Crédit Export Fournisseur (supplier export credit)
The Crédit Export Fournisseur is a mechanism for financing export sales: the exporter grants payment terms to the foreign buyer, and the receivable can then be bought by Bpifrance. It is structured financing tied to a contract, not a general grant. Eligibility depends on the commercial contract, the French content, the country, the buyer and the current financing conditions.
To win an international contract, a French exporter may need to offer the buyer deferred payment. The Crédit Export Fournisseur lets the exporter structure this trade credit and then assign it to Bpifrance under the scheme’s conditions, so the exporter receives the funds earlier and limits the impact on its cash flow.
Funded by Bpifrance
Run a personalised scan to identify the public grants and funding your company may be able to access.
Who can apply
The product targets French exporters selling goods or services to a foreign buyer who want to offer supplier credit. Bpifrance finances or buys the receivable under the product’s conditions. The foreign buyer, the country and the contract are examined in the risk assessment.
Eligibility conditions
The operation must be backed by an eligible export contract and comply with the applicable financing, French-content, country and risk rules. The credit structure, repayment schedule, guarantees and contractual documents must be validated before final signature. Conditions are specific to each application and may vary with the amount and destination.
What the scheme covers
The mechanism lets the exporter grant the buyer payment terms and then assign the receivable, which can speed up collection for the exporter. It can suit sales of French goods or services, depending on the product and eligibility criteria. Supplier credit should be distinguished from buyer credit and from export insurance guarantees.
Amount and funding terms
The amount depends on the contract value, the financed share, the credit period and the risk assessment. No single cap is given without checking the current product. The financing is tied to the export receivable and the contract terms; rates, fees, guarantees and repayment schedules must be confirmed with Bpifrance and the financial partners.
How to apply
1. Prepare the commercial contract, its value, the delivery schedule and the payment schedule. 2. Define the financing need and the supplier credit period. 3. Contact Bpifrance or your export finance contact to validate the eligibility of the buyer, country and contract. 4. Gather the financial information and commercial documents. 5. Do not offer firm credit terms to the buyer before the arrangement is validated.
Timeline
The Crédit Export Fournisseur is assessed case by case, with no single annual application timetable. Timelines depend on the review of the contract and the risk assessment; contact Bpifrance before the commercial negotiation.
Key facts
- Funder
- Bpifrance
- Type of funding
- Loan
- Status
- Ongoing
- Geographic scope
- Not specified
Frequently asked questions
How does supplier credit work?
The exporter grants payment terms to the foreign buyer and can then assign the receivable under the scheme.
Is it a grant?
No, it is a mechanism for financing an export receivable.
Which criteria are examined?
The contract, the buyer, the country, the credit period, the French content and the credit risk.
When should I contact Bpifrance?
Before the final negotiation, to validate the arrangement and the financing conditions.
Official source
Official Bpifrance page ↗Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
Other grants of type “loan”
Other grants from Bpifrance
Related needs and funding
Competitive calls for projects
Ecological transition and CSR
Capital and investment funds
Support and acceleration
Diagnostics and audits
Takeover and transfer
Discover the funding that fits your company
Check your eligibility for public grants
This scheme is only one of the grants your company may be able to access. Run a personalised scan to identify the funding opportunities that match your activity, location and project.
See the opportunities identified by the scan, then access your personalised report.