Document background
The Certificate of Final Acceptance is a critical document used in Dutch commercial and construction practice to formally conclude the acceptance phase of a project or delivery. It is typically issued after a successful final inspection and verification that all contractual requirements have been met, including the resolution of any defects or punch list items identified during preliminary acceptance. This document is particularly important under Dutch law as it marks several significant legal transitions: it typically triggers the release of final payments, starts the warranty period, transfers certain risks and responsibilities from the contractor to the client, and often marks the end of the contractor's liability for visible defects. The certificate should be used when all works or deliverables have been completed to the required standard, all documentation has been provided, and all parties are satisfied with the final result. It serves as conclusive evidence of acceptance and helps prevent future disputes about the state of completion or compliance with contractual requirements.
