Notice of defect

Definição

A notice of defect is the buyer's formal complaint that performance is non-conforming. Under Dutch law the buyer must complain within a reasonable time after discovering, or reasonably being able to discover, the defect; failing to do so can forfeit the right to remedies. The duty rests on article 7:23 BW for sales and on the general complaint rule of article 6:89 BW for other performances.

Exemplo

A buyer who discovers a hidden defect must notify the seller within a reasonable time, or risk losing the right to repair or price reduction.

Porque é um risco para a empresa

Missing the complaint deadline is one of the most common and avoidable ways to lose a valid claim. Buyers who delay reporting a defect -- even a serious one -- can find that a court holds their right to remedies forfeited. The risk is acute when defects are discovered by operational staff who do not flag them promptly to the contract manager.

Como gerir

• Inspect deliverables promptly on receipt and assign a named person to report any defect to the contract manager the same day it is found.
• Send the notice of defect in a durable, dated form -- email with read receipt or registered letter -- so the date of complaint is provable.
• Preserve evidence of the defect, including photographs, test logs and samples, before any repair or remediation that could destroy the proof.
• Track complaint deadlines as a contract obligation alongside payment and delivery milestones.
• In the contract, negotiate a clear, written notice requirement with a defined form and channel so the process is unambiguous for both sides.

Referências jurídicas

• BW 7:23 Dutch Civil Code: duty to complain (sales) Direito neerlandês
• BW 6:89 Dutch Civil Code: general duty to complain Direito neerlandês

Salvo indicação em contrário, as referências remetem para o direito neerlandês (Burgerlijk Wetboek, o Código Civil neerlandês); os instrumentos da UE, como o RGPD, aplicam-se em toda a UE. Esta é informação geral, não constitui aconselhamento jurídico. Outras jurisdições tratam estes conceitos de forma diferente. Verifique o texto em vigor e a sua situação com um advogado qualificado.