Note Printing Australia (NPA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia and was corporatised in July 1998. NPA has its origins in an organisation that was first established in 1913 to print banknotes for Australia. After printing paper banknotes for Australia for 75 years, NPA introduced polymer banknote technology in 1988.
The introduction of polymer banknotes has seen a landmark reduction in the level of counterfeits and proven benefits in the areas of security, quality, cleanliness and cost effectiveness. With over 12 billion polymer banknotes circulating worldwide, this innovative technology has spawned a new era in banknote technology and its advantages are realised in over 20 countries.
The experience and knowledge gained from banknote production has allowed NPA to diversify into security documents.
On 27 November 2003, after years of development by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and NPA, the new Australian M Series passport was launched. NPA also produces the new ePassport, which incorporates leading edge biometric capabilities and complies with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
Design of banknotes and security documents is an extremely demanding discipline that requires the integration of aesthetic and cultural design elements with critically important security features to keep the counterfeiters at bay. NPA has a fully equipped in-house design studio with highly skilled designers to meet the high expectations of our customers.
NPA is an accredited organisation with ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Certification to ensure customers of continuing high quality products and services with an uncompromising commitment to customer service. NPA is also safety certified to the Australian standard AS4801: 2000.