Debt collection in Belgium

Belgium stands out as a favoured trade partner due to its proximity and a shared language. However, the country's culture reveals subtleties that must be understood when it comes to debt collection and legal proceedings. Sekundi explores the key aspects of debt payments in Belgium as well as effective recovery strategies.

INTERNATIONAL DEBT COLLECTION

Debt Collection Figures in Belgium

Payment Deadlines and Behaviour in Belgium

The average time for international debt collection in Belgium is 36 days, while within the country, it is 11 days. Despite these positive statistics, they have been deteriorating in recent years. The number of companies paying their invoices on time has fallen below 50%, and the number of significant late payers has increased to over 6%. This behaviour, characteristic of poor debtors, is exacerbated by large companies imposing their conditions on smaller ones. Cultural factors and specific national laws further reinforce this trend.

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Be sure to recover your debts internationally

International debt collection in cooperation with the Sekundi network.

International debt collection is a service we offer you when the person who owes you money resides or has its registered office in a country other than yours.

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Implementation of the European Directive 2019/1023 in Belgium

Reminder of European Directive 2019/1023

This directive aims to reduce insolvency procedures within the European Union. It provides for the use of warning tools to detect insolvency risks as well as access to preventive restructuring mechanisms. Its purpose is to protect and support struggling companies. Protection also operates within the judicial system through the suspension of enforcement measures to prevent the initiation of insolvency proceedings. Creditors are classified into groups, allowing for a restructuring plan for the debtor company despite opposition from some creditors. Finally, to achieve European-wide harmonisation, procedures are digitalised.

Belgium’s Response to This Directive

Belgium only adopted Directive 2019/1023 in May 2023. Legislators have created a private pre-bankruptcy procedure. This measure allows struggling companies to declare a "bankruptcy admission" in court and prepare for a transition to preserve their business and the interests of their creditors through the transfer of assets and activities before declaring bankruptcy. This new law has not yet taken into account the directive from 7 December 2022 for harmonising insolvency rules for companies.

Using the international Sekundi network

Approach

Our approach consists of acting from your country with an employee or a service provider who is fluent in the language of the country concerned is not the most effective.

Benefits

You have an interlocutor in your country with whom you communicate and this one is responsible for transmitting your file upon receipt to his local partner who will act according to the customs and rules of the country concerned to obtain payment of your invoice.

Objective

Establish a worldwide network with a strong business partner in each country to guarantee optimum case handling at local level with the respective support of intelligence specific to each country.

Effective Strategies to Maximise Your Recovery Chances

Engaging a Debt Collection Agency in Belgium

Sekundi specialises in international debt collection. Our Belgian service is specialised in law and has the necessary resources to recover unpaid debts. Belgium is unique in having multiple languages, which our experts are familiar with to facilitate communication with your debtors. Legal expertise and best collection practices ensure effective claims and avoid recovery costs for the creditor.

Judicial Collection: Bodemprocedure

When amicable collection fails, judicial collection becomes necessary. In Belgium, the procedure known as "bodemprocedure" allows for the recovery of unpaid debts. This procedure involves taking the debtor to court to obtain an enforceable title against them. While this method can be lengthy and costly, it is generally effective.

How Long Can an Unpaid Invoice Be Claimed in Belgium?

The statute of limitations for commercial debts in Belgium is ten years. For debts between professionals and consumers, this period is reduced to five years. It is also possible to suspend the statute of limitations through debt acknowledgment, a summons, or a notice of default sent by a lawyer.

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