The 2017 edition is structured into three primary components and five essential appendices:
The FIDIC 2017 White Book is an essential tool for ensuring professional services are clearly defined, managed, and legally sound. Its comprehensive structure provides a robust framework for successful client-consultant relationships, making it the preferred choice for major projects.
Details the standard of care, adherence to the scope of work, and professional conduct.
| Feature | 2006 Edition (Old) | 2017 Edition (Hot) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Arbitration only (slow) | DAAB + Mediation + Arbitration (fast) | | IP Rights | Basic "license to use" | Detailed digital rights & data ownership | | Terrorism/War | Force Majeure vague | Explicit "Exceptional Events" clause | | Sub-Consulting | Loosely controlled | Requires prior Client consent in all cases | | Clarity | 40 clauses (ambiguous) | 28 clauses + Annexes (sharper) | The 2017 edition is structured into three primary
This is the best FIDIC form for you. It doesn't assume you are a criminal (like the Silver Book does for Contractors). But you must cap your liability and insure the rest.
Decide if you want a full DAAB (Dispute Avoidance/Adjudication Board) or a sole adjudicator. For smaller consultancy contracts, a full board is often too expensive; parties often opt for a sole adjudicator in the Special Provisions.
The agreement emphasizes a detailed definition of the "Scope of Services," reducing ambiguity regarding what the consultant is required to deliver. 4. Intellectual Property Rights | Feature | 2006 Edition (Old) | 2017
The is an essential tool for any entity looking to structure a professional services appointment in engineering and construction. By adopting this balanced, modern agreement, parties can ensure clear expectations, effective risk management, and smoother project delivery.
Under the previous 1998 edition, the consultant’s duty was bound to "reasonable skill, care, and diligence." The 2017 edition (Clause 4.1) elevates this by requiring the consultant to exercise the standard of skill, care, and diligence to be expected from an experienced consultant performing similar services for a project of similar size, scope, and complexity. This aligns the White Book with modern common law expectations. 2. Fitness for Purpose and Exceptional Events
The 2017 version introduces a more detailed list of the consultant’s duties, including a specific requirement to act with “reasonable skill, care, and diligence.” It also introduces a mandatory duty to warn the client of any foreseeable defects or risks in the project—a clause that has significant professional indemnity implications. Decide if you want a full DAAB (Dispute
The FIDIC Client-Consultant Model Services Agreement, also known as the "Yellow Book," is a widely used standard form of contract for consulting services in the construction industry. The 2017 edition of this agreement is a popular and well-established document that outlines the terms and conditions of the services provided by a consultant to a client.
Deploying the 2017 White Book requires careful adjustments within the Particular Conditions to avoid structural commercial traps.