> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.qonto.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to enable SDD Collections in the Sandbox

> Set up SEPA Direct Debit Collections eligibility and complete the activation flow in the Sandbox environment using the QA tool.

SEPA Direct Debit (SDD) Collections let your organization collect payments directly from customers' bank accounts. Before you can test collection flows in the Sandbox, you need to make the organization **eligible** for SDD and then complete the **activation** flow through the web app.

This guide walks through both steps using the **QA tool** (`https://qa-sandbox.staging.qonto.co`).

<Warning>
  This guide applies to the **Sandbox environment only**. The QA tool is not available in Production.
</Warning>

***

## Prerequisites

* A Sandbox organization already created via the QA tool, using the **highest available price plan** (`team_enterprise` or equivalent)
* Access to the [QA tool](https://qa-sandbox.staging.qonto.co) (Qonto internal tool, Sandbox only)
* Access to the [Sandbox web app](https://app-sandbox.staging.qonto.co) — log in first via the [Developer Portal Toolkit](https://developers.qonto.com/toolkit/) (see [Accessing the Sandbox environment](/get-started/general/sandbox-access))

***

## Step 1 — Set the organization's SDD eligibility

Once the organization is created, you need to initialise its eligibility via the QA tool.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the SDD eligibility form in the QA tool">
    In the QA tool, go to the **Direct Debit Collections → Update DDC Organization Eligibility** section and enter your organization's ID.

    The direct link to that page is:

    ```
    https://qa-sandbox.staging.qonto.co/direct_debit_collections/eligibilities
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the eligibility parameters">
    Set the eligibility status to "eligible"

    Submit the form. The organization is now eligible for SDD Collections.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 2 — Trigger the activation flow from the web app

With eligibility set, the organization can now start the activation flow.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log in to the Sandbox web app">
    Open the Sandbox web app and log in with the organization's credentials. See [Accessing the Sandbox environment](/get-started/general/sandbox-access) if you need help bypassing the OneLogin gate.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Incoming direct debits">
    From the main menu, go to the **Incoming direct debits** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click &#x22;Get started&#x22;">
    Click the **Get started** button to enter the SDD activation flow. Follow the on-screen steps to submit the required information.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 3 — Complete the activation (country-specific)

The final activation step depends on the organization's country.

### IT, NL, BE, and ES organizations

SDD Collections is **automatically activated** for organizations in these countries. The system generates a Creditor Identifier (CID) based on existing data. No additional manual step is required.

<Info>
  The organization must have a VAT number for automatic CID resolution to work. Check whether a VAT number is set and, if not, add it via the **Org - Edit EU VAT number** action in the QA tool before triggering the activation flow.
</Info>

### DE organizations

German organizations must submit a valid CID during the activation flow. The CID is validated against the EPC262-08 standard:

* Exactly **18 characters**, starting with `DE`
* Structure: `DE` + 2 check digits + 3-character creditor business code + 11-digit national identifier
* Check digits are algorithmically validated

Example of a valid test CID: `DE70CAR00002572895`

### FR organizations

French organizations require an additional step involving the Creditor Identifier (CID). There are two activation paths depending on whether the organization submits an existing CID or requests a new one.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="CID submission (existing CID)">
    When a French organization submits their existing CID for validation during the activation flow, in the Sandbox, you can simulate the validation step using the QA tool.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open the SDD activation management section in the QA tool">
        In the QA tool, navigate to **Direct Debit Collections → Update DDC Organization Eligibility**.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Find and accept the pending submission">
        Search for your organization by its ID. You should see **CID Submitted** before the organization details.

        Click on "Accept CID Submission" to simulate a successful CID approval.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="CID creation (new CID)">
    When a French organization requests a new CID to be created during the activation flow, in the Sandbox, you can simulate the completion step using the QA tool.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open the SDD activation management section in the QA tool">
        In the QA tool, navigate to **Direct Debit Collections → Update DDC Organization Eligibility**.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Find and complete the CID creation">
        Search for the organization by its ID. You should see **CID Creation Requested** before the organization details.

        Click on "Assign random CID" to simulate a successful CID assignment.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

<Check>
  The organization is now fully activated for SDD Collections. You can proceed to test collection mandates, payment requests, and collection transactions in the Sandbox.
</Check>