“背靠背”合同条款法律适用释评

Interpretation and Evaluation of the Legal Application of the“Pay When Paid”Contract Terms

建筑行业中,发包一方拖欠工程款的问题经常发生,“背靠背”条款的出现,成为总承包人转移发包人支付风险的有效途径。“背靠背”条款诞生于实践过程中,其目的是实现各方权利义务平衡,防范建筑施工企业法律风险。通过对“背靠背”条款进行分析解读,厘清“背靠背”条款的性质和效力,评析其在理论和实务方面的效力和适用限制,并对影响“背靠背”条款司法认定结果的常见因素进行归纳;同时建议我国能通过法律法规,或司法解释对“背靠背”条款做出明确规定,建筑施工企业在实践中签约能够采用更加公平合理的付款方式及条件约定,最大限度地维护各方利益,避免合同双方可能产生的纠纷,以进一步彰显民事法律关系中的诚实信用原则和公平原则。

In the construction industry,the problem of one party defaulting on project payments often occurs,and the emergence of“Pay When Paid”clauses has become an effective way for the general contractor to transfer the payment risk of the employer.The“Pay When Paid”clause was born in practice,with the aim of achieving a balance of rights and obligations among all parties,preventing legal risks in construction enterprises.By analyzing and interpreting the“Pay When Paid”clause,the nature and effectiveness of the clause are clarified,and its effectiveness and application limitations in both theoretical and practical aspects are evaluated.Common factors that affect the judicial determination of the clause are summarized.It is recommended that China make clear provisions for the clause through laws,administrative regulations,or judicial interpretations.Construction enterprises can adopt more fair and reasonable payment methods and conditions in practice when signing contracts to maximize the protection of the interests of all parties and avoid potential disputes between both parties in the contract and to demonstrate the principles of good faith and fairness in civil legal relations.