France faces €15 bn cash‑flow gap from delayed B2B payments

In France, inter‑company payment delays typically run 15‑19 days beyond contractual deadlines, tying up an estimated €15 billion in cash flow for small and medium‑sized enterprises. The French Commercial Code allows two legal ceilings – either 60 days from the invoice date or 45 days from the end of the month – but the actual average lag pushes many invoices into later collection periods.

The DGCCRF has tightened sanctions, imposing fines up to €2 million per violation for legal entities and €75 000 for individuals, with doubled penalties for repeat offences within two years. Companies are urged to calibrate payment terms to sector‑specific average delays, adopt electronic invoicing, and improve reminder processes to protect liquidity and avoid penalties.