Reclamation Claims and Defenses Aginst Claims of Preferential Transfers

We get a lot of questions about changes to the Bankruptcy Code under BAPCPA (which became effective on October 17, 2005). Based on inquiries we have received and an expected increase in Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, here are updates on two issues: reclamation claims and defenses against claims of preferential transfers.

1. Reclamation Claims. Reclamation is a seller’s limited right to retrieve goods delivered to a buyer when the buyer is insolvent under the Uniform Commercial Code. Under Sections 546(c)(1)(A) and (b) of the Bankruptcy Code, the reclamation deadlines are now (1) not later than 45 days after the date of receipt of such goods by the debtor, or (2) not later than 20 days of the commencement of the case, if the 45-day period expires after the commencement of the case. Under the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, the deadlines were before 10 days after receipt of such goods by the debtor, or before 20 days after receipt of such goods if the 10-day period expired after the commencement of the case.

2. Defenses against Claims of Preferential Transfers. A preferential transfer is a pre-bankruptcy transfer made by an insolvent debtor to or for the benefit of a creditor, thereby allowing the creditor to receive more than its proportionate share of the debtor's assets; specifically, an insolvent debtor's transfer of a property interest for the benefit of a creditor who is owed on an earlier debt, when the transfer occurs no more than 90 days before the date when the bankruptcy petition is filed or (if the creditor is an insider) within one year of the filing, so that the creditor receives more than it would otherwise receive through the distribution of the bankruptcy estate.

Section 547(c)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, which provides a defense to claims of preferential transfers based on the ordinary course of business of the debtor or ordinary business terms of transaction, now states: "to the extent that such transfer was in payment of a debt incurred by the debtor in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the debtor and the transferee, and such transfer was-(A) made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the debtor and the transferee; or (B) made according to ordinary business terms." The previous standard under the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 required that both (A) and (B) apply, but under BAPCPA, either clause may be raised as a defense, making it much easier for a creditor to defend against the claim of a preferential transfer.

Another defense new to BAPCPA is that in a case filed by a debtor whose debts are not primarily consumer debts (i.e. primarily business debts), the debtor can only pursue alleged preferential payments that exceed $5,000.

If you have questions about reclamation claims or preferential transfers, please contact Jim Shenwick.