The term ‘force majeure' is French in origin, literally meaning ‘greater force'. It refers to unexpected events, outside the control of the parties to an agreement, which prevent performance of part or all of the required contractual obligations.
URC 522 article 15 states the force majeure events for which a bank assumes no liability or responsibility.
eURC article e13 reflects the additional text that was included in URBPO 750 article 13 (Force Majeure). The concept of force majeure is the same as in other ICC rules but is extended to cover the inability of a bank to access a data processing system, or a failure of equipment, software or communications network.