One of the most significant shifts is the unification of claim procedures. Under the 1999 edition, Employer claims (Clause 2.5) and Contractor claims (Clause 20.1) followed different paths.
The 2017 Suite corrects this by merging Employer and Contractor claims into a single, unified framework under . Key Legal Implications
In the 1999 forms, Contractor claims were governed by Clause 20, while Employer claims fell under Clause 2.5. The 2017 suite establishes an equal playing field. Both Employer and Contractor claims are now governed by the same strict procedure under Sub-Clause 20.2. Enhanced Role of the Engineer
If you are currently drafting or negotiating a construction contract, let me know if you would like me to outline or provide a template for a FIDIC-compliant 28-day Notice of Claim . Share public link
: Discusses the transition from a Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) to a standing Dispute Avoidance/Adjudication Board (DAAB) , emphasizing its role in informal dispute prevention. Administrative Burdens
“The value isn't just the content; it’s the accessibility,” explains a construction arbitrator based in Dubai. “When you are in a dispute resolution meeting in Singapore, you can’t flip through a 500-page textbook fast enough. Having this guide on a tablet, hyperlinked to the actual FIDIC clauses, is a competitive advantage.”
For those working with the 2017 FIDIC suite, navigating its increased complexity—from the prescriptive new procedures to strict time-bars—requires more than just a surface-level reading. FIDIC 2017: A Practical Legal Guide
The FIDIC 2017 contracts are a significant update to the standard forms of contract used in the construction industry. The contracts place a greater emphasis on collaboration and cooperation between the parties, and provide a clearer allocation of risk. The contracts also introduce a new dispute resolution process and new provisions on variation orders.
Unlike generic PDFs found on document-sharing sites, the "exclusive" version often includes:
The Engineer's role has expanded from 5 to 8 sub-clauses, emphasizing neutrality during determinations.
Perhaps the most complex shift in 2017 was the permanent Dispute Avoidance/Adjudication Board. The guide dedicates nearly a quarter of its pages to the procedural mechanics of the DAAB. It offers practical checklists for:
Ensure project managers understand that an email discussing a problem does not constitute a formal contract notice unless explicitly formatted as such under Clause 1.3.
Perhaps the most critical legal trap in the FIDIC 2017 Suite is the strict operation of time bars. Failure to adhere to these timelines results in a total loss of legal rights to a claim. The Notice of Claim (Sub-Clause 20.2.1)
In the 1999 editions, Clause 20.1 famously penalized Contractors who failed to notify claims within 28 days, while Employers faced fewer restrictions under Clause 2.5. The 2017 Suite completely overhauls this dynamic via . The Reciprocal Rule
