What is the limitation period for claims under Dutch law?

Dutch term: Verjaring | Legal basis: Articles 3:306-3:326 BW

The limitation period (verjaring) under Dutch law determines how long a party has to bring a claim before it expires. The standard limitation period for contractual claims is five years from the date the claim became due and payable (article 3:307 BW). The absolute long-stop limitation period is twenty years (article 3:306 BW).

Different claims have different limitation periods: tort claims expire five years from the date the injured party became aware of the damage and the liable party (article 3:310 BW). Claims for non-conformity of goods must be brought within two years of the notice of defect (article 7:23 BW). Limitation can be interrupted (stuiting) by a written acknowledgment, a demand letter, or the filing of proceedings (article 3:316-3:318 BW). Interruption resets the full limitation period.

Why it matters for international businesses

For international businesses, monitoring limitation periods and sending timely interruption notices is critical. A claim that expires due to limitation cannot be revived, regardless of its merits.