 The life cycle of Euro banknotes. Every year the European Central Bank and the National Central Banks of the Euro area decide how many banknotes are needed to meet public demand and to replace unfit banknotes. The National Central Banks then produce the banknotes. They undergo strict quality checks before they are transported to commercial banks. Each bank should have enough banknotes for its customers who withdraw the banknotes and make purchases with them. When a shop receives notes it should check that they are genuine. Customers in turn receive banknotes as change. They can easily check the notes before accepting them by using the feel, look and tilt method. The banknotes circulate between shops, customers and banks. Banknotes that become dirty or worn are returned to the National Central Banks where their authenticity and condition are carefully checked. Unfit banknotes are destroyed and replaced. Good banknotes are put back into circulation. This may happen several times if they remain in good condition. And then the cycle begins again. The Euro. Our Money.