Having drawn from the expertise of Atradius Collections' local offices, the International Debt Collections Handbook explains the different regulations and procedures for debt collections in France.
Amicable collections
General information
Atradius Collections maintains a professional collection process, focusing on the relationships between our clients and their debtors at all times. Our team of collection specialists carry out the collection process in-house, contacting debtors both verbally and in writing whilst adhering to state laws. When there is a case of dispute, we aim to reach an amicable solution between the creditor and the debtor. We do this by analysing all contractual documents (e.g. signed contracts, orders, confirmations, invoices and delivery notes, as well as all standard terms that have been agreed upon). All investigations are completed with the assistance and agreement of our legal team.
Interest
Atradius Collections always charges interest to debtors. This rate is set by the government and multiplied by three in accordance with French law on the terms of payment.
Debt collection costs
Atradius Collections charges a fixed cost of EUR 40 per case in accordance with the European directive and a penalty clause of 10% for the recovery’s costs. If the creditor has a special contractual agreement, this can be taken into account as long as the debtor actually agreed to the terms. From a cultural point of view, French debtors are not used to paying debt collection costs, and often the collection cost is used as a matter of negotiation between debtors and collectors.
The Debt Collections Handbook presents a snapshot of France's economic situation and covers the following topics:
- Accepted and most common payment methods
- Types of companies
- Safeguarding measures
- Legal procedures & legal system
- Enforcement in debt, movable and immovable property
- Insolvency proceedings
To read more about steps and procedures undertaken in debt collections in France and other countries: