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Blog post

Robin Musch

1 min read time

July 1, 2026

International debt collection: what are your options?

International debt collection encompasses all legal and factual avenues to collect a claim from a foreign debtor. A foreign customer does not pay — what now? In our practice, we see entrepreneurs who wait months before taking legal action because they are unfamiliar with the procedures. Since Brussels I-bis, the EU offers efficient instruments. Acting quickly significantly increases the chance of payment.

What is at stake legally?

International debt collection requires cross-border proceedings, local enforcement, and knowledge of the debtor's legal system. Claims become time-barred, debtors move assets, and currency risks increase losses. Effective collection requires speed, the presentation of evidence, and knowledge of international treaties.

What steps do you take?

Within the EU, Regulation (EC) 1896/2006 governs the European Payment Order (EPO) for uncontested claims. Regulation (EC) 861/2007 governs the European Small Claims Procedure for claims up to 5,000 euros. Brussels I-bis (1215/2012) governs recognition and enforcement. For bank accounts, the European Account Preservation Order (Regulation 655/2014) applies. Outside the EU, bilateral treaties, the Hague Judgment Convention 2019, and local procedures apply.

What risks and costs do you face?

Prolongation of delay leads to prescription under Article 3:307 of the Dutch Civil Code (five years). Choosing the wrong route wastes costs. Failure to perform asset screening leads to unenforceable judgments. Underestimating litigation costs results in a net loss. International debt collection without local support leads to delays. Weak documentation substantially reduces the chance of success.

How did a client handle this?

We represented a Dutch exporter with a claim of 80,000 euros against a German buyer. Through an EPO procedure under Regulation 1896/2006, we obtained an enforceable title within two months. With an EAPO under Regulation 655/2014, we attached the German bank account. The debtor paid in full within four months. A traditional German procedure would have taken one to two years.

What is your first action?

Conduct a screening of the debtor and assets. Choose a route: amicable collection, EPO, traditional procedure, arbitration, or petition for insolvency. Document the claim with invoices, contracts, and correspondence. Combine with provisional attachment where possible under Section 700 of the Dutch Code of Civil Procedure. Work with local lawyers or collection agencies. Monitor the statute of limitations closely. See also our article on How to collect from a foreign debtor?

Frequently asked questions

What is a European payment order?
The European Payment Order (EPO) is a fast-track European procedure under Regulation 1896/2006 for cross-border undisputed monetary claims. You apply for a payment order using standard forms; the judge grants or denies it. The debtor may lodge an objection against the order within 30 days. If no objection is lodged, you hold a directly enforceable title in all EU countries except Denmark.
What is small claims procedure?
The European Small Claims Procedure under Regulation 861/2007 is a written procedure for cross-border claims up to 5,000 euros. It is conducted using standard forms, does not require a lawyer, and provides a directly enforceable title throughout the EU. Procedures typically last six to twelve months. It is ideal for smaller unpaid invoices for which traditional procedures are not cost-effective.
What is an EAPO?
The European Account Preservation Order under Regulation 655/2014 is a fast-track European attachment procedure for bank accounts. You apply for it ex parte, and the judge decides within 10 days. If granted, accounts are seized in all EU countries except Denmark. It is an ideal complement to the EPO to secure execution before the debtor can transfer assets. Do you have an outstanding international claim? Schedule a no-obligation debt collection scan via muschlegal.nl. Musch Legal – your specialist in international commercial law.