Statutory commercial interest (wettelijke handelsrente) is the interest due on late payment under a commercial agreement between businesses, or between a business and a public authority. It is governed by articles 6:119a and 6:119b of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). From 1 July 2026 the rate is 10.4% per year.
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What is the current rate?
The rate equals the European Central Bank’s main refinancing rate plus 8 percentage points (article 6:120(2) BW). It is reset every 1 January and 1 July. According to the Dutch government, it has been 10.4% since 1 July 2026. The ordinary statutory interest for consumers and non-commercial debts is 4% since 1 January 2026.
From when does interest run?
Interest runs automatically from the day after the agreed payment date, without a separate notice of default. If no payment date was agreed, it runs from 30 days after the debtor received the invoice (article 6:119a(2) BW). Unpaid interest is added to the principal each year.
What payment terms are allowed?
- A payment term of up to 60 days can be agreed.
- A longer term only if expressly agreed and not grossly unfair to the creditor.
- A large company paying a small or medium-sized supplier may not agree more than 30 days (article 6:119a(6) BW).
Frequently asked questions
Does it apply to consumers?
No. Consumer debts carry the ordinary statutory interest of article 6:119 BW, which only runs after the debtor is in default.
Can I also claim collection costs?
Yes. In business transactions you can claim extrajudicial debt collection costs on top of the interest.
Related terms
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