{"id":1107,"date":"2026-09-03T09:47:33","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T07:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heisterborg.getbright.nl\/nieuwsartikelen\/zakendoen-met-duitsland-bekijk-deze-checklist-leverings-en-betalingsvoorwaarden\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T09:45:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T07:45:34","slug":"doing-business-with-germany-view-this-checklist-of-delivery-and-payment-terms","status":"publish","type":"news_pt","link":"https:\/\/heisterborg.getbright.nl\/en\/news\/doing-business-with-germany-view-this-checklist-of-delivery-and-payment-terms\/","title":{"rendered":"Doing business with Germany? View this checklist of delivery and payment terms."},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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\r\n Home<\/a><\/span> news<\/a><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\r\n\r\n

\r\n Doing business with Germany? View this checklist of delivery and payment terms. <\/h1>\r\n
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Many disputes between suppliers and customers arise only after delivery. These can concern payment, defects, and liability. It often turns out that agreements are not or insufficiently documented. This carries additional risk when doing business internationally. Differences in legal systems, language, and business practices can quickly lead to confusion. A clear checklist prevents you from overlooking important points.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\n\n\r\n

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\r\n Why risks are greater with cross-border contracts <\/h2>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
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Cross-border contracts bring additional legal complexity. Not only because you’re collaborating with a foreign party, but also because you may have to deal with other legal rules, such as German law or the Vienna Sales Convention (CISG). If you don’t take this into account, gaps in the contract can quickly arise. Think of a missing delivery agreement, an unclear complaint period, or the absence of a liability clause valid in Germany.<\/p>\n

It’s a misconception that these agreements are self-evident or obvious from the context. That’s rarely the case. What’s customary in the Netherlands doesn’t necessarily apply in Germany. And vice versa.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\n\n\r\n

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\r\n Delivery: where things often go wrong <\/h2>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
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Delivery seems like a practical matter at first glance, but it has direct legal implications. When is delivery considered? At what point does the risk pass? Who arranges transport and insurance? Many disputes arise because these matters are not clearly arranged.<\/p>\n

Incoterms are often used in international contracts to document delivery arrangements. However, experience shows that terms like “Ex Works” are not always well understood and, without further explanation, do not provide sufficient clarity.<\/p>\n

Especially in the event of damage or delay, a clear delivery clause provides clarity. This prevents the discussion from shifting to the question of who was responsible for what.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\n\n\r\n

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\r\n Payment: avoid loose ends <\/h2>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
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A 30-day payment term in Germany is truly 30 days. Not 30 days after invoice approval or delivery, unless otherwise agreed. And anyone who doesn’t make agreements about due dates, interest, or late payment fees must rely on (unknown) legal regulations.<\/p>\n

Therefore, make sure you agree in advance:<\/p>\n