![Poland B2B Debt Collection: Manufacturing & Logistics Recovery Guide [2026]](/images/blog/poland-debt-collection-guide-hero.jpg)
You supplied automotive components to a Tier-1 manufacturer near Katowice. The delivery was signed, the WZ document stamped, the factory is running your parts. Now it's week eleven, and your contact keeps saying "czekamy na decyzję zarządu"—while your EUR invoice sits unpaid and you're wondering whether Poland's e-court system actually works for foreign creditors or if you'll need expensive Polish lawyers.
If this resonates, you're not alone. Poland's €650+ billion economy—the largest in Central Europe—runs on manufacturing, logistics, and German automotive supply chains. That means enormous cross-border trade volume and, inevitably, unpaid invoices that cross currency boundaries, language barriers, and unfamiliar legal systems.
Why This Sounds Familiar
- The "Approval Loop" Stall — Your contact says management is reviewing, but weeks pass with no decision. Polish corporate hierarchies can be opaque to outsiders.
- PLN vs EUR Invoice Confusion — You invoiced in EUR, they're paying in PLN, and someone's losing on the exchange rate while the delay continues.
- The WZ Document Gap — You have delivery confirmation, but the Polish "Wydanie Zewnętrzne" (goods release) document isn't matching what you expected.
- E-Court (EPU) Promises — You've heard Poland's electronic court system is fast, but you don't know how to access it as a foreign creditor.
- Special Economic Zone Complexity — Your debtor operates in one of Poland's 14 SEZs, and you're unsure if that affects collection procedures.
What Changes When Collecty Runs the File
Checklist
0 of 5 completeThe Poland Manufacturing Protocol™
Checklist
0 of 5 completeQuick Reference: Poland B2B Debt Collection
| Factor | Poland Details |
|---|---|
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years for commercial claims (Art. 118 Civil Code) |
| Currency | PLN (Polish Złoty) – EUR common in cross-border |
| Legal System | Civil law (Code-based) |
| EU Member | Yes – EOP, ESCP, Brussels I Recast applicable |
| E-Court System | EPU (Elektroniczne Postępowanie Upominawcze) for claims ≤PLN 100,000 |
| Court Fees | 5% of claim value (reduced for EPU) |
| Language | Polish (official); German common in business) |
| Interest Rate | Statutory: 11.25% p.a. commercial (as of 2024) |
What Industries Generate Polish Receivables?
Automotive Manufacturing
Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers to German OEMs face extended payment terms that slip further. Component deliveries to Silesian plants often encounter "quality review" delays that mask cash flow issues.
Logistics & Warehousing
Poland's position as the EU's eastern logistics hub means high-volume, thin-margin operations where a single unpaid freight invoice can cascade into critical cash flow gaps.
Electronics Assembly
Contract manufacturers in Special Economic Zones sometimes use tax incentive complexity as cover for payment delays to foreign component suppliers.
Food Processing
Agricultural exports and processing contracts face seasonal payment patterns and strict EU compliance documentation requirements.
Construction Materials
Infrastructure boom projects create large receivables with extended payment chains through multiple subcontractors.
Three Poland Collection Hooks
🏠The Manufacturing Corridor
Deep integration with German-Polish supply chains means we understand the documentation standards, payment patterns, and escalation triggers that move automotive and industrial receivables.
⚖️ EPU E-Court Access
Poland's electronic court system handles 80% of payment order applications. We prepare EPU-ready files that can be submitted within 14 days of case assignment.
🇪🇺 EU Enforcement Integration
As an EU member, Poland participates in EOP (European Order for Payment) and ESCP (Small Claims) procedures. We leverage these for cross-border efficiency.
The PLN Currency Reality
Poland remains outside the Eurozone, creating specific challenges for cross-border creditors:
- Invoice Currency: Many German and Western European suppliers invoice in EUR, but Polish companies often prefer PLN settlement
- Exchange Rate Risk: Payment delays compound when PLN/EUR rates fluctuate 5-8% quarterly
- VAT Considerations: Polish VAT (23% standard) affects cash flow timing and creates potential offset opportunities
- Interest Calculations: Polish statutory interest (11.25% for commercial) applies to PLN amounts—convert correctly
Our Poland desk handles all currency conversion documentation and ensures interest calculations align with Polish Civil Code requirements.
Why Not DIY, Lawyer-First, or Write It Off?
| Approach | Typical Outcome | Hidden Cost |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Collection | Emails ignored; calls unreturned; no Polish-language leverage | 3-6 months lost; debt ages past optimal recovery window |
| Lawyer-First | €2,000-5,000 upfront retainer; court fees; 12-18 month timeline | Legal costs often exceed recovery on debts under €25,000 |
| Write It Off | 100% loss; emboldens other slow-payers; damages supplier relationships | Precedent set for future non-payment |
| Collecty Protocol | 85%+ resolution within 60 days; no upfront cost; relationship preserved | Success fee only on recovered amounts |
The Poland Soft-to-Firm Communication Pack
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to collect a commercial debt in Poland?
The statute of limitations for commercial claims in Poland is 3 years from the due date (Art. 118 Civil Code). However, various actions can interrupt and restart this period, including formal demand letters and court proceedings.
What is EPU and how does it help foreign creditors?
EPU (Elektroniczne Postępowanie Upominawcze) is Poland's electronic payment order system. For claims under PLN 100,000 with clear documentation, it offers faster, cheaper court processing. Foreign creditors can use it through Polish representatives.
Can I collect a EUR invoice in Poland?
Yes. Polish courts accept claims in foreign currencies. However, enforcement may require conversion to PLN at the date of payment. We handle all currency documentation to protect your recovery amount.
Do I need a Polish lawyer for debt collection?
Not initially. Amicable collection and EPU applications can be handled without lawyers. Legal representation becomes valuable for contested claims exceeding PLN 100,000 or requiring full court proceedings.
What documents do I need for Polish debt collection?
Essential: Signed contract or order confirmation, delivery proof (WZ/CMR), invoice(s), payment history, and correspondence. Polish translations are required for court proceedings but not for amicable collection.
Next Steps
Polish e-court (EPU) requires clear, well-organized documentation:
- Signed contract, order confirmation, or framework agreement
- WZ (Wydanie Zewnętrzne) or CMR delivery document
- Invoice(s) with amounts, dates, and payment terms
- Correspondence showing acceptance and payment commitments
- Currency documentation if EUR invoiced to PLN debtor
Sarah Lindberg
International Operations Lead
Sarah coordinates our global partner network across 160+ countries, ensuring seamless cross-border debt recovery.
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