All of these procedures must be read in a legal context. As it has been confirmed by HHJ Humphrey LLoyd, FIDIC forms of contract are embedded in the common law notwithstanding the fact that some of their features may be influenced by civil law2. In fact no specific endeavours and efforts have been made to emancipate FIDIC forms of contracts of their basic roots, which have been undeniably identified to reside in the common law3. Their approach and language still reflect the common law, but presumably not English law alone4. Although the FIDIC forms of contract are historically and traditionally more related to the English common law than to any other jurisdiction, it is strange that some of the wording of the contracts does not fit entirely within the settled bounds of English law5.

In any case, FIDIC forms of contract are not intended to suit particularities or advantages of local legal systems. Rather, FIDIC forms of contract are fit for worldwide use, in particular if the contract has connections to more than one legal system. To this end, in order to facilitate the administration and interpretation of FIDIC based contracts, FIDIC has published complementary guidance notes to help users construe and apply FIDIC terms and conditions appropriately.