Export Contracts in France. A ten-point guide to negotiating and building relationships

An online guide to secure international contracts

AFEX – Architectes Français à l’Export has released an online version of its Guide des contrats à l’export, a methodological tool designed for architects operating internationally.

Drawing on the professional experience of its members, the guide was developed to support lead consultants in negotiating contracts with foreign clients. While primarily intended for French practitioners, it also constitutes a valuable resource for architects from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation engaged in cross-border projects.

A toolbox structured in ten chapters

The guide outlines the essential components of any international contract through ten key sections:

• Parties to the contract
• Scope of the operation
• Contractual framework
• Scope of services
• Conditions for the performance of services
• Mutual rights and obligations
• Fees, liability and insurance
• Copyright
• Suspension, termination and dispute resolution

The approach is both pedagogical and strategic. The proposed clauses are not templates to be replicated verbatim, but working bases to be tailored to each specific commission and systematically reviewed by a legal professional.

For architects involved in international markets, the guide offers a structured framework to anticipate risks, clarify responsibilities and strengthen the robustness of their contractual commitments.

You can find the guide online on the dedicated page.