🇫🇷 Western Europe
Debt Recovery in France
France rewards a formal, relationship-aware approach. A French-language mise en demeure is the standard escalation step before any legal procedure.
Limitation period
5 years
Typical amicable recovery
30–60 days
Legal procedure
4–12 months
Languages
French · English
Statute of limitations
Five-year limitation period for commercial claims under Article L110-4 of the Code de commerce.
Late payment & interest
ECB rate + 10 percentage points plus a €40 fixed indemnity (Code de commerce L441-10).
Enforcement
Injonction de payer offers a fast, low-cost route for undisputed debts. Huissiers de justice handle enforcement with broad investigative powers.
Local practice notes
- Mise en demeure required before legal escalation
- Procédure de référé for urgent matters
- RCS / INSEE data used for debtor verification
Active sectors
Luxury & retailAgri-foodAerospace supplyTourism