Do the new specifications have any impact on cheque security features?
The CPA’s new cheque specifications will accommodate a range of features currently in use as well as new approaches that are emerging for the image environment, but the transition to image-based processing may have an impact on some security features. For example, some of the traditional paper-based security features may not be visible on cheque images; however, they may still serve to protect against counterfeiting or alteration of cheques. Any security features used on cheques must not interfere, either before or after imaging, with the MICR line or other areas of interest as defined in Standard 006, Part A. In particular, if pantographs are used, they must not be visible on images captured from the original cheques. As well, certain techniques such as inverse printing that may interfere with image or data capture will no longer be permitted.
