Boundless business, effective debt collection: international B2B receivables in 2026.

More and more Dutch entrepreneurs are delivering to customers in Germany, France, Spain or further afield. As long as payment is made, there is nothing wrong. But as soon as a foreign invoice is outstanding, additional questions immediately come into play.

International debt collection works differently than debt collection within the Netherlands. You have to deal with foreign law, different terms and sometimes a judge in another country. At the same time, within the EU there are smart instruments to collect your money relatively quickly and efficiently.

In this article you will read, among other things:

• What legal rules in 2026 apply to international B2B debt collection
• What European procedures you can use for non-paying foreign customers
• How good contracts greatly strengthen your position
• When it's smart to hire a specialized collection agency

This will give you a clear overview and you will know better which route suits your situation.

Although trade within Europe is largely free, the law remains nationally organized. That means an unpaid invoice from abroad may have to deal with local procedural law, different deadlines and formal requirements.

Yet the European Union has done much to make cross-border legal proceedings easier. For you as a business owner, successful international debt collection actually always begins with three questions:

• What law applies to the agreement?
• Which judge has jurisdiction over your claim?
• How can you actually enforce a judgment abroad?

For claims within the EU, the Brussels I bis Regulation is the basis. It regulates both which court has jurisdiction and how judgments are recognized and enforced in other member states.

An important advantage in 2026: a Dutch judgment is in principle automatically recognized in other EU member states. A separate exequatur is no longer necessary. Thus, a local bailiff in, for example, Germany or France can immediately start working with your Dutch judgment.

Do you also deal with Belgian customers? Then also read our separate article on debt collection in Belgium.

Within the EU, several procedures have been specially developed to collect cross-border claims faster and cheaper. The most important ones for you as a business owner are:

European Payment Order (EOP).

Do you have a business customer in another EU member state who does not pay, but also does not put up a substantive defense? Then the European Payment Order is often the most efficient remedy.

• Suitable for uncontested, business claims
• Procedure is largely written and digital
• The judge mainly tests whether the request is formally correct
• If the debtor does not respond within 30 days, the order becomes enforceable in virtually the entire EU (except Denmark)

In many cases, you do not need a lawyer in the debtor's country. That saves time and money.

European small claims procedure

Not every international claim is large enough for extensive proceedings. For claims up to €5,000, there is a separate, low-threshold small claims procedure.

• Suitable for relatively small but business receivables
• Largely in writing, often without a physical session
• Works with standard forms and digital portals

This allows you to collect even smaller foreign invoices efficiently, without costs getting out of hand.

European bank attachment (EAPO).

A major risk in international debt collection is that a debtor empties his account as soon as he expects proceedings. With a European Account Preservation Order you can, under certain conditions, have a bank account in another EU member state preventively frozen.

• Suitable when there are clear signs of payment unwillingness, imminent bankruptcy or fraud
• Is often requested without prior warning to the debtor
• Increases the likelihood that if the claim is granted, there is actual money to be made

Want to know more about bank account attachments? Then also read our article on bank attachment.

International debt collection becomes much easier if you make good agreements in advance. In 2026 it is actually indispensable that you lay down clear choices in your contracts and general terms and conditions.

In any case, pay attention to these points:

• Make a clear choice of law, for example: Dutch law applies
• Establish which court has jurisdiction, such as the court in your area
• Include clear payment terms and refer to legal payment terms
• Describe what steps you take for non-payment, from reminders to amicable collection and procedure

With a choice of law and choice of forum you avoid discussions about which court should adjudicate. You litigate in your own language and legal system, while often raising the threshold for your debtor.

Are you unsure if your terms and conditions are still up to date? Then now is a good time to have them checked, especially if you are doing more and more international business.

In addition to the legal framework, there are a few practical steps that will help you get a handle on foreign clients.

• Check new customers in advance in local trade registers and through credit information
• Communicate as much as possible in the customer's language or in clear English
• Keep all supporting documents carefully: quotes, order confirmations, proofs of delivery and invoices
• Pay close attention to limitation periods, which are sometimes shorter abroad than in the Netherlands

The better your file is in order, the stronger you are in an amicable procedure and in possible proceedings. This applies within the Netherlands, but certainly also to international claims.

Want to know in advance what costs you might be able to pass on? Then use our tool to calculate collection costs.

Debt collection outside the EU: UK, US and other countries

Do you have debtors outside the European Union, for example in the United Kingdom or the United States? Then different rules apply. European regulations such as Brussels I-bis, the European Payment Order and the European Bank Seizure are not directly applicable there.

Since Brexit, claims against British debtors no longer fall under Brussels I-bis. You then have to rely on international treaties or the national law of the country concerned. This requires customization and a very careful dossier construction.

Especially with this type of file, it is extra important that your contracts are correct, your communication is well established and you take timely action. A timely registered reminder or final demand can make all the difference. Read also how to send a registered letter that is legally strong.

You can do part of the work yourself: send clear invoices, remind on time and send a good final reminder. But international B2B debt collection remains specialized work.

It is wise to use a specialized collection agency if:

• You are dealing with large amounts or multiple outstanding foreign invoices
• You doubt which country has jurisdiction or which law applies
• Your debtor is giving signals of unwillingness to pay or siphoning off assets
• You do not have the time or experience to initiate and follow European procedures yourself

An agency that has experience with foreign debtors, European procedures and a network of local bailiffs and lawyers significantly increases your chances of actual payment.

International debt collection in 2026 is better organized than ever. Those who have their contracts in order, take timely action and engage the right partners need not view international trade as an additional risk.