On 16 July 2026, the Belgian Parliament adopted Book 7 of the Belgian Civil Code, introducing one of the most significant reforms of Belgian contract law in decades. The new framework will enter into force on 1 September 2027 and revises the legal regime governing a broad range of contractual relationships, including (consumer) sales, services, leases and settlement agreements.
Over the past months, Simont Braun has published an eight-part series examining some of the most important practical implications of the reform for businesses operating in Belgium. Together, these articles provide a practical overview of several key developments, including:
- new criteria distinguishing sales contracts from service contracts in construction projects;
- the merger of the traditional hidden defects and conformity regimes in sales law;
- harmonised notification and limitation periods for non-conformity claims;
- a consolidated framework for consumer sales and durability guarantees;
- statutory recognition of precarious occupancy arrangements and clarification of lease conformity obligations;
- a common framework governing service providers’ obligations, including safety duties and conflicts of interest;
- specific rules protecting the stability of settlement agreements and limiting certain unilateral remedies.
Below, you will find the complete series:
Episode 1 | A landmark reform of Belgian contract law
The first article provides an overview of Book 7, the contractual relationships covered by the reform, its entry into force and the practical reasons why businesses should already begin preparing for the new framework.
→ Read Episode 1
Episode 2 | Construction contracts: sale or service?
This article examines the new criteria used to distinguish sales contracts from service contracts in the construction and real estate sectors, together with the practical consequences of this classification for conformity obligations and liability regimes.
→ Read Episode 2
Episode 3 | Sales contracts: hidden defects, conformity and seller liability
One of the most significant changes introduced by Book 7 is the unification of the conformity and hidden defects regimes. This article also examines the new liability framework applicable to professional sellers and the resulting contractual flexibility in B2B relationships.
→ Read Episode 3
Episode 4 | New time limits for non-conformity claims
Notification periods, limitation periods and long-stop periods become increasingly important under Book 7. This article explains the new timing rules applicable to sales contracts, service contracts and leases, and their practical implications for businesses.
→ Read Episode 4
Episode 5 | Consumer sales contracts
Book 7 largely preserves the existing consumer conformity guarantee regime while introducing a clearer structure and greater emphasis on durability. The article also examines new information requirements introduced as part of the green transition.
→ Read Episode 5
Episode 6 | Precarious occupancy and lease conformity
This article explores the statutory recognition of precarious occupancy arrangements and clarifies a lessor’s obligations regarding conformity throughout the lease term, including situations involving force majeure.
→ Read Episode 6
Episode 7 | Service contracts: what are the service provider’s obligations?
Book 7 introduces a common framework governing service contracts and codifies a number of duties applicable to service providers, including safety obligations, cooperation duties and conflicts of interest.
→ Read Episode 7
Episode 8 | Settlement agreements
The final article of the series examines the rules governing settlement agreements and explains why Book 7 limits certain unilateral remedies, thereby reinforcing the stability and certainty expected from dispute resolution agreements.
→ Read Episode 8
Key takeaways
- Book 7 will enter into force on 1 September 2027.
- The reform affects many of the contracts businesses use on a daily basis, including sales, service, lease and settlement agreements.
- While Book 7 largely codifies and clarifies existing law, it also introduces several important changes regarding conformity, liability, notification periods and contractual remedies.
- Businesses should use the coming months to review their contractual documentation, internal procedures and claims-management processes in light of the new framework.
This series reflects Simont Braun’s direct involvement in the development of Book 7 of the Belgian Civil Code, with Paul Alain Foriers serving as co-chair of the drafting commission and Rafaël Jafferali among the experts appointed by the Minister of Justice to contribute to the reform.
February Seminar: save the date
Simont Braun will host a seminar dedicated to the practical implications of Book 7 at its Brussels offices on 16 February 2027, ahead of the reform’s entry into force on 1 September 2027.
Trusted clients wishing to gain a practical understanding of the reform and its impact on their contractual arrangements are invited to save the date and register (seats are limited).
Questions about Book 7 of the Belgian Civil Code and its implications for your contracts and business activities? Please feel free to contact Rafaël Jafferali.
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This newsletter does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Please consult with a legal counsel before taking any action based on the information provided.