Belarus Now Accepts Glowing US Banknotes After Scientific Review

Belarus has updated its rules on accepting US banknotes that glow under ultraviolet light. The change follows a study by the Belarusian Academy of Sciences and a directive from President Alexander Lukashenko. Banks must now accept these notes, regardless of their appearance.

The issue first arose when banks began refusing US banknotes that exhibited a glow under UV light. To address the confusion, the Belarusian National Bank held a meeting with financial institutions. The discussions aimed to set clear guidelines for handling such currency.

The Belarusian Academy of Sciences investigated the cause of the glow. Their findings confirmed that invisible elements on the banknotes fluoresce under ultraviolet light. No specific chemical or physical methods were publicly detailed in the study.

Deputy Chairman of the National Bank, Andrey Kartun, clarified that banks should not reject US banknotes based on their color or glow. The central bank also defined the maximum degree of wear that allows banks to refuse damaged banknotes. President Lukashenko intervened to ensure the matter was resolved before the end of the year.

The National Bank's focus remains on maintaining financial stability and controlling inflation. The new rules aim to prevent unnecessary disputes over currency acceptance.

Banks in Belarus must now accept glowing US banknotes, provided they meet the wear standards. The decision removes uncertainty for businesses and individuals handling foreign currency. The central bank's guidelines take effect immediately, with compliance expected across the financial sector.