Contracts & Pricing

Force Majeure

Force majeure is a contract clause that excuses a party from its obligations when an extraordinary event beyond its control prevents performance.

Force majeure events are typically defined in the contract and may include natural disasters, war, pandemics, government action or major supply disruption. When such an event occurs, the affected party may be relieved from liability for delay or non-performance, provided it meets the notice and mitigation requirements set out in the clause.

The exact protection depends entirely on the wording — what counts as an event, what notice is required and what the consequences are. Procurement teams learned during recent global disruptions how important a clear force majeure clause is, and many now scrutinise it closely and pair it with dual sourcing or safety stock to keep critical supply resilient.

Frequently asked questions

What is force majeure in a contract?
Force majeure is a clause that excuses a party from performing its obligations when an extraordinary event beyond its control, such as a natural disaster or pandemic, prevents performance.
Does force majeure automatically apply?
No. Its effect depends on the specific clause — which events are covered, the notice required and the consequences. Without a force majeure clause, general legal doctrines may apply but offer less certainty.

Explore related across the knowledge graph

TemplateContract Register TemplateAn Excel register to track every supplier contract, its value and renewal dates, with automatic expiry alerts.GlossaryBank GuaranteeA bank guarantee is a promise from a bank to pay a beneficiary a stated amount if the bank's customer fails to meet a defined obligation.GlossaryCall-Off OrderA call-off order is an individual order placed against an existing framework agreement or blanket purchase order to draw down agreed goods or services as needed.GlossaryContract AwardContract award is the formal decision to appoint a chosen supplier and enter into a contract after a sourcing or tender process concludes.GlossaryContract ComplianceContract compliance is the degree to which purchasing actually follows the prices, terms and conditions set out in agreed contracts.GlossaryContract Lifecycle Management (CLM)Contract lifecycle management (CLM) is the structured management of a contract through every stage, from drafting and negotiation to renewal or expiry.GlossaryContract ManagementContract management is the process of creating, executing, tracking and renewing supplier contracts to ensure both sides meet their obligations and value is realised.GlossaryContract NegotiationContract negotiation is the process of discussing and agreeing the price, terms and conditions of a contract before both parties sign.GlossaryContract RenewalContract renewal is the process of reviewing and extending a contract as it approaches expiry, either on the same terms or on renegotiated ones.GlossaryContract VariationA contract variation is a formal change to the agreed scope, price, timeline or terms of an existing contract, made with both parties' consent.GlossaryCost-plus ContractA cost-plus contract pays the supplier for its allowable costs plus an additional agreed amount for profit, rather than a single fixed price.GlossaryDiscount StructureA discount structure is the set of rules a supplier uses to reduce list prices, based on factors such as volume, order value, payment timing or customer tier.GlossaryEvergreen ContractAn evergreen contract is an agreement that automatically renews at the end of each term unless one party gives notice to cancel or change it.GlossaryFixed-price ContractA fixed-price contract sets a single agreed price for defined goods or services regardless of the supplier's actual costs to deliver them.GlossaryFramework AgreementA framework agreement is a long-term contract that sets agreed terms and pricing with one or more suppliers, from which specific orders are called off as needed.

Put procurement theory into practice

Talk to our team about wholesale pricing, credit terms, sourcing support and delivery across Peninsular Malaysia — or explore the marketplace built for Malaysian enterprises.

Prefer to talk to a real person?

Our team replies fast on WhatsApp and email — no forms, no waiting.