FIDIC reference
FIDIC contract clauses in plain language
Plain-language explanations of key Red, Yellow and Silver Book (2017) clauses, with 1999 → 2017 → 2022 differences and cross-links.
28 clauses in the reference
Compare editions: 1999 → 2017 → 2022 Clause-by-clause differences between editions on one page →Claims & disputes
20.2 Sub-Clause 20.2 — Claims procedure A single claims procedure for both parties: 28-day notice and 84-day fully detailed claim. 21 Clause 21 — Disputes and the DAAB A multi-tier route: DAAB → notice of dissatisfaction → amicable settlement → arbitration. 3.7 Sub-Clause 3.7 — Agreement or Determination The Engineer first seeks agreement and, failing that, makes a fair determination. 1.3 Sub-Clause 1.3 — Notices and Other Communications Formal requirements for a Notice: in writing, expressly identified as a Notice, to the right address and channel.
Time & EOT
8.5 Sub-Clause 8.5 — Extension of Time The Contractor’s entitlement to extend the Time for Completion for listed causes of delay. 8.8 Sub-Clause 8.8 — Delay Damages Pre-agreed damages for late completion: a daily rate capped by the Contract Data. 8.4 Sub-Clause 8.4 — Advance Warning A duty to warn in advance of probable future events affecting the works, price or time. 10.1 Sub-Clause 10.1 — Taking-Over Certificate When the works are treated as complete and taken over, and what follows. 8.3 Sub-Clause 8.3 — Programme A detailed works programme: submitted within 28 days, with logic links, the critical path and regular revisions. 9 Clause 9 — Tests on Completion The gate to taking over: test procedure, retesting and the consequences of failure. 8.9 Sub-Clause 8.9 — Suspension of Work The Engineer/Employer may suspend the works; where the suspension is not the Contractor’s fault it triggers EOT and Cost, and a prolonged suspension gives further rights.
Payment
14 Clause 14 — Contract Price and Payment The payment mechanism: advance, interim payments (IPC), retention and final account. 2.4 Sub-Clause 2.4 — Employer’s Financial Arrangements Transparency of project financing: disclosure in the Contract Data and notice of material changes. 12 Clause 12 — Measurement and Valuation (Red Book) The heart of a remeasurement contract: actual executed quantities are paid at BoQ rates. 14.2 Sub-Clause 14.2 — Advance Payment An interest-free mobilisation “loan” against a bank guarantee, repaid by deductions from IPCs. 14.3 / 14.9 Sub-Clause 14.3 / 14.9 — Retention Money The Employer withholds a percentage of each IPC up to a limit; half is released at Taking-Over and the balance after the Defects Notification Period.
Variations
Risk & events
4.12 Sub-Clause 4.12 — Unforeseeable Physical Conditions The Contractor’s entitlement to EOT and/or Cost for unforeseeable physical conditions on site. 11 Clause 11 — Defects after Taking Over (DNP) The Defects Notification Period: remedying defects after taking over until the Performance Certificate. 15 Clause 15 — Termination by Employer Grounds and procedure for the Employer to terminate — for default and for convenience. 18 Clause 18 — Exceptional Events Formerly Force Majeure: events beyond a party’s control giving relief, EOT and sometimes Cost. 5 Clause 5 — Design (Contractor’s Design) The Contractor’s design duties in Yellow/Silver: documents, review, and errors remedied at its own cost. 16 Clause 16 — Suspension and Termination by Contractor The Contractor’s lever against non-payment: suspension after a 21-day Notice and termination for prolonged breaches. 17 Clause 17 — Care of the Works and Indemnities Who bears the risk of the works before taking over, mutual indemnities, and where the overall liability cap lives. 19 Clause 19 — Insurance The project’s mandatory policies: works and equipment, third-party liability, personnel. 1.15 Sub-Clause 1.15 — Limitation of Liability Neither party is liable for indirect losses (loss of profit, loss of contract, etc.), and total liability is capped at the amount stated in the Contract Data.