Consultants now have a right to suspend work with 7 days' notice if payment is missed (previously 28 days).
For employers, it prevents scope creep. For consultants, it secures payment rights. For both, the 2017 edition’s introduction of the DAAB and suspension rights finally balances the scales. However, treating the raw PDF as a ready-to-sign contract is a professional negligence claim waiting to happen. The White Book 2017 is a tool for drafting , not for copy-pasting .
The 2017 White Book is the primary, go-to contract for appointing a Consultant to provide services to a Client (Employer). It is designed to be used for a wide range of services, including: Pre-investment studies Feasibility studies Detailed design Administration of construction projects Project management
Help you find specific clauses on or payment terms . Compare it with the previous 2006 edition . Detail the specific scope of services requirements.
Outlines clear procedures for notification, mitigation, and entitlement to extensions of time.
Obligations of the employer, including payment and access.
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The 5th edition introduced significant updates to reflect modern best practices, shifting from 8 clauses in the previous 2006 edition to a more detailed 10-clause structure. Here are the most important features and changes to be aware of: Introduction to FIDIC contracts - Mayer Brown
If you are looking for the , here is a breakdown of why this document is essential for your procurement strategy:
The "White Book" is the informal name for the . It represents the basic, balanced form of an appointment contract between a client (employer) and a consultant. The 2017 update was a significant revision, noted as part of "the most important event in international construction law since 1999" .
The official publication comprises several standard sections that parties can adapt to their specific project:
You should purchase authorized copies directly from the FIDIC Bookshop.
Highly structured process with explicit timelines for proposals and costings. Limited, but open to local legal interpretation.
Referral to a single adjudicator or a panel for a rapid, binding decision.
While contractors build the physical asset, consultants (architects, engineers, project managers) define, design, and supervise it. The 2017 White Book is the silent architect of project success; when it fails, the downstream construction contract becomes a battleground for disputes rooted in defective specifications or delayed approvals.
The official FIDIC White Book 2017 is a and is not legally available as a free download. It must be purchased either from the FIDIC website or from authorised national distributors.
The White Book is a standardized contract published by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC). It establishes the legal and commercial relationship between a and a Consultant . Feasibility studies for infrastructure projects. Detailed engineering design and architecture. Project management and contract administration. Construction supervision acting as the "Engineer." ⚖️ Key Updates in the 2017 Edition
For professionals involved in the procurement or delivery of engineering and construction services, a working knowledge of the White Book is essential. While the official PDF requires a financial investment, its standard clauses, guidance notes, and comprehensive appendices provide a level of certainty, fairness, and risk management that is unmatched, making it a worthwhile expenditure for any significant project.