Mauritius Public Tender for Sale of Abandoned 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 communication regarding the sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. This notice, identified as Communiqué 57 of 2019 and associated with Quotation No. QUO201957, provides essential details for prospective bidders and members of the public interested in acquiring goods that have been left unclaimed or abandoned at customs warehouses.

Scope and Object of the Notice

This notice aims to inform the public about the upcoming sale of specific items, mainly ready-made garments, via an online auction platform managed by the Mauritius Revenue Authority. The sale is part of the authority's routine procedures to manage goods that have not been claimed by their owners within the statutory period. The process is conducted transparently through an online bidding system, ensuring fair participation for all eligible bidders.

Details of the Auction Process

Sale Period and Items

The auction is scheduled to run from 27 November to 04 December 2019. The items listed for sale will be available for viewing and bidding on the MRA’s official online auction system, accessible via the dedicated e-Auction Sales link on the authority’s website (www.mra.mu). The list comprises mainly ready-made garments, which will be posted online starting Wednesday, 27 November 2019, from 09:00 hours.

Viewing Arrangements

Interested parties may view the goods physically at the Customs Warehouse located at Lux Shed, Mer Rouge. The viewing schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday 27 November to Friday 29 November 2019, from 09:00 to 15:45
• Saturday 30 November 2019, from 09:30 to 12:00
• Monday 2 December to Tuesday 3 December 2019, from 09:00 to 15:45
• Wednesday 4 December 2019, from 09:00 to 12:00

Bidding Procedure and Deposits

All bids must be submitted online via the MRA’s auction platform. For bids involving items requiring a deposit, bidders are mandated to provide a security deposit amounting to at least 10% of their bid value. This deposit must be paid via a banker’s cheque, made payable to the Director-General, Mauritius Revenue Authority. The cheque should be deposited into a designated tender box at the Customs Warehouse before the bidding deadline. Additionally, each cheque must be placed in an envelope clearly indicating the bidder’s name and the items for which the deposit is intended.

Personal cheques are not accepted, and bidders are advised to ensure their deposits are submitted in accordance with these instructions to participate successfully in the auction.

Access and Facilities for Bidders

While the auction is primarily online, the MRA provides facilities at the Customs Warehouse for bidders who do not have internet access. Three dedicated bidding booths equipped with computers are available at the site. Bidders are encouraged to bring their identity cards to gain access through the main port gate, ensuring compliance with security protocols.

Implications for the Public and Potential Bidders

This notice underscores the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s commitment to transparency and efficient management of unclaimed goods. For the public, it offers a clear opportunity to acquire goods at potentially competitive prices, provided they adhere to the specified procedures. The online platform simplifies participation, extending access beyond physical viewing to remote bidding, thus broadening the scope of potential bidders.

Members of the public interested in participating should ensure they are registered on the MRA’s online auction system prior to the commencement of the sale. Registration details and further instructions are available on the official MRA website. It is also advisable to review the list of items and viewing schedules carefully to make informed bidding decisions.

Overall, this official notice reflects the ongoing efforts by the Mauritius Revenue Authority to promote transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in the management of abandoned and unclaimed goods, aligning with the country’s broader digital transformation initiatives in public service delivery.