Trading Update

De La Rue PLC
22 September 2004



                                  DE LA RUE PLC

                        PRE CLOSE PERIOD TRADING UPDATE

Prior to entering its close period for the half year ending 25 September 2004,
the Board of De La Rue issues the following trading update:

Trading during the first half has been good and in line with our expectations,
particularly benefiting from the unwinding of an exceptionally strong Currency
order book at the beginning of the year. Accordingly, and as outlined at the AGM
in July, De La Rue continues to expect first half results to be significantly
ahead of the previous year.

Although second half trading will not benefit from the exceptional Iraq
contract, which was largely completed in the second half of last year, the Board
is confident of the outlook for the year as a whole.

                                     -ends-

For further information please contact:

Stephen King Group Finance Director [phone]
Mark Fearon Head of Corporate Affairs [phone]
Richard Mountain Financial Dynamics [phone]

Notes to Editors:

 1. De La Rue will announce its interim results on 30 November 2004


 2. De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer and papermaker,
    involved in the production of over 150 national currencies and a wide range
    of security documents such as travellers cheques and vouchers. The Company
    is a leading provider of cash handling equipment and software solutions to
    banks and retailers worldwide, helping them to reduce the cost of handling
    cash. Employing over 6,600 people across 31 countries, De La Rue is also
    pioneering new technologies worldwide in government identity solutions for
    national identification, drivers licence, passport issuing schemes and
    election systems.


For more information visit www.delarue.com






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