Official Notice: 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 initiative aims to facilitate the disposal of goods that have been left unclaimed or abandoned at customs warehouses, offering interested buyers an opportunity to acquire these items via an online auction platform. The notice, dated 19 April 2023, provides essential details for prospective bidders and highlights the procedures to participate effectively in this sale.
Scope and Purpose of the Auction
The sale encompasses a variety of general goods that have been held in customs custody without claims from their owners. Such goods may include personal effects, household items, or other miscellaneous merchandise that have remained unclaimed for a specified period. The primary purpose of this auction is to ensure transparent disposal of these goods, recover customs duties where applicable, and prevent the accumulation of unclaimed items in storage facilities.
Key Dates and Viewing Arrangements
The auction is scheduled to run from 19 April 2023 to 26 April 2023. Bidders are encouraged to view the goods beforehand, as the items will be displayed at the Customs Warehouse located at Lux Shed, Mer Rouge. The viewing sessions are scheduled as follows:
- Wednesday 19 April 2023 to Friday 21 April 2023, from 09:00 to 15:45
- Saturday 22 April 2023, from 09:30 to 12:00
- Monday 24 April 2023 to Tuesday 25 April 2023, from 09:00 to 15:45
- Wednesday 26 April 2023, from 09:00 to 12:00
During these times, interested parties can inspect the goods directly at the Customs Warehouse to assess their condition and determine bidding strategies.
Participation and Registration Process
Potential bidders who are not yet registered on the MRA’s Online Auction System must undertake the registration process prior to participating in the auction. Registration can be completed via the official online portal, with instructions provided on the system’s registration page. Registration is mandatory for all bidders intending to submit bids, ensuring proper identification and accountability.
Bid Submission and Deposit Requirements
All bids must be submitted electronically through the Online Auction System. For bids involving items that require a deposit, bidders must provide a security deposit amounting to at least 10% of their bid offer. This deposit should be made via a Banker’s Cheque issued in favour of the Director-General, MRA, and deposited into a designated tender box located at the Customs Warehouse, Mer Rouge before the bidding deadline.
It is important to note that personal cheques are not accepted for deposits. The Banker’s Cheque must be enclosed in an envelope clearly indicating the bidder’s name and the specific items for which the deposit has been made. This process ensures transparency and security in the bidding procedure.
Online Bidding Platform and Facilities
The auction will be conducted on the MRA’s dedicated Online Auction System, which is accessible via the government’s digital platform. Bidders are encouraged to participate online; however, for those lacking internet access, the Customs Warehouse provides three bidding booths equipped with computer terminals. These facilities allow bidders to place their bids in person during the viewing periods.
Fill in your form directly online
No printing: type your details into the boxes of the official form, tick, then download the PDF ready to send.
- 1Type into the form boxes
- 2Tick in one click
- 3Save and download the PDF
Additional Information for Participants
To access the Customs Warehouse and participate in the viewing or bidding process, visitors are required to carry valid identification, such as an Identity Card, to gain entry into the Freeport Zone 1 area. This measure ensures security and proper verification of all participants involved in the auction.
Conclusion
This public tender represents an excellent opportunity for individuals and businesses to acquire various goods at potentially competitive prices. Interested bidders should carefully review the auction schedule, ensure proper registration, and adhere to the deposit and bidding procedures outlined by the Mauritius Revenue Authority. For further details or assistance, participants can contact the MRA at the provided contact details, including telephone, email, and official website.
Overall, this initiative underscores Mauritius’s commitment to transparent customs management and the efficient disposal of unclaimed goods through digital platforms, aligning with the government’s broader push for e-government services and citizen engagement.