Force majeure notice
Force Majeure Notice for EPC Projects
How to notify a potential force majeure or exceptional event while preserving contractual relief and avoiding unsupported factual conclusions.
Last reviewed:Contract Copilot editorial team
Short answer
A force majeure notice should describe the external event, explain how it affects performance, identify affected obligations, record mitigation, and preserve contractual relief without overstating facts that still require substantiation.
When to use it
- An exceptional event outside the contractor's control prevents or materially affects performance.
- Supply, access, labour, transport, permits, or execution activities are disrupted by a qualifying event.
- The contract requires prompt notice to preserve time or cost relief.
What to include
- The event, timing, affected work fronts, and current known consequences.
- Steps taken to avoid or mitigate delay, disruption, or cost impact.
- A reservation that further particulars and substantiation will follow.
Common mistakes
- Calling an event force majeure without explaining the contractual basis.
- Claiming automatic payment where the contract only provides time relief.
- Failing to separate known facts from matters still under assessment.
Sample opening wording
The Contractor gives notice of an exceptional event which may constitute Force Majeure or an event of similar contractual effect under the Contract. The Contractor is assessing the full consequences and will provide further particulars as they become available.
Educational sample only. Contract Copilot is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; users should review every letter against the contract and governing law.
Related contract terms
Force majeureMitigationExceptional event
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