‍

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?

• No need for a classic lawsuit
• Attorney → bailiff → enforceable title
• Faster and cheaper than a regular procedure
• Direct forced execution possible (seizure, collection)

CFO impact

• Fast recovery
• Low legal costs
• Limited management time

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:

• contractual basis
• amount due
• no dispute

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

• Result: The file will be permanently closed.

2. No response

• Result: The order will be automatically enforceable across the EU.

3. Resistance

• Result: You should switch to the classic procedure.

‍

4. What can you claim?

In addition to claiming the principal, you can also:

• Contractual interest
• Clauses of damages/negligence payments
• Costs

This significantly increases your recovery rate.

5. Cost-benefit analysis

The European order for payment:

Benefits

• cheaper than a regular lawsuit
• less lawyer time
• faster turnaround time
• enforceable in all EU countries without a separate recognition procedure

Disadvantages

• only works with uncontested debts
• classical procedure still necessary in the event of an objection

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:

1. Internal reminders + charging interest
2. Hire a debt/lawyer
3. Start a European order for payment
4. Only in case of objection → classic procedure

This is how you limit:

• Legal costs
• Lead time
• DSO impact

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.

‍

‍