Annulment appeal struck from register due to late payment of court fee — framework agreement for bailiff services City of Antwerp
The Council of State struck the annulment appeal by BV A. against the award by the City of Antwerp of a framework agreement for bailiff services from the register, because BV A. failed to pay the court fee within the thirty-day deadline after receiving the payment details, as required by article 71(4) of the Regent's Decree.
What happened?
The City of Antwerp awarded a framework agreement for bailiff services to NV M. on 24 December 2021. BV A.'s suspension application was rejected on 11 February 2022. BV A. filed an annulment appeal on 22 February 2022. The registry sent payment details on 23 February 2022. BV A. paid on 21 April 2022 — outside the thirty-day deadline. The formal notification under article 71(4) was served on 5 November 2025. The appeal was struck from the register. Late-paid amounts were ordered to be refunded.
Why does this matter?
This ruling confirms the strict application of the thirty-day payment deadline for court fees. Late payment, regardless of the reason, results in the appeal being automatically struck from the register.
The lesson
Pay court fees immediately upon receiving payment details from the registry. The thirty-day deadline is absolute — even a few days' delay results in the appeal being struck from the register.
Ask yourself
Have you paid the court fee within thirty days of receiving the payment details from the registry?
About this database
The Council of State (Raad van State / Conseil d'État) is Belgium's supreme administrative court. In disputes over public procurement — from contract awards to tenderer exclusions — the Council of State is the final arbiter. The rulings in this database are summarised by TenderWolf in plain language, with practical lessons for tenderers and contracting authorities. View all rulings →