Net 30 stretched to Net 75 and your Rotterdam logistics contact says "we're discussing internally" in perfectly fluent English—for the eleventh week. You've sent follow-ups expecting Dutch directness to mean prompt payment, but the operations manager who signed your freight forwarding contract now says "finance is reviewing" and nobody will commit to a date despite the famously efficient Dutch business culture.
The invoice references a B.V. in Rotterdam, but they redirect you to the Amsterdam headquarters. Amsterdam says The Hague shared services handles supplier payments. Entity confusion across Dutch cities—and your invoice sits unpaid in EUR while they continue moving containers through Europe's largest port and your competitors accept "internal discussion" timelines as normal.
You have the purchase order, bill of lading, and delivery confirmations. They've gone silent for 85 days, and you're not sure if this is a logistics timing dispute, internal approval bureaucracy, or payment avoidance masked behind that famous Dutch directness that somehow never translates into actual payment.
If This Sounds Familiar, You're in the Right Place
- Net 30 terms drift to Net 60-90+ despite Netherlands' reputation for excellent payment discipline
- Acceptance disputes appear around logistics timing, port delays, or technical specifications
- Entity confusion: Rotterdam logistics vs Amsterdam headquarters vs Utrecht operations (nobody owns the invoice)
- Decision-maker says "finance is reviewing" but finance never responds directly
- Evidence scattered: English emails, Dutch invoices, port documentation across systems
- Dutch directness misleading: "discussing internally" sounds responsive but means indefinite delay
- Cross-border EU complexity: different rules apply for enforcement depending on your home jurisdiction
- Rotterdam port dynamics: payment tied to cargo release or downstream customer payment
- Agriculture/flower seasonality: "after the auction season" creates quarterly delays
- B.V. structure complexity: holding companies and operational entities split responsibility
What Changes When Collecty Runs the File
- Evidence pack assembled in first 48 hours (purchase orders, Dutch documentation, port records—English/Dutch)
- Entity and decision-owner mapping across Dutch locations (who actually approves payments in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht B.V. structures)
- Industry-aware, Dutch-capable outreach (we work in English and Dutch for logistics, agriculture, tech—matching Dutch directness)
- Acceptance reconstruction when "logistics timing" or "specification" disputes appear
- Netherlands/EU-aware escalation routing (European Payment Order eligibility, Dutch kort geding summary proceedings)
- Documented reporting cadence (you know what's happening, why, and what's next—in English)
- Relationship-smart persistence (Benelux trade ties protected where possible)
Collecty works Netherlands B2B files from €1.5K to €250K+, across logistics, agriculture, technology, and wholesale distribution—evidence-first, Dutch-capable, EU-compliant across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Eindhoven.
The Netherlands Port Protocol™
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Statute of Limitations | 5 years for commercial claims |
| Currency | EUR (Eurozone founding member) |
| EU Membership | Founding EU member since 1957 |
| Language | Dutch (extremely high English fluency) |
| Payment Terms | Typically Net 30 |
| Summary Proceedings | Kort geding available for urgent matters |
How We Handle Dutch Logistics Files
Step 1: Evidence pack intake + Netherlands/EU compliance check
Step 2: Entity + decision-owner mapping (Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Utrecht contacts, B.V. structures)
Step 3: Industry-aware, Dutch-capable outreach (logistics, agriculture, tech tone with direct approach)
Step 4: Acceptance/delivery reconstruction (port documentation, logistics timing)
Step 5: EU Payment Order routing + Dutch court/kort geding compliance + reporting
Industry Scenarios: When Dutch Payments Stall
Logistics/Freight
The situation: Freight forwarding services to Rotterdam B.V., €45K, 80 days overdue. "Port timing issues" despite cargo delivered on schedule.
What we do: Document port records, identify operations decision authority, route through Dutch efficient summary proceedings if needed.
Agriculture/Horticulture
The situation: Processing equipment to Aalsmeer flower auction supplier, €28K, 65 days overdue. "After the season" excuse in month 4.
What we do: Verify equipment delivery and operation, map auction company payment cycles, apply structured escalation.
Technology/Software
The situation: SaaS implementation for Eindhoven tech company, €35K, 70 days overdue. "Technical specification review" without documented issues.
What we do: Reconstruct implementation acceptance, document usage metrics, route professional Dutch escalation.
Why Not DIY / Lawyer-First / Write It Off?
| Approach | Typical Outcome | When It Works |
|---|---|---|
| DIY follow-up | Low response after 3-4 attempts; direct communication doesn't mean payment action; no formal escalation path | Small amounts, strong relationship, same-city debtor |
| Lawyer-first | High cost upfront (€3K-10K+); relationship damage; 12-18 month timelines; kort geding faster but costly | Large amounts (€40K+) with litigation budget; relationship already broken |
| Write it off | 100% loss; precedent set with Benelux customers; no collection attempt | Amount below €1.5K; debtor insolvency confirmed |
Netherlands Soft-to-Firm Communication Pack
Subject: Invoice [NUMBER] - Payment Status Update Dear [Contact Name],
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for commercial debt in Netherlands?
Dutch commercial claims typically have a 5-year statute of limitations under the Civil Code. Requirements vary—consult local Dutch counsel for specific situations.
Can I use the European Payment Order in the Netherlands?
Yes. As an EU founding member, the Netherlands fully participates in the European Payment Order regulation. This can be an efficient cross-border enforcement mechanism when combined with proper evidence documentation.
What are kort geding summary proceedings?
Kort geding is a Dutch summary proceeding for urgent matters. It can provide faster resolution than regular court proceedings, though it's still costly. It's useful when you need quick interim measures or have a clear-cut case.
How long does Dutch debt collection typically take?
Amicable collection in the Netherlands can resolve within 30-60 days when evidence is strong. Full court proceedings take 12-18 months. Kort geding summary proceedings can be faster for appropriate cases.
Is Dutch payment culture really as direct as reputation suggests?
Dutch directness in communication is real, but it doesn't always translate to payment action. "We're discussing internally" can mean indefinite delay. Professional, documented escalation works better than assuming directness equals responsiveness.
What industries are most common for Dutch B2B debt collection?
Logistics/freight (Rotterdam is Europe's largest port), agriculture/horticulture, technology, wholesale/distribution, and professional services. Each has specific payment patterns tied to industry cycles.
How do B.V. structures affect collection?
Dutch B.V. (besloten vennootschap) structures often separate holding companies from operational entities. Understanding which entity is contractually liable and where payment authority sits is crucial for effective collection.
Can I collect debts from Dutch companies in English?
Yes, Dutch business English fluency is extremely high. Commercial communication in English is completely standard. Court proceedings require Dutch documentation, but business collection can proceed in English.
Next Steps: Getting Your Netherlands Collection Started
Get your Netherlands collection roadmap—evidence-first, EU-compliant, Benelux-aware. Get Your Netherlands Roadmap →
Sarah Lindberg
International Operations Lead
Sarah coordinates our global partner network across 160+ countries, ensuring seamless cross-border debt recovery.
