Mauritius Public Tender Sale of Abandoned and Unclaimed Goods

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

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an official notice regarding the upcoming sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. This notice, identified as Quotation No. QUO202420 and dated 19 June 2024, provides detailed information for interested bidders and the general public about the procedures, dates, and conditions applicable to this sale.

Scope and Purpose of the Notice

This communication serves to inform the public that the MRA will conduct an online auction of general goods that have been abandoned or remain unclaimed at the Customs Warehouse located at Lux Shed, Mer Rouge, Port Louis. The sale aims to facilitate the disposal of goods that, after a certain period, are no longer claimed by their owners, and to promote transparency and fairness through a public tender process conducted via the MRA’s dedicated online auction platform.

Eligibility and Registration Requirements

Individuals or entities wishing to participate in the auction must register on the MRA’s Online Auction System. Bidders who are already registered do not need to re-register. New bidders are required to complete the registration process online, which involves providing relevant identification details and creating an account on the portal. This process ensures compliance with the authority’s security protocols and facilitates proper identification and record-keeping for all participants.

Details of the Auction and Viewing Arrangements

The auction is scheduled to open on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 09:00 hrs, and will close on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, at 12:00 hrs. The goods available for bidding comprise various general items, which will be displayed and accessible for viewing at the Customs Warehouse during specified dates and times:

• Weekdays: 19 June 2024 to 21 June 2024 and 24 June 2024 to 25 June 2024, from 09:00 hrs to 15:45 hrs.
• Wednesday, 26 June 2024: from 09:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs.
• Saturday, 22 June 2024: from 09:30 hrs to 12:00 hrs.
• Sunday, 23 June 2024: No viewing scheduled.

Viewing allows potential bidders to inspect the goods physically before placing their bids, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.

Bid Submission and Deposit Procedures

Participants are required to submit their bids online through the auction platform. For bids that involve a deposit, the following conditions apply:

• A deposit of at least 10% of the bid amount must accompany each bid. This deposit acts as a security measure and demonstrates the bidder’s commitment.
• The deposit should be made via a Banker’s Cheque drawn in favour of the Director-General, Mauritius Revenue Authority.
• The cheque must be deposited in a designated tender box located at the Customs Warehouse before the bidding closes.
• Each cheque must be enclosed in an envelope clearly indicating the bidder’s name and the specific items for which the deposit is made.
• Personal cheques are not accepted for deposits.

All bids must be submitted electronically within the specified deadline, and deposits must be made in advance to ensure validity of the bid.

Additional Access and Entry Requirements

To facilitate smooth access to the Customs Warehouse for viewing and bidding purposes, visitors are advised to bring their Identity Cards (ID) when entering through the Port Main Gate. This requirement aligns with security protocols and ensures proper identification of all visitors and bidders.

Legal and Administrative Context

This auction process is conducted under the legal framework of the Mauritius Revenue Authority, which operates within the legal provisions governing customs and taxation in Mauritius. The sale of abandoned or unclaimed goods is a standard administrative procedure aimed at disposing of goods that have remained unclaimed for a specified period, as per the relevant customs regulations.

Interested parties are encouraged to consult the official MRA website or contact the Customs Department directly for further clarifications or updates related to the auction process. The online platform provides comprehensive information and facilitates registration, viewing, bidding, and payment procedures, aligning with the government’s initiative to promote digital services.

Conclusion

This notice highlights the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in managing abandoned goods. Bidders and the public are invited to participate actively in the upcoming auction, ensuring fair access and adherence to the prescribed procedures. All relevant details, including dates, viewing arrangements, and deposit requirements, are clearly outlined to assist participants in preparing for the auction process.