Archive · 1 Sep 2026
India Plans Polymer Banknotes With China, Pakistan Supply Safeguards
India is planning to make some banknotes from plastic-like polymer instead of paper.
The first notes may be the ₹10 and ₹20 denominations.
The new material could last longer and include special security features.
Companies from India and other countries are competing to supply it.
Their samples will be tested in different climates.
Companies must prove they have enough money, production ability and security clearance.
They must also keep their Indian work separate from operations in China and Pakistan.
The material cannot contain animal tallow or its DNA.
India is expected to use both polymer and traditional cotton-based notes for some time.
India is preparing to introduce polymer banknotes, likely beginning with ₹10 and ₹20 denominations.
The Reserve Bank of India’s note-printing subsidiary invited bids for 68,000 reams of BOPP-based polymer substrate.
Bidders must separate their Indian operations from any operations they have in China and Pakistan.
Proposed notes must include features such as a clear portrait window, metallic numeral and magnetic pseudo-thread.
Suppliers must certify that the polymer contains no animal tallow or its DNA.
- Who
- The Reserve Bank of India and its subsidiary Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Pvt Ltd are overseeing the procurement, with Indian and overseas companies bidding.
- What
- India is preparing to introduce polymer banknotes using BOPP-based substrate with built-in security features.
- When
- The initiative was reported after an Expression of Interest issued in July; the first polymer denominations are expected to be ₹10 and ₹20 notes.
- Where
- The polymer substrate would be supplied for printing at Indian facilities operated by BRBNMPL and SPMCIL.
- Why
- Polymer notes are presented as more durable and secure than conventional cotton-based currency, while procurement rules address supply-chain and material concerns.
- Planned denominations
- ₹10 and ₹20 notes are likely to be the first denominations issued in polymer format.
- Requested quantity
- The July Expression of Interest sought 68,000 reams of BOPP-based polymer substrate.
- Ream size
- Each ream contains 500 sheets, with 34,000 reams sought for each of two denominations.
- Security features
- Requirements include a clear window with a portrait, metallic numeral, magnetic pseudo-thread, shadow image and iridescent pattern.
- Supply-chain condition
- Bidders must sign an undertaking separating their Indian operations from operations they may have in China and Pakistan.
- Material restriction
- Suppliers must certify that the substrate contains no animal tallow or its DNA.
- Reported durability
- CCL Secure claims polymer notes can last six times longer than paper currency.