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EN
EN
Unpaid foreign invoices have a direct impact on your cash flow, working capital and credit risk. Fast and cost-efficient recovery is therefore essential. Fortunately, there are procedures within Europe that allow you to obtain an enforceable title without a classic, time-consuming lawsuit.
Below you will find the practical step-by-step plan and the right choices for each situation.
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1. Belgian debtor: accelerated IOS procedure
If a Belgian customer does not pay an undisputed invoice, you can use the IOS (Collection of Uncontested Debt) procedure.
What does this mean in concrete terms?
CFO impact
But: this procedure only applies to Belgian companies.
2. Foreign debtor (EU): European order for payment
For customers based in another EU member state (except Denmark), there is a similar tool: the European order for payment. This is often the most efficient legal route for cross-border B2B and B2C claims.
When is this appropriate?
Use this procedure when:
✔ the debt is fixed
✔ the invoice is not disputed
✔ the debtor is located in the EU
In the event of a dispute, this route loses its usefulness.
3. How does the procedure work?
Step 1 - Submit a request
You submit Form A to the competent court (often debtor's place of residence).
You must demonstrate:
Step 2 — Court Review
Within ±30 days: approved → European order for payment is issued
Step 3 — Debtor response time (30 days)
There are 3 scenarios:
1. Payment
2. No response
3. Resistance
4. What can you claim?
In addition to claiming the principal, you can also:
This significantly increases your recovery rate.
5. Cost-benefit analysis
The European order for payment:
Benefits
Disadvantages
For CFOs, this is usually a low-cost first step before tougher legal actions.
6. Practical CFO approach
In practice, the following order pays off:
This is how you limit:
Key message for finance
Uncontested EU invoice = quasi-administrative collection possible. So don't wait too long: the sooner you use the payment order, the greater the chance of rapid cash recovery and the smaller your working capital loss.
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Als ondernemer is het essentieel om aandacht te besteden aan ontvangen facturen. Wordt een factuur niet tijdig betwist, dan wordt ze vermoed aanvaard te zijn (art. 8.11 BW). In de praktijk betekent dit dat een laattijdig protest zelden wordt aanvaard en de betaling doorgaans afdwingbaar blijft. Toch zijn er uitzonderingen en nuancepunten die u als financieel professional moet kennen.
20/3/2026
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