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Debt Collection France: A Creditor's Procedural Guide

Published March 30, 2026·English

France's Tribunal de commerce and injonction de payer procedure give B2B creditors a specialized, relatively efficient path, provided the limitation period hasn't already run.

01 - Commercial courts, not civil courts

B2B disputes in France go before the Tribunal de commerce, a specialized commercial court staffed by elected business judges rather than career magistrates, which shapes both the procedure and the practical tone of the proceedings.

02 - Injonction de payer is the standard fast route

For undisputed, documented debt, this payment order procedure produces an enforceable title without a full trial, and it remains the most efficient first move for straightforward commercial claims.

03 - Limitation periods vary by claim type

France sets different limitation periods depending on the nature of the underlying commercial relationship, so confirming the applicable period early avoids the risk of pursuing a claim that's already time-barred.

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Debt Collection France: A Creditor's Procedural Guide: the Full Guide

A creditor's guide to debt collection in France, covering the Tribunal de commerce, injonction de payer, limitation periods, and enforcement options.

Chapters

Jump to the part you need.

00:00Why France cases need a different approach
The specialized commercial court system changes both procedure and strategy compared to jurisdictions where the same court hears all civil matters.
02:15Commercial courts, not civil courts
What the Tribunal de commerce structure means for a B2B claim.
04:30Injonction de payer is the standard fast route
How the payment order procedure works for undisputed debt.
06:10Limitation periods and enforcement options
What determines whether an older French claim is still viable. No collection, no fee.
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