Tunisian Order of Engineers Reminds Professionals of Minimum Fee Requirements
The Tunisian Order of Engineers has reminded consulting engineers and technical study offices of their obligation to respect the minimum fee schedule when participating in technical studies for public works and construction projects (not subject to Decree No. 71 of 1978), particularly in the fields of:
- Load-bearing structures
- Roads and networks
- Fluids and electricity
Minimum Fee Schedule
According to the Order's Decision No. 83 of 2022, the minimum fee for studies is set at 3% of the total cost of the works for each technical lot, plus a fixed amount ranging from 400 to 1,500 TND, depending on the project's surface area or estimated cost (excluding value-added tax).
Compensation for Monitoring and Control Missions
The compensation for monitoring and control missions is set at 400 TND per day, with the possibility of fractional payment (half-day or quarter-day) based on the duration of the intervention. Additionally, travel expenses are reimbursed at a minimum rate of 0.500 TND per kilometer.
Non-Compliance Consequences
Failure to comply with this fee schedule constitutes a serious violation of professional duties, and the perpetrator is automatically referred to the disciplinary council. The Order has urged engineers to strictly adhere to these requirements to:
- Preserve the dignity of the engineering profession
- Ensure the quality of engineering services
- Protect the national economy from unfair competition
The Challenge of Unfair Competition
It appears that professionals are competing with each other by lowering prices to win contracts. This adds another challenge to an essential profession for the country's development.
