Euler Hermes’ “2018 Collection Complexity Score and Rating” aims at measuring the level of complexity relating to international debt collection procedures within each of the 50 countries taken into consideration. Three main factors were analyzed: local payment practices, local court proceedings and local insolvency proceedings. It therefore provides a simple assessment of debt collection proceedings in each country, helping to support decisions and manage expectations when trading internationally.
Western European countries lead the pack While the global average stands at 51 on a 0-100 scale, showing a very high level of collection complexity around the world, Western Europe stands out when it comes to simplifying the life of companies trying to recover their dues.
Sweden, Germany and Ireland take the lead, ranking as the least complex countries with respective scores of 30, 30 and 31. Sweden and Germany really set the example, being the only country with the lowest score of complexity in local payment practices, local court proceedings as well as in local insolvency proceedings.
The region also presents the highest number and share of countries at a “notable” collection complexity. Fourteen out of 16 countries stand at the less severe level, the exceptions being Greece and Italy, (both rated as high level of collection complexity).