What is an enforcement attachment (executoriaal beslag) under Dutch law?

Dutch term: Executoriaal beslag | Legal basis: Articles 430 e.v. Rv

An enforcement attachment (executoriaal beslag) is the seizure of a debtor's assets on the basis of an enforceable title, such as a court judgment bearing the executorial formula (grossier), a notarial deed, or an arbitral award with exequatur. It is distinct from pre-judgment attachment (conservatoir beslag), which is obtained before a judgment is rendered.

The procedure is set out in articles 430 and following of the Dutch Code of Civil Procedure. The bailiff serves the enforceable title on the debtor with a demand for voluntary payment. If the debtor does not pay within the given period, the bailiff proceeds to seizure of specific assets: bank accounts, receivables, real property, shares and movable property. Seized assets can be sold at public auction to satisfy the claim.

Why it matters for international businesses

For creditors with a Dutch judgment or an EU judgment enforceable under Brussels I Recast, enforcement attachment is the final step in the collection process.