One of the most significant reforms of Belgian contract law in decades was adopted by the Belgian Parliament on 16 July 2026.
The reform introduces a new Book 7 into the Belgian Civil Code and comprehensively revises the legal framework governing a broad range of contractual relationships. Given the central role these contracts play in commercial life, the reform is expected to have far-reaching implications for businesses operating in Belgium.
Businesses should already begin assessing the implications of Book 7 and preparing for its future entry into force. This article provides an overview of the reform, the contractual relationships within its scope and the key milestones leading to its entry into force.
A comprehensive review of key contractual relationships
Book 7 brings together and modernises the rules applicable to several important categories of contracts commonly used in both business and private dealings. The reform notably concerns:
- sales and exchange agreements;
- service agreements, including agency agreements (mandates) and deposits;
- certain lease agreements;
- loan agreements;
- aleatory contracts, such as life annuities; and
- agreements relating to disputes, including settlement and escrow arrangements.
The scope of the reform is particularly broad. Rather than addressing a specific area of contract law, Book 7 revisits a significant part of the contractual framework on which businesses rely in their day-to-day operations.
Why should businesses pay attention?
Many of the contracts covered by Book 7 are used across virtually every sector of the economy. Whether a business purchases goods, engages service providers, leases premises, grants or receives financing, or settles disputes, the new framework is likely to become relevant.
As a result, the reform is likely to affect virtually every economic actor operating in Belgium. The adoption of Book 7 should therefore be of interest not only to legal practitioners, but also to business leaders, in-house counsel, procurement teams and contract managers.
When will the new rules apply?
The new legislation will enter into force on the first day of the twelfth month following its publication in the Belgian Official Journal, which is expected to take place in September. The new regime should thus become applicable in the second half of 2027.
Importantly, the reform is not intended to retroactively alter existing contractual relationships. Book 7 will generally apply only to contracts, legal acts and legal facts occurring after its entry into force.
What about existing agreements?
The adoption of Book 7 does not mean that all existing contracts must immediately be reviewed or renegotiated.
As a matter of principle, agreements concluded before the entry into force of the new rules will remain governed by the current legal framework. Unless the parties agree otherwise, this should remain the case even where such agreements are subsequently amended or renewed.
This transitional regime provides businesses with a degree of legal certainty while allowing them time to prepare for the new framework.
Preparing for the future
Although the reform is not expected to apply until the second half of 2027, businesses would be well advised to begin assessing its potential impact now.
In particular, organisations should consider:
- reviewing their standard agreements and contractual templates;
- assessing whether their general terms and conditions remain appropriate under the new framework;
- identifying contractual relationships that may be particularly affected by the reform; and
- planning any contractual updates that may be required in advance of the entry into force of Book 7.
Early preparation can help reduce uncertainty and ensure that contractual documentation remains fit for purpose once the new rules become applicable.
Simont Braun's involvement in the reform
Simont Braun has been closely involved in the development of this landmark reform. Our partner Paul Alain Foriers co-chaired the commission entrusted with drafting the adopted text, while Rafaël Jafferali was among the select group of experts appointed by the Minister of Justice to serve on the commission.
Further insights to come
In the coming months, Simont Braun will continue to examine the practical implications of Book 7 for businesses operating in Belgium. Further insights on specific aspects of the reform will be shared via Simont Braun's LinkedIn page.
In parallel, lawyers Thomas Derval, Rafaël Jafferali and Charles-Edouard Lambert are coordinating a conference dedicated to the reform, as well as a collective publication scheduled for early 2027.
Questions about Book 7 or its practical implications for your business? Please feel free to contact the authors of this article, Rafaël Jafferali or Thomas Derval (Simont Braun).
This article does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Please consult with a legal counsel before taking any action based on the information provided.
