# Force majeure in Belgium: simple explanation and examples

Canonical: https://ailawyer.be/en/droit-simplement/force-majeure-belgium/
Language: en
Publisher: Mashaah LLC / AILawyer.be
Published: 2026-03-29T11:33:31.355932+00:00
Updated: 2026-09-27T12:00:00+02:00

Force majeure concerns an inability to perform not attributable to the debtor under the applicable law and contract.

Sources consulted: 2026-09-27

## The legal starting point

Force majeure concerns an inability to perform not attributable to the debtor under the applicable law and contract. Higher cost alone does not establish it. Consequences depend notably on whether the obstacle is temporary or permanent. Notify the other party and document mitigation steps.



## Documents to gather

The contract, invoices, payment evidence and received letters with envelopes. Separate admitted and disputed amounts.



## Your next step

Write a short timeline and state the outcome you seek. Request a written explanation if an amount or decision seems wrong. Before signing, acknowledging a debt or allowing a deadline to pass, check the consequences for your circumstances. An amicable step does not automatically suspend a statutory deadline.



### Is a guide enough to decide?

It helps prepare your next step. Dates, documents and specific rules can change the answer. Consult the sources below and have decisive issues assessed.

## Sources

- [SPF Justice — Réforme du Code civil](https://www.justice.belgium.be/fr/bwcc)
- [Justel — Législation consolidée](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/welcome.pl)

General information, not personalised legal advice. Verify jurisdiction, applicable date and the primary source before acting.