If your project involves a single trade, a duration under 9 months, a value under $2 million, and you want internationally recognized terms, do not hesitate. Purchase the official PDF from FIDIC, spend one hour customizing the Particular Conditions, and you will save thousands in legal fees compared to drafting from scratch.
The key clauses include:
For truly international or cross-border small projects, the FIDIC Short Form is the gold standard. For purely domestic small works, a national standard form (JCT, AIA, AS) may be cheaper.
While the 1999 edition was strictly for small-value works (under USD 500,000), the FIDIC Green Book 2021 is now positioned for projects of significant value—often exceeding USD 10 million—where complex contract administration is not required. Key Features of the 2021 Edition
Tighter controls on subcontracting to prevent "front-loading" or misuse on smaller projects.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 2021 Short Form, its structure, its differences from the 1999 First Edition, and how to procure the official PDF.