European Payment Order
The European payment order is a simplified procedure that you can use to collect outstanding payments from a company in another European country.
The EU collection procedure is particularly useful when there is no expected objection from the other side.
Another further advantage: unlike the European procedure for small claims (under 5000 euros), there is no maximum claim limit to the European payment order.
Summary:
- In Germany, the Wedding district court is responsible for the European payment order system.
- The procedure is suitable for cross-border monetary claims against a company based in another EU country and is possible without legal assistance.
- The fees are at least 38 euros. The court costs depend on the amount of the claim.
- There is no maximum limit on the amount in dispute.
- If you have problems with a company from Denmark, Iceland, Norway or the United Kingdom, you cannot use the procedure.
How can I input a European payment order claim?
You can apply for a European payment order claim using the following form: Formblatt A.
Afterwards, you then send all the necessary documents to the Wedding District Court in Berlin, which is responsible for the European dunning procedure in Germany.
The service costs a minimum of 38 euros but ultimately depends on the amount in dispute.
Once you have submitted the application, the court will inform the other party within 30 days that proceedings have been opened.
The company then also has 30 days time to pay the claim or file an objection.
Please note: If the company lodges an opposition, the European order for payment procedure becomes a court case.
How does one execute a European payment order?
If the company follows the judgment and settles the claim, the European payment order procedure is completed.
However, if the other side does not comply with the demand, you can apply to the court for Form D: “Formblatt D”.
With this, the payment order will be valid in all EU states and you can begin the execution process.
Enforcement always takes place according to national law.
This means: If you had problems with an Italian company, enforcement will be carried out under Italian law.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.