European Small Claims Procedure

 

What is the European Small Claims Procedure?

The European Small Claims Procedure was introduced by EC Regulation 861/2007 and applies between all Member States of the European Union except Denmark. The procedure can be used for claims up to the value of €2000 and is a written procedure, unless an oral hearing is considered necessary by the court.

Further information can be accessed in the European Judicial Atlas in Civil Matters  

Rules/Regulations:

Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court European Small Claims Procedure Rules) 2008

 

Forms: 

Regulation forms:

Form B – Request by the Court or Tribunal to Complete and/or Rectify the Claim Form

Form C – Answer Form

Form D – Certificate Concerning a Judgment in the European Small Claims Procedure

 

Fees:

Court fees are payable for lodging these claims in court, and the current fees can be accessed in the Sheriff Court Fees section. 

You may be entitled to fee exemption, for example if you are entitled to certain state benefits. Further information can be found in the Court Fees section or in the application for fee exemption.

You should note that these fees do not include any fees you may need to pay if you have instructed a solicitor to help you. The solicitor can give you information on these costs.

 

Useful Links:

European Judicial Atlas.

Citizens’ guide to cross-border civil litigation in the European Union

European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters

European e-Justice Portal