Notice period
The advance warning a party must give before ending or not renewing a contract.
Definition
A notice period is the minimum time a party must give before termination or non-renewal takes effect, giving the other side time to adapt. The required length and form (often written) are set in the contract. For Dutch consumer contracts, the so-called Wet Van Dam caps notice periods after silent renewal at one month, and unreasonably long periods in standard terms may be void.
Example
A consumer who forgot to cancel a magazine subscription can, after the first silent renewal, terminate with one month's notice at any time.
Why this is a business risk
A notice period that is too short can leave the other party unable to find an alternative supplier in time, which may itself constitute a breach. A period that is too long can trap you in a contract you need to exit. In B2B contracts with no notice clause, the reasonable notice required by Dutch law can be disputed and is determined case by case.
How to manage it
- Set the notice period at a length that genuinely allows both sides to transition: 30 to 90 days is typical for most service contracts.
- Specify both the minimum notice period and the method of delivery (written notice, email to a named address) so there is no dispute about whether notice was validly given.
- Diarise notice deadlines centrally so team members responsible for renewals are alerted well before the window closes.
Legal references
Unless marked otherwise, references are to Dutch law (Burgerlijk Wetboek, the Dutch Civil Code); EU instruments such as the GDPR apply across the EU. This is general information, not legal advice. Other jurisdictions treat these concepts differently. Verify the current text and your situation with a qualified lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this term.