer originated debit paper vouchers capable of passing between banks must bear a standard code line. Encoding regulations for "Non-Truncatable" cheques are given in Clause 4.3. All debit vouchers produced by customers must be submitted to the account holding bank for approval of the layout and code line prior to printing. The codeline printing process must be approved by the customer's clearing bank, with samples made available for testing. The Clear Bband is reserved for the code line. See Figure 5 - MICR printing locations. 4.1

Layout Regulations

4.1.1

Font to be used

The approved font is E-13B which must be printed in accordance with BS ISO 1004 : 1995. Tolerances are to be as specified in that standard.

4.1.2

Ink to be used

All E-13B characters must be printed in magnetic ink. Non-impact Printing Customers intending to use any form of non-impact MICR printing equipment must ensure that the equipment used carries a C&CCC Certificate of Approval for MICR printing, i.e. the equipment has been successfully submitted to an approval test as described in Standard 3.3. Where the MICR characters are not supplied as part of the hardware or firmware of the printer, then the approval will state the name of the soft font used to generate the E-13B MICR characters which were tested. Customers are required to provide samples of completed cheques to their banks at monthly intervals, or such other interval as the bank may specify, to enable the quality of the code line to be checked. The printers which have been approved are shown on the Pira/C&CCC list of non-impact printers. See clause 1.3 for details of how to obtain this document.

4.1.3

Code Line Position and Tolerances

The E-13B code line is to be printed so that the bottom edges of the characters are at ¼" (6.3mm) + 1/16" (1.6mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge. The bottom edge will therefore be assumed always to lie between 3/16" (5mm) and 5/16" (8mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge. The character pitch is to be nominally 1/8" (3.2mm). No symbol or digit must be closer than 5/16" (8mm) to either vertical edge of the trimmed voucher. Fields of information may be printed to a horizontal tolerance of + 1/16" (1.6mm).

4.1.4

Spacing Between Adjacent Fields

a)

Non-truncatable vouchers To provide for the necessary horizontal tolerance to allow adjacent fields to be encoded at separate times, a single character space must be provided between E-13B fields.

b)

Truncatable vouchers The requirements of (a) above apply, except that there must be no space between the account number field and the transaction code field (see clause 4.2.2) and the transaction code is printed at the same time as, and in strict alignment with, the account number and its opening symbol.

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STANDARD 3.1

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PART 4: MICR ENCODING

4.1.5


Field Separators

Every field must be closed either by the appropriate closing symbol or by the opening symbol of the following field. 4.2

Layout Specification

See Figure 5. Starting from the right-hand edge of the voucher the field content specifications are:

4.2.1 Symbol

Amount Field Symbol 11 in Position 1 Symbol 11 in Position 13

Content

Eleven digits in Positions 2-12 Non significant digits zero filled

4.2.2

Transaction Code Field

Non-truncatable cheques Content

Two digit transaction code in Positions 15 and 16.

The permitted codes for inter bank debit vouchers are in the range 01 - 19. Current allocations of transaction codes are given in C&CCC Standard 1. Truncatable Cheques Content

Transaction code 02 in Positions 17 and 16.

Blank Position 15 (see below). The positioning of transaction code 02 in Positions 17 and 16 will enable an optional marker* (digit 1) to be encoded in Position 15 by the collecting bank to indicate that the cheque, although it would normally be truncated, is to be treated as non-truncatable. IMPORTANT Note: Where the use of the marker is proposed at least 6 months notice must be given by the bank concerned to C&CCC.

4.2.3 Symbol

Account Number Field Symbol 12 in Position 18

Symbol 12 in Position 18 is part of the account number field and will normally only be encoded at the same time as the account number. If a transaction code is present, however, Symbol 12 must, in any case, be encoded to close that field.

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STANDARD 3.1

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PAGE: 27

PART 4: MICR ENCODING

4.2.4

1 April 2012

Sorting Code Field

Symbol

Symbol 10 in Position 28 Symbol 13 in Position 33 Symbol 12 in Position 36 or 37 (but not both)

Content

Branch identification in Positions 29-32 Bank identification in Positions 34 & 35

Where it is known either that no serial number is required, or that such a number will be added subsequently, then Symbol 12 should appear in Position 36. In circumstances where the serial number is printed first, with the sorting code and other fields being added later, then it should appear in Position 37.

4.2.5

Reference Field

Symbol

Content

Symbol 12 in Position 37 (but P37 to be left blank if Symbol 12 already encoded in P36) Symbol 12 in Position 44 Six digits starting from Position 38 Cheque : Serial Number

Table of MICR (E-13B) Code Line character positions Distances are to the right hand edge of each character square measured from the Vertical Reference Edge. Position

P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14 P15 P16 P17 P18 P19 P20 P21 P22

Inches Fraction Decim al 5/ 0.3125 16 7/ 0.4375 16 9/ 0.5625 16 11/ 0.6875 16 13/ 0.8125 16 15/ 0.9375 16 11/16 1.0625 13/16 1.1875 15/16 1.3125 17/16 1.4375 19/16 1.5625 111/16 1.6875 113/16 1.8125 115/16 1.9375 21/16 2.0625 23/16 2.1875 25/16 2.3125 27/16 2.4375 29/16 2.5625 211/16 2.6875 213/16 2.8125 215/16 2.9375

mm

Position

8 11 14 17 21 24 27 30 33 37 40 43 46 49 52 56 59 62 65 68 71 75

P23 P24 P25 P26 P27 P28 P29 P30 P31 P32 P33 P34 P35 P36 P37 P38 P39 P40 P41 P42 P43 P44

C&CCC

Inches Fraction Decim al 1 3.0625 3 /16 33/16 3.1875 35/16 3.3125 37/16 3.4375 39/16 3.5625 311/16 3.6875 313/16 3.8125 315/16 3.9375 41/16 4.0625 43/16 4.1875 45/16 4.3125 47/16 4.4375 49/16 4.5625 411/16 4.6875 413/16 4.8125 415/16 4.9375 51/16 5.0625 53/16 5.1875 55/16 5.3125 57/16 5.4375 59/16 5.5625 511/16 5.6875


mm

78 81 84 87 90 94 97 100 103 106 110 113 116 119 122 125 129 132 135 138 141 144

STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

PART 4: MICR ENCODING 4.3


Regulations for Code Line Encoding

No bank may encode anything other than the amount field on debit vouchers destined for another bank, except in the case of truncatable cheques where an optional marker (digit 1) may be encoded in Position 15 to indicate that the cheque is not to be truncated see clause 4.2.2.

4.3.1

Cheques

All fields except the amount field and the optional marker in the Transaction Code Field (see clause 4.2.2) must be pre-encoded.

4.3.2

Reimbursement Claim Forms or Vouchers

These vouchers must be pre-encoded with the Sorting Code Number of the Receiving Bank Branch, Account Number and Transaction Code 14.

4.3.3

Agents Claim Voucher (used by some Scottish banks)

These vouchers must be pre-encoded with the sorting code number of the Drawing Bank Branch, Account Number, Serial Number and Transaction Code 16.

4.3.4

Unpaid Claim Advice form

These vouchers must be pre-encoded with Transaction Code 13, and encoded with the Receiving Bank/Branch Sorting Code Number and, optionally, a serial number, before presentation. Where both the sorting code and the serial number are encoded together then the Symbol 12 separating them must be in position 37. If the sorting code is encoded on its own then the Symbol 12 must be in position 36. The amount may also be encoded. A serial number may be pre-encoded on the voucher in which case the serial number must be in MICR positions 38 to 44 and the Symbol 12 denoting the end of the sorting code must be encoded with the sorting code in position 36. No other field(s) may be encoded.

4.3.5

Travellers’ Cheques

Minimum pre-encoding must comprise: a) b) c)

Transaction code 15 Sorting code number (see clause 3.9.2) Amount interpretation code (serial number field)

The amount interpretation code is the code signifying the value of the travellers cheque from pre-encoded data in the code line. Standard 25 describes the method by which each issuer of sterling travellers' cheques enables this to be achieved. C&CCC Standard 25, Sterling Travellers’ Cheques, is available from: The Standards Administrator, C&CCC. See inside of front cover for contact details

C&CCC


STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

PART 5: DATA MAILERS 5


DATA-MAILERS

The use of chemical coatings, whether on the back (CB) or on the front (CF) may be approved as an exception, however in all cases this will require the approval of the customer's clearing bank. The use of chemical coatings on the papers is the only approved method for completing a cheque inside a data-mailer. Where a cheque is completed within a data-mailer, i.e. the in-filling on the cheque is created as a result of pressure causing an image to appear on the surface of the cheque inside the data-mailer, then the following conditions apply: i)

The use of chemical coatings is the only approved method of completing cheques inside data-mailers. Hot wax carbon is not acceptable.

ii)

The base paper used must meet the requirements specified for grammage and thickness prior to coating; other characteristics specified must be met after coating (see Standard 3.5).

iii)

The chemical coating on the front of the cheque must ALWAYS be well clear of the Clear Band (see clause 2.4) and normally restricted to the area for completion. Overall coated paper with a desensitiser covering the Clear Band is not acceptable1.

iv)

The design, layout and security features of the cheque itself must comply in all ways with the provisions of this Standard.

v)

The in-filling image produced on the cheque by the chemical reaction must have a PCS of greater than 0.5 (50%). The data mailer supplier must supply a sample of a completed cheque to the clearing bank to demonstrate this.

vi)

The customer is required to supply a sample of a completed cheque in its datamailer to their clearing bank for approval. The print quality must be capable of producing legible microfilm copy, and also be suitable for Image Processing i.e. producing characters with a PCS value of >0.5 (50%).

See the C&CCC list of CPAS cheque printers for those printers or companies approved to supply cheques in data-mailers. See clause 1.1 for details of how to obtain a list of CPAS Printers.

1

The wax desensitiser coating comes off on the reader / sorter heads and necessitates more frequent cleaning of these machines.

C&CCC


STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

PART 6: COMPLETION (INFILLING) OF CHEQUES 6

COMPLETION (INFILLING) OF CHEQUES

6.1

Computer Printers

6.1.1

Impact Printers


Where cheques are to be completed on computer printers it is strongly recommended that impact printers with permanent ink ribbons are used. Ribbons must be changed regularly so as to maintain good print quality. One time, or total transfer ribbons must not be used. Faint print caused by a worn out ribbon makes a cheque much easier for a fraudster to alter.

6.1.2

Non-impact Printers

6.1.2.1

Inkjet

Ink-jet printers may be used but the ink does not penetrate the paper as well due to the surface of the cheque having a security background already printed on it.

6.1.2.2

Laser

If a laser printer2 is to be used for infilling cheques then one that has passed the Pira tests for toner adhesion at Grade 1 must be used. The current list of Pira tested Grade 1 laser printers is available from your bank or via www.chequeandcredit.co.uk. These printers should be used in accordance with the 'Best Practice Guidelines for Companies Using Use of Computer Printers to Infill Cheques' and 'Best Practice Guidelines for Users of Company Cheque'3, Where non-impact printing using magnetic "ink" toner is used then the Clear Band divider line must not be printed in the magnetic "ink" toner because of the potential for displaced toner particles to affect the subsequent code line reading process. 6.2

Font Size and Type

Where it is possible to vary the font size capital etters must be a minimum of 1/10" (2.5mm) high. This equates to a font size of about 10 point depending on the font used. Larger font sizes, 12 or 14 point, are preferable but larger sizes may restrict the length of payee names, for example. Automatic reading of the amount is more accurate with 12 or 14 point than with 10 point. The use of a proportional font for, at least, the payee name makes alteration more difficult for the fraudster. 6.3

Typewriters

One time or total transfer (correctable) ribbons must not be used for completing cheques. Ribbons must be changed regularly so as to maintain good print quality. 6.4

Hand-written Cheques

Indelible pen (ball point) or permanent ink should be used for completing cheques. Pencil must never be used.

2

The term "laser printer" is used to refer to all forms of non-impact printer where the image is created using toner which is then fixed to the paper by heat or light and/or pressure.

3

Copies are available from the major banks or via www.chequeandcredit.co.uk. See also Clause 1.4 for details of how to obtain copies from C&CCC.

C&CCC


STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

PART 6: COMPLETION (INFILLING) OF CHEQUES 6.5

Fields to be infilled

6.5.1

Payee Name


The payee name must always be left justified. The payee name may be terminated by adding the word "only" after it or the space to the right of the name should be filled with asterisks or ruled through with one, or preferably a pair of, horizontal parallel lines close together, i.e. =========. Where two lines are allowed for a payee name the second should be treated as a continuation of the first and asterisk filled, or ruled through, even if the name does not overflow into the second line. If a name and address appears on the cheque, e.g. for use in a window envelope, then the payee name must appear separately even if it is the same as the name in the name and address field.

6.5.2

Amount in Words

It is strongly recommended that the amount in words spell out in full at least the pounds part of the amount in figures, e.g. £**43540-10** = "Forty three thousand five hundred and forty pounds 10p" or "FortyThreeThousandFiveHundredAndFortyPounds10p****" which makes fraudulent alteration of the amount of a cheque much more difficult. Whilst recognising that there will be a few instances where it is not possible to comply with the above, for example where the software supplier has gone out of business, the practice of having separate boxes to be filled with values "ZERO" to "NINE" is not recommended and is to be positively discouraged. However, if they are used then all boxes must be fully completed to reduce the risk of fraudulent alteration.

6.5.3

Amount in Figures

When completed on a computer printer or by typewriter, the amount in figures should be preceded and followed by two asterisks and left justified in the Amount Box taking care that the leftmost asterisk does not touch or overwrite the £ symbol which is to the left of, and just outside, the Amount Box. The amount should not include commas and the pounds/pence separator should be a hyphen. Where the amount, together with double asterisks, is too large to fit in the Amount Box then single asterisks may be used. The PCS of the amount in the Amount Box must exceed 0.5 (50%). When the amount is hand-written it should be left justified in the Amount Box. A hyphen should be used to separate the pounds and pence figures. 6.6

Corporate Cheques where Funds Originate from Personal Accounts

Where a corporate cheque is used to make a payment with funds from a personal account, e.g. a Building Society cheque issued using funds from a Passbook account, then the name of the personal account may be printed on the face of the cheque. The suggested location is the bottom left above the Clear Band. 6.7

Cheques in Data-Mailers

Where cheques are to be filled-in inside data-mailers, the only approved method is that of a chemical reaction. In all cases the image produced must have a PCS of greater than 0.5 (50%). See Part 5 for the full requirements for cheques in data-mailers. 6.8

Letter Cheque or Remittance Advice with attached Cheque

Where more than one sheet is used to list the invoices to which the payment relates, all unused cheques MUST be CANCELLED or otherwise infilled in such a way that they could not be fraudulently misused.

C&CCC


Right hand limit for Sorting Code and Account Number

4

1 /5" 3 1 /5"

1 / " 25

STANDARD 3.1

Max

Max 1/25"

FIGURES

NOTE: This is an example. Dimensions must be taken from the text and not measured off this page. All measurements in inches (not to scale)

4

1 /5" 3

Right hand limit for Sorting Code and Account Number 72-00-00

02:

000001: 12345678

Date Baseline

Min

£

1 "

2 1/8"

2 1/8" DIRECTOR

1¾"

3/

DIRECTOR

1¼"

2

1¾" 5 / 8

1 "

10 2" Restraint Area Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area

Figure 1 Restraint area for Personal and Corporate Cheques

Min

1/ " 10

Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area in alternative position

Corporate Cheque, 3½ - 4" high

PAGE: 32

Personal Cheque, 3" high

2"

Restraint Area 1 April 2012

Min 1/10"

2½" 2¼"

General Account

7 /8

1 8"

Min 1/20" For A JONES and SON

"

1/ 20

Albert Jones

Date Baseline

Clear area Min 1/ 8"

Clear area Min1/8"

£

¼"

Date:

¼" ¼"

Date:

¼"

000003: 12345678

60-00-00

Version 7

C&CCC


Figure 1 Restraint area for Personal and Corporate Cheques

1 / 5"

Left hand limit for Transaction Code & Serial Number

60-00-00

Quality Branch, 1 High Street, Padstow

12345678

Pay

Version 7

£ 2 /8" 1

Albert Jones PAYEE

Personalisation Date

ACCOUNT

Production Date

Date Baseline

1¼"

000001 600000 1234567802 2"

Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area

Restraint Area

All measurements in inches (not to scale) Min 1/10"

PAGE: 33

Figure 2 61/ 8" x 3" Personal Cheque

1 April 2012

Figure 2 6 1/8" x 3" Personal Cheque

CPL 9599

¼" ¼"

(Date)

C&CCC


Anyman Central Bank

Right hand limit for Sorting Code & Account Number

STANDARD 3.1

FIGURES

NOTE: This is an example. Dimensions must be taken from the text and not measured off this page.


STANDARD 3.1

FIGURES



HIGH STREET, PADSTOW

Anyman Central Bank 11

Quality Branch 1 High Street, Padstow

60-00-00

000002: 12345678

¼"

Version 7

¼"

Date:

C&CCC

£


For A Jones and Son PAYEE

ACCOUNT

Cheque Printer Ltd 9599

Pay

Authorised Signatory

21/8"

1¼"

000002 600000 12345678 11 Restraint Area

Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area using prefered positioning All measurements in inches (not to scale)

2"

Min

PAGE: 34

Figure 3 8" x 3½" Corporate Cheque

1/ " 10

1 April 2012

Figure 3 8" x 3½" Corporate Cheque


A. JONES and SON


" Min

1 /8

A. JONES and SON

Location of optional hologram (max 1" x 1")

HIGH STREET, PADSTOW

Anyman Central Bank Quality Branch 1 High Street, Padstow

72-03-56 000003: 12345678

"

Version 7

Min

¼" ¼"

Date:

1 /8

C&CCC

Pay

For A JONES and SON


General Account

PAYEE

ACCOUNT

A Broker Ltd/CPL 9599

£ 2½"

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

SECRETARY

15/8"

000003 720356 12345678 10 Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area using alternative positioning All measurements in inches (not to scale)

2"

Restraint Area 1

Figure 4a 8" x 4" Corporate Cheque

PAGE: 35

Min /10"

1 April 2012

Figure 4a 8" x 4" Corporate Cheque


1 " 1/ 4


STANDARD 3.1

11/4"

FIGURES



STANDARD 3.1

FIGURES



A. JONES and SON Limited HIGH STREET, PADSTOW Quality Branch 1 High Street, Padstow

72-03-56 000003: 12345678

¼"

Date:

¼"

Version 7

£ 2½"

General Account

PAYEE


ACCOUNT

For and on behalf of A JONES and SON Ltd.

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

SECRETARY

15/8"

000003 720356 12345678 10 2"

Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area using alternative positioning All measurements in inches (not to scale)

Restraint Area Min

PAGE: 3

Figure 4b 8" x 4" Corporate Cheque for Computer Printing

1/ " 10

1 April 2012

Figure 4b 8" x 4" Corporate Cheque for Computer Printing

A Broker Ltd/CPL 9599/PPL 9598

Pay

C&CCC


Anyman Central Bank

Top

Zone D

Version 7

C&CCC

Rear Endorsement Area

13/10 (33mm) "

Rear of Clear Band Bottom Reference Edge NOTES:

i) ii) iii)

The dimensions given in this figure are the actual sizes without tolerances. The zones are positioned in relation to the two reference edges. This figure only applies to personal cheques of approximate size 3" x 6".

PAGE: 38

Figure 6 Reverse of cheque

1 April 2012

Figure 6 Reverse of cheque


Vertical Reference Edge

3½" (89mm)

STANDARD 3.1

FIGURES


60-00-00


12345678

20JUN1993

**FIFTY FIVE POUNDS 20P** PAYEE

ACCOUNT

£


Version 7

CPL 9599

Pay NATIONAL SUPERMARKET PLC

**55-20** Albert Jones

Albert Jones

000001 600000 1234567802

NOTE 1: The amount in figures is centred about the horizontal mid-line of zone C. NOTE 2: This figure is an example of a cheque that complies with the requirements of this standard and does not exclude other arrangements that may comply with the provisions of the main text.

PAGE: 39

Figure 7 Personal Cheque completed at Point of Sale

1 April 2012

Figure 7 Personal Cheque completed at Point of Sale

Production Date

Date:

C&CCC


Anyman Central Bank

STANDARD 3.1

FIGURES


STANDARD 3.1

FIGURES


ADVICE OF UNPAID ITEM A separate form must be used for each unpaid item

UNPAID RETURNED BY:

Payee ......................................................... Bank ................................................ Drawer's a/c no. ......................................... Branch/CRU .................................... Cheque number ......................................... Sort Code ........................................ OPTIONAL DATA Date of cheque ............................................ Drawer's name ............................................ Reason for return ............................................ We charge you: Collecting bank item sequence no. ...............................................

¼"

Version 7

£

DESTINATION BANK

CPL 9599

¼"

Date:

2½"

Name: .......................................................................................................... Address: ......................................................... Unpaids Suspense Account ........................................................................ ........................................................................ 5

MANAGER / AUTHORISED SIGNATURE

1 /8"

13 Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area using alternative positioning All measurements in inches (not to scale)

Restraint Area 1

Min /10"

PAGE: 40

Figure 8 8" x 4" Advice of sterling unpaid item

2"

1 April 2012

Figure 8 8" x 4" Advice of sterling unpaid item

C&CCC


UNPAID CHEQUE DETAILS

Destination sort code

STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

PAGE: 41

APPENDIX A: EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROVISIONS OF STANDARD 3.1

1 April 2012

APPENDICES A.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROVISIONS OF STANDARD 3.1

Designers and printers of vouchers should check with the bank for the exact positioning of the exceptions listed below. A.1

ALLIANCE & LEICESTER

A.1.1

Serial Number (see clause 2.5.8)

On cheques showing the Alliance + Leicester logo the cheque serial number must be printed within the Restraint Area in the designated location and using the OCR-B font. Its value must be the same as the serial number in the code line. A.1.2

Personalisation Printing (see clause 2.5.3)

The account number must be printed beneath the amount box as part of the personalisation printing. A.2

BANK OF ENGLAND

None. A.3

BANK OF SCOTLAND

None. A.4

BARCLAYS BANK

None. A.5

CLYDESDALE BANK

None. A.6

CO-OPERATIVE BANK

None. A.7

HSBC BANK

None. A.8

LLOYDS/TSB BANK

A.8.1


These are to contain additional security features outside the Restraint Area.

C&CCC


STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

APPENDIX A: EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROVISIONS OF STANDARD 3.1 A.9

NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK

A.9.1

"V" - Paid Cheques to be Returned to Customer


Where paid cheques are to be returned to the customer a "V" must be printed just outside the Restraint Area and immediately above the clear band. A.10

NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY

None. A.11

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND

None. A.12

SANTANDER

None.

C&CCC


STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

APPENDIX B: EURO DENOMINATED CHEQUES B.

EURO DENOMINATED CHEQUES

B.1

INTRODUCTION


The distinguishing features described below must appear on all cheques and drafts denominated in euros. These are the minimum requirements. If banks or customers wish to add additional identification or even completely redesign their cheques for euros then they may do so provided the minimum requirements are met. Additional identification must be outside the Restraint Area. As specific Transaction Codes have been allocated for items denominated in euros it is vitally important that euro transaction codes only appear on euro denominated cheques. Unless otherwise stated below the requirements of Standard 3.1 apply. B.2

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The five distinguishing features are: a)

euro symbol at the left of the amount box

b)

the words "euro euro euro" between the amount box and the date line

c)

a euro symbol in the top right hand corner of the cheque; the sorting code in OCRB will have to move to the left

d)

a bar down the Vertical Reference Edge of the cheque from near the top of the cheque to level with the date line in a black or dark colour - the same colour as the euro symbol

e)

the sentence "Payable only in Great Britain" is to appear on the bottom left of the cheque above the Clear Band in at least 10 point type. (see B.6 below)

B.3

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

B.3.1

Currency symbol

The euro currency is to be 4mm high in OCR-B font with its right hand edge in the left hand amount box border. The PCS must be greater than 0.6 (60%) as specified in 2.5.2. B.3.2

"euro euro euro" between amount box and date line

The words "euro euro euro" must be printed in the centre of the space between the amount box and the date line. For personal cheques it must be no closer than 115/16" (49mm) to the Bottom Reference Edge and for corporate cheques no closer than 25/16" (58mm) to the Bottom Reference Edge. The words must be 1/8" (3.2mm high) in a sans serif lower case font (approximately 16 pt). Example in 16 pt Arial font: euro euro euro B.3.3

euro symbol in top right hand corner of cheque

The euro symbol must be printed as near as practical to the top right hand corner of the cheque. The symbol must be between 4mm and 6mm high (preferred). The sorting code number must be moved to the left in order to accommodate the euro symbol in this position; the rightmost digit of the sorting code must be 3/5" (15mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge.

C&CCC


STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

APPENDIX B: EURO DENOMINATED CHEQUES B.3.4


Bar down top of Vertical Reference Edge

A bar 1/10" (2.5mm) wide and ¾" (19mm) or more in length must be printed down the Vertical Reference Edge of the cheque from as near the top of the cheque as is practical without it bleeding into the voucher or document above it, to no lower than the date line position. B.3.5

Transaction code (mandatory)

The transaction code must always be present and must always be in locations 16 and 15 in the MICR code line. The following transaction codes are valid for debit vouchers denominated in euros: Function

Euro transaction code Normal Usage (where not obvious from function column)

Non truncatable cheque

05

Corporate cheques, Bankers payments, drafts

Non truncatable cheque

06

Corporate and some personal cheques

Unpaids claim

07

Truncatable cheque

09

B.4

Most personal cheques

INK COLOUR

In order to minimise the cost of incorporating the above distinguishing features on cheques denominated in euros the features should be printed in the same colour as the currency symbol, i.e. from the plate with the £ / euro symbol on it. This will have to be altered so, in most cases, all the changes can be made on the one plate. B.5

FIGURES

The figures are the euro versions of some of the sterling cheques examples shown in the main part of the standard and have been given corresponding numbers. B.6

COUNTRY IN WHICH PAYABLE

Euro denominated cheques drawn on British branches of banks shall indicate the country in which the cheque is payable by the narrative "Payable only in Great Britain” in the bottom left of the security tablet printed in 10pt text. This is to ensure that customers do not attempt to use vouchers printed for use in the GB clearing in another country within the Eurozone.

C&CCC


4

1 / 5"

All measurements in inches (not to scale) 1

Max /25" 4

1 / 5" 3

1 /5" 1

1 /5"

1 /5 " 1 /5 " 1

1

Right hand limit for Account Number (optional) Right hand limit for Sorting Code

Minimum size /10" x ¾"

06: 72-00-00

1


000003: 12345678

09: 60-00-00

000001: 12345678 Date:

¼"

euro euro euro

Date Baseline

Clear area Min

1

Min /20"

/8" For A JONES and SON General Account

Min /20" 1

2 /8" 1 /8 " 7

1¾" 3 1 / 8"

1

2 /8" 1¾"

DIRECTOR

5

1 / 8"

06

09

1

2½" 2¼"

DIRECTOR

1¼"

Min /10"

Clear area Min 1 /8"

1

1

Albert Jones

Date Baseline

Version 7

euro euro euro

¼"

Date:

¼"

¼"

2" Restraint Area

Personal Cheque, 3" high Figure B1 Restraint area for Personal and Corporate Cheques

1

Min /10"

Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area in alternative position

Corporate Cheque, 3½ - 4" high

PAGE: 45

Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area in prefered position

2" Restraint Area

1 April 2012

Figure B1 Restraint area for Personal and Corporate Cheques

C&CCC


Two digit Transaction Code (optional)

Right hand limit for Account Number (optional) Right hand limit for Sorting Code

3

Two digit Transaction Code (optional)

STANDARD 3.1

Max /25"

APPENDIX B: EURO DENOMINATED ITEMS

1




09: 60-00-00 12345678

(Date)

PAYEE ONLY

Production Date

ACCOUNT

Payable only in Great

¼"

Date Baseline

euro euro euro 1

2 /8"

Albert Jones

1¼"

000001 600000 12345678 09 1 8

2"

Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area All measurements in inches (not to scale)

Restraint Area 1

Min /10"

PAGE: 46

1

Figure B2 6 /8" x 3" Personal Cheque

1 April 2012

Figure B2 6 / " x 3" Personal Cheque

CPL 9599

Pay

¼"

Version 7

C&CCC


1

Anyman Central Bank

Personalisation Date Britain

Right hand limit for Sorting Code Right hand limit for Account Number (optional)

STANDARD 3.1

Left hand limit for Transaction Code & Serial Number (both optional)



A. JONES and SON Limited HIGH STREET, PADSTOW Quality Branch 1 High Street, Padstow

05: 72-03-56

Pay

000003: 12345678

Personalisation Date Payable only in Great Britain

2 "

For and on behalf of A JONES and SON Ltd. General Account

PAYEE

ACCOUNT

euro euro euro

"

Version 7

A Broker Ltd/CPL 9599/PPL 9598

Date:

"

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

SECRETARY

5

1 /8"

000003 770356 12345678 05 Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area using alternative positioning All measurements in inches (not to scale)

1

Min /10"

PAGE: 47

Figure B4b 8" x 4" Corporate Cheque for Computer Printing

2"

Restraint Area

1 April 2012

Figure B4b 8" x 4" Corporate Cheque for Computer Printing

C&CCC


Anyman Central Bank

STANDARD 3.1

Right hand limit for Right hand limit Account Number (optional) for Sorting Code


NOTE: This is an example. Dimensions must be taken from the text and not measured off this page. NOTE: This example shows the euro symbol to the left of the amount box. Once the OCR-B Left hand limit for Transaction Code version of the euro symbol has been standardised it is to be used in this position. & Serial Number (both optional)

NOTE: This example shows the euro symbol to the left of the amount box. Once the OCR-B version of the euro symbol has been standardised it is to be used in this position.

ADVICE OF EURO UNPAID ITEM UNPAID CHEQUE DETAILS

Destination sort code

UNPAID RETURNED BY:

CPL 9599

DESTINATION BANK

Name: ........................................................ Address: ......................................................... ........................................................................ ........................................................................

" Date:

euro euro euro

"

Version 7

Payee ................................................... Bank ...................................................... Drawer's a/c no. ..................................... Branch/CRU ......................................... Cheque number ..................................... Sort Code .............................................. OPTIONAL DATA * Drawer's name ........................................ * Date of cheque ........................................ We charge you: * Reason for return ..................................... * Collecting bank item sequence no. .....................................

2 "

Unpaids Suspense Account

MANAGER / AUTHORISED SIGNATURE

5

1 /8"

07 2"

1

Min /10"

Figure B9 8" x 4" Advice of euro unpaid item

Restraint Area

PAGE: 48

Fixed Low Contrast Amount Area using alternative positioning All measurements in inches (not to scale)

1 April 2012

Figure B9 8" x 4" Advice of euro unpaid item

C&CCC


A separate form must be used for each unpaid item

STANDARD 3.1



STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

APPENDIX C: GLOSSARY


GLOSSARY ABR

Average Background Reflectance

AGENCY

A bank, building society or other institution which clears its cheques through a C&CCC settlement bank

ANSI

American National Standards Institute

AUTHORISED PAYMENT INSTITUTION (API)

An institution authorised to provide payment services which is not a bank or building society and which clears its cheques through a C&CCC settlement bank. In the event that it is not clear whether the institution name to be printed at the top of the cheque is a bank, a building society, an agency of a bank or building society or an Authorised Payment Institution, guidance should be sought from the settlement bank.

C&CCC

Cheque and Credit Clearing Company

BRE

Bottom Reference Edge

BSI

British Standards Institution

BVN

Branch Verification Number

CBS1

Clearing Bank Specification 1 – cheque paper specification

CASA

Convenience Amount Scan Area is the area which is analysed by the reader / sorter equipment when searching for the amount box. In order to allow for print tolerances it is, of necessity, larger than the amount box itself. Apart from the £ sign all the printing within the Convenience Amount Scan Area shall drop-out. Thus personalisation printing shall be below the lower edge of the Convenience Amount Scan Area. The Convenience Amount Scan Area is an imaginary rectangle, within which the convenience/ courtesy amount-box rectangle shall be located, of fixed size and location with its long axis parallel to the Bottom Reference Edge of the voucher. The scan area must be 5/8" (16mm) high and 21/10" (53mm) wide. The lower edge of the scan area must be 1¼" (32mm); the upper edge 17/8" (48mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge of the voucher. The right hand edge of the scan area must be the right hand Vertical Reference Edge of the voucher; the left hand edge a minimum of 21/10" (53mm) from the Vertical Reference Edge of the voucher. This is the preferred location.

For Corporate Cheques an alternative position is available. The lower edge of the scan area must be 15/8" (41mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge, the upper edge being 2¼" (57mm) from the Bottom Reference Edge. The right and left hand edges of the scan area must be as for the Personal Cheque. The £ or euro symbol is used to locate which of the two CASAs is to be examined to find the amount. CPAS

Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme. All cheques destined for use in GB must be produced by a C&CCC Accredited Cheque Printer.

E-13B

an MICR encoding character set consisting of the numbers 0-9 and four symbols

C&CCC


STANDARD 3.1

Version 7

APPENDIX C: GLOSSARY


ICR

Intelligent Character Recognition

ISO

International Standards Organisation

MICR

Magnetic Image Character Recognition

OCR

Optical Character Recognition

PCS

Print Contrast Signal

RH

Relative Humidity

SETTLEMENT BANK

The Clearing bank/C&CCC Member which settles for cheques received in the exchange process and which may clear cheques on behalf of one or more agencies. The settlement bank can be identified by the first two digits of the sort code (e.g 20 = Barclays; 40 = HSBC etc.) Any queries relating to the identity of the settlement bank should be directed to the CPAS Helpdesk on 020 3217 8279. A current list of C&CCC Members can be obtained via www.chequeandcredit.co.uk.

TRADING NAME

a name which a business trades under for commercial purposes, although its registered, legal name, used for contracts and other formal situations, may be another. For example, Happy Days Insurance, a trading division of Any Bank plc.

VRE

Vertical Reference Edge

C&CCC


STANDARD 3.1 - Automated Processing of Vouchers (Debits)

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