{"id":183885,"date":"2023-11-16T22:52:55","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T22:52:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?p=183885"},"modified":"2026-03-27T00:04:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T00:04:47","slug":"force-majeure-business-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/force-majeure-business-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Can A Force Majeure Clause Protect Businesses From Risk?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A force majeure clause shields your business when unexpected events make it impossible to meet your contractual obligations. Without one, you have little protection if circumstances beyond your control disrupt your ability to deliver. This article will explain how a force majeure clause can protect your business from risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Force Majeure Clause?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/force-majeure-clauses\/\">force majeure clause<\/a> is a contractual provision that allows the parties to alter their obligations in a contract if something unexpected happens. Most commonly, a force majeure clause will seek to limit the liability of one or both parties if certain unexpected events occur, which make it difficult or impossible to meet the obligations under the contract.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on how the clause is drafted, the clause could have various consequences. For example, a force majeure clause can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>excuse a party from performing their obligations under the contract;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>excuse a party from a delay in the performance of their duties;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>give a party an extension of time to perform their duties; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>give a party the right to <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/contract-termination\/\">end the contract<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, a force majeure event is beyond the reasonable control of a contractual party. Nevertheless, it is crucial that your contract clearly defines what constitutes a force majeure event. Some of the most common examples of these events include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>wars;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>armed conflicts;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>terrorist attacks;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods or storms;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>epidemic or pandemics; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nuclear, chemical or biological contamination.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"[UK] Disputes 101: Preventing and Resolving Commercial Disputes | LegalVision\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O7tg2PDMjhg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can a Force Majeure Clause Protect Your Business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various ways a force majeure clause can protect your business from risk. Some of the most significant ways are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Greater Contractual Rights&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A force majeure clause must be included in a commercial contract if you wish to rely upon one. That is to say, a court will not imply the existence of force majeure rights in a contract without it stating otherwise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do not have the clause in your contract, your rights will be much more limited if unexpected events impact your ability to perform your contract obligations. Instead, you <em>may <\/em>be able to rely upon the <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/contract-termination\/#frustration%C2%A0\">law of \u2018frustration\u2019<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>Frustration is when an outside event occurs, which makes the performance of the contract impossible. When a contract is frustrated, it comes to an end, and the parties are released from their obligations. However, frustration is a very limited legal doctrine that applies in a few circumstances. In practice, it can be very challenging to rely on frustration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, including a robust clause will give you far greater protection and is more likely to protect you from the potential liabilities that could arise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Protection in Uncertain Times&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of having contractual protection to <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/disputes-litigation\/resolve-dispute-supplier\/\">protect a supplier<\/a> when unexpected events occur.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When entering into new commercial agreements, it is vital to consider the risks involved. By including a force majeure clause in your commercial contracts, you can mitigate against potential risks. Including the clause will give you comfort when trading, so you know you have contractual protection if unforeseen events impact the performance of your obligations. As a supplier dealing with several customers and a lack of control over external factors, this can help put your mind at ease.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--star\">\n    <p>Since the COVID-19 pandemic, most suppliers are likely to push for force majeure protection, and most customers are more likely to accept them as part of contractual negotiations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Minimise the Risk of a Business Dispute&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Including a force majeure clause rights will give you certainty about your legal rights and options if an unforeseen event occurs. When drafting the clause, you can decide on the appropriate procedures to follow and mitigate against the risks you could face.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>For example, you can specify that if a force majeure event occurs, you will have an extension of time to perform your contractual obligations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Without a force majeure clause, you could find yourself involved in arguments with customers if unexpected events occur that prevent or delay the performance of your obligations. Without the clause, your customer is not forgiving if you cannot perform your obligations due to unexpected events. By including a clear clause, you will have a contractual procedure to follow and will be less likely to encounter a dispute.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"my-7 lg:my-10 border-y-2 border-gray-100 py-7 lg:py-10 flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-start gap-10\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-52 mx-auto my-0! rounded\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/05\/03024102\/LegalVision_UK-Supplier-Contracts-Checklist.jpg\" alt=\"Front page of publication\"\n                 loading=\"lazy\" width=\"208\" height=\"298\">\n                <section>\n            <div class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Supplier Contracts Checklist<\/div>\n            <div class=\"body-text\">\n                <p>Download this free Supplier Contracts Checklist to ensure your contracts will meet your business\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            \n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/go.legalvision.co.uk\/supplier-contracts-checklist.html\" class=\" block 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Including a force majeure clause will give certainty on what procedures to follow if unexpected events occur that delay or restrict your ability to perform your contractual obligations. Significantly, the clause can also reduce your exposure to risk and liability if unforeseen events occur during your commercial agreements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need advice on a contract, our experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/contract-lawyers-lp\/\">contract lawyers<\/a> can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0808 196 8584<\/a> or visit our <a href=\"\/membership\">membership page.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774569726620\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you invoke this clause for financial hardship?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Financial hardship alone does not typically trigger a force majeure clause. The event must be beyond your reasonable control and directly prevent contract performance.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774569733040\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does a this clause automatically apply?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. You must formally notify the other party that a force majeure event has occurred. Most clauses require written notice within a specific timeframe to activate the clause&#8217;s protections.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774569742154\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What happens if a force majeure event continues long-term?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If a force majeure event continues for an extended period, most clauses allow either party to terminate the contract entirely, releasing both parties from their remaining contractual obligations.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774569755353\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How does force majeure differ from frustration?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Force majeure is a contractual clause you include in your agreement, while frustration is a common law doctrine. Force majeure offers broader protection and clearer procedures, making it the preferred option for businesses seeking certainty in unexpected circumstances.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"9eb4f72322\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/183885\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/force-majeure-business-risk\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"Can A Force Majeure Clause Protect Businesses From Risk?\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A force majeure clause shields your business when unexpected events make it impossible to meet your contractual obligations. Without one, you have little protection if circumstances beyond your control disrupt your ability to deliver. This article will explain how a force majeure clause can protect your business from risk. What is a Force Majeure Clause?<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/force-majeure-business-risk\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;Can A Force Majeure Clause Protect Businesses From Risk?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13458,"featured_media":183595,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"182440,182076,180923,183715,1055,175390","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[318,994,995],"class_list":["post-183885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commercial-contracts","tag-contract-frustration","tag-force-majeure","tag-force-majeure-clause"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Can A Force Majeure Clause Protect Businesses From Risk? 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