Film-making associations met with the police, the Hong Monetary Authority and government representatives yesterday to clarify procedures and requirements for using prop banknotes.

The Crimes Ordinance says a person who reproduces any Hong Kong banknote without consent in writing from the Monetary Authority will commit an offense.

However, not all those in the film industry were aware of the clause until two of them were given two-year suspended sentences for possessing 200,000 in fake banknotes that were labeled "props."

The authority requires anyone who intends to reproduce banknotes to submit a written application. It will then decide whether to issue an interim approval for the applicant to prepare a sample of the prop banknote, which will be reviewed by the authority and the Commercial Crime Bureau. After confirming the samples and details, written approval will be issued.

At the meeting, the authority said "a set of samples will be attached to the existing guidelines to demonstrate the required size of the prop banknotes and the distinguishing designs and features required to set them apart from genuine currency."

"An application form will also be attached to the guidelines to assist applicants in providing the required information," it said.

After the meeting, the vice chairman of the Hong Kong Film Arts Association, Alex Mok Siu-chung, said the previous application procedures were confusing. He said the meeting helped build a platform for mutual understanding. The industry will adhere to the authority's requirements.

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