--- title: "Unpaid Business Invoices: From Formal Demand to Court Injunction in Tunisia" description: "Commercial unpaid invoice collection in Tunisia: bailiff payment demand, payment order under CPCC Art. 59+, and statutory limitation periods." url: https://www.huissierdejustice.tn/en/guides/facture-impayee-recouvrement source: https://www.huissierdejustice.tn/en/guides/facture-impayee-recouvrement generated_by: aeo.js --- # Unpaid Business Invoices: From Formal Demand to Court Injunction in Tunisia Commercial unpaid invoice collection in Tunisia: bailiff payment demand, payment order under CPCC Art. 59+, and statutory limitation periods. [All Legal Guides](/en/guides)[Français](/guides/facture-impayee-recouvrement)[العربية](/ar/guides/facture-impayee-recouvrement)[English](/en/guides/facture-impayee-recouvrement) Commercial Law & B2B Debt RecoveryOctober 21, 2026Drafted under the supervision of the Bailiff's Office ## Unpaid Business Invoices: From Formal Demand to Court Injunction in Tunisia Commercial unpaid invoice collection in Tunisia: bailiff payment demand, payment order under CPCC Art. 59+, and statutory limitation periods. [Maître Nabil Baffoun](/en/a-propos) · Judicial officer (huissier de justice) in Tunis since 1998 - Tunis Court of Appeal jurisdiction - Former president of ISIE (elected 2019) - Internet evidence reports since 2010 Written and reviewed by the author — updated 21 October 2026[Full profile](/en/a-propos)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/baffoun-nabil/)[Wikipedia](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%84_%D8%A8%D9%81%D9%88%D9%86)[Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60438866) General legal information guide based on Tunisian law (Organic Law No. 2018-9, CPCC, COC). Specific legal outcomes depend on individual case facts and contract terms. ## Direct answer: what should you do about an unpaid invoice in Tunisia? When faced with an unpaid commercial invoice in Tunisia, the optimal approach is to **move quickly from an informal internal reminder to a formal notice served by a huissier de justice** (judicial officer). Unlike a simple letter or e-mail, which often go unanswered, the **formal demand to pay served by a huissier** is a solemn act carrying the force of an authentic instrument: it summarises the invoices, purchase orders and delivery notes, sets a deadline for payment (generally 8 to 15 days) and immediately triggers default interest by operation of law (COC, Articles 268 et seq.). It opens the way to the simplified **payment order** procedure before the president of the competent court, which makes it possible to obtain an enforceable title without lengthy proceedings for claims that are certain, liquid and due (CPCC Art. 59 et seq.). Actions between traders are generally time-barred after 5 years (Article 402 of the COC): it is advisable to act well before that deadline. **The procedure at a glance** Step Who Indicative time limit Legal basis 1. Formal demand to pay Huissier de justice Payment generally required within 8 to 15 days COC (art. 268 et seq.) ; Organic Law No. 2018-9 (art. 13) 2. Amicable negotiation or payment schedule Huissier de justice, creditor and debtor — — 3. Payment order, followed by bank or movable property seizures President of the competent court (order), then huissier de justice — CPCC (arts. 59 to 67) ; Organic Law No. 2018-9 (art. 13) --- ## 1. Legal framework for commercial debt recovery in Tunisia - **Tunisian Commercial Code**: governs obligations between traders, proof of acceptance of invoices and the statutory limitation periods for bills of exchange and commercial claims. - **Code of Obligations and Contracts (COC)**: Articles 268 et seq. providing that the debtor is placed in default only by a formal demand made by a public officer. - **Organic Law No. 2018-9 of 30 January 2018** (Article 13): entrusts the huissier de justice with amicable and judicial debt recovery, as well as the service of formal demands and notices of default. - **Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure (CPCC)**: payment order procedure (Articles 59 to 67) for commercial claims that are certain, liquid and due. --- ## 2. Step-by-step procedure ### Phase 1: The formal demand to pay served by a huissier The huissier de justice attends the registered office of the debtor company or the home of the trader in Tunis to serve the formal demand: - The act summarises the unpaid invoices, the purchase orders and the corresponding delivery slips. - It sets a strict deadline for payment (generally 8 to 15 days). - This act puts an end to inaction and triggers statutory late-payment interest. ### Phase 2: Amicable negotiation or settlement agreement Very often, official service by a public officer is enough to restore dialogue. The huissier can then record a secured payment schedule with guarantees (bills of exchange, guarantee cheques or sureties). ### Phase 3: The judicial payment order If voluntary payment fails: - The creditor files an application for a payment order with the president of the competent court. - On presentation of the invoice and proof of delivery, the judge issues an order containing an injunction to pay. - As soon as the order becomes final, the huissier proceeds with bank or movable property seizures. To entrust us with your B2B claims: [Debt Recovery Department, Office of Maître Nabil Baffoun](/en/services/recouvrement). --- ## 3. Documents to provide to open the file - The unpaid invoices, in original or certified copies. - The signed purchase orders or delivery notes signed by the customer. - The extract from the National Register of Enterprises (RNE) for the debtor, if available. - The history of unsuccessful reminders. --- ## Contact our office in Tunis Lafayette - 32 Avenue de la Liberté, Lafayette, 1002 Tunis - [+216 99 442 883](tel:+21699442883) - [Commercial debt recovery consultation](/en/consultation) Practice area : Debt Recovery & Commercial Claims Collection in Tunis ## Need Official Bailiff Assistance in Tunis? Maître Nabil Baffoun and his office assist domestic and international clients with prompt, compliant enforcement. [Explore our dedicated service](/en/services/recouvrement) Recommended Related Guide ### Bounced Cheques in Tunisia: Bailiff Protest, Formal Notice and Enforcement Comprehensive guide to bounced cheques in Tunisia: non-payment certificate, bailiff protest, payment injunction, 2024 amendments and asset seizure. [Read this guide](/en/guides/cheque-sans-provision-recours) ## Frequently Asked Legal Questions Can an invoice without a signed delivery note be recovered? Summary payment order requires uncontested proof of delivery. However, a bailiff formal demand followed by plenary commercial action remains viable using corroborating emails and partial advance payments. What is the statute of limitations for commercial invoices in Tunisia? Commercial claims between merchants generally expire after 5 years under Tunisian law. Early action is strongly recommended. ### Questions regarding this procedure? Contact our Tunis Office Maître Nabil Baffoun's Office — 32 Avenue de la Liberté, Lafayette, 1002 Tunis [Call our office (+216 99 442 883)](tel:+21699442883)[WhatsApp direct](https://wa.me/21699442883)[Request consultation](/en/consultation)