Mauritius Revenue Authority Announces Sale of Unclaimed Goods via

Official Notice: Sale of Abandoned and Unclaimed Goods by Public Tender in Mauritius

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued a formal notification regarding the upcoming sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. This notice aims to inform the public and potential bidders about the procedures, dates, and requirements for participating in this auction, which is conducted via the MRA’s Online Auction System.

Scope and Purpose of the Notice

This official communication serves to announce the sale of general goods that have been abandoned or left unclaimed at the Customs Warehouse located in Mer Rouge, Port Louis. The sale is intended to recover value from goods that, for various reasons, have not been claimed by their owners within the statutory period. Such sales are part of the customs procedures mandated under Mauritian law and are managed transparently through an online platform to facilitate participation from the general public and registered bidders.

Details of the Public Tender Process

The auction is scheduled to run from Wednesday, 31 January 2024, at 09:00 hours, to Wednesday, 7 February 2024, at 12:00 hours. Bidders will have the opportunity to view the items for sale at the Customs Warehouse in Mer Rouge during designated viewing days and times, and to place their bids electronically via the MRA’s dedicated Online Auction System.

Viewing Arrangements

Potential bidders are encouraged to inspect the goods in person before submitting their bids. The viewing schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, 31 January 2024, from 09:00 to 15:45
• Friday, 2 February 2024, from 09:00 to 15:45
• Saturday, 3 February 2024, from 09:30 to 12:00
• Monday, 5 February 2024, and Tuesday, 6 February 2024, during working hours
• Wednesday, 7 February 2024, from 09:00 to 12:00

Note that viewing is not scheduled on Thursday, 1 February 2024, due to a public holiday, and on Sunday, 4 February 2024.

Participation and Bidding Procedures

To participate in the auction, prospective bidders who are not yet registered must complete the registration process on the MRA’s Online Auction System. This process involves creating an account and obtaining login credentials, which are tied to the Mauritian National Identity Card (ID) through the government’s MauPass single sign-on system.

Bid Submission and Deposit Requirements

All bids must be submitted electronically through the online platform during the bidding period. For items that require a deposit, bidders must provide a security deposit amounting to at least 10% of their bid value. This deposit should be paid via a Banker’s Cheque, made payable to the Director-General of the MRA, and deposited into a designated tender box at the Customs Warehouse before the closing time of the auction.

Personal cheques are not accepted for deposit payments. The Banker’s Cheque must be placed in an envelope clearly indicating the bidder's name and the items for which the deposit is intended. This process ensures transparency and security for all participants.

Access and Identification

Visitors wishing to view the goods or attend the auction must carry valid identification, such as their Identity Card, to gain access through the Port Main Gate. This measure aligns with security protocols at the Customs Warehouse and ensures the safety of all participants and staff involved in the process.

Implications for Bidders and the Public

This public tender provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to acquire goods at potentially advantageous prices, while also supporting the efficient clearance of unclaimed items by the customs authorities. Participants are advised to review all relevant information, adhere to the stipulated procedures, and register in advance to ensure their participation.

For further details, registration instructions, or to access the online auction platform, interested parties should consult the official Mauritius Revenue Authority website or contact the Customs Department directly.