Mauritius Public Tender for Unclaimed and Abandoned Goods

Overview of the Public Tender for Abandoned and Unclaimed Goods

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an official notice regarding the sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. This initiative aims to dispose of items that have been left unclaimed in customs warehouses, primarily comprising motor vehicles that have never been registered in Mauritius. The sale is conducted via an online auction platform, providing a transparent and accessible method for interested bidders to participate.

Scope and Purpose of the Notice

This notice, identified as Quotation No. QUO202225, officially informs the public about the auction scheduled from 1 December 2022 to 7 December 2022. It details the procedures for registration, viewing, bidding, and the legal obligations of successful bidders. The primary objective is to facilitate the lawful disposal of goods that have been held in customs custody for an extended period without claim, thereby ensuring compliance with relevant customs and registration laws.

Who Is Eligible and How to Participate

Participation in the auction is open to the general public, with specific registration requirements for new bidders. Those who are not yet registered on the Online Auction System must complete a registration process, which involves providing personal identification details. Registration is accessible online, and instructions are provided via the official Mauritius Revenue Authority website.

Prospective bidders must also submit a deposit to qualify for bidding on items requiring financial guarantees. This deposit must be at least 10% of the bid amount and is to be made through a banker’s cheque payable to the Director-General of the MRA. Personal cheques are not accepted. The cheque must be enclosed in an envelope indicating the bidder's name and the specific items for which the deposit is intended, and deposited in the designated tender box at the Customs Warehouse, Mer Rouge, before the bidding deadline.

Details of Goods for Sale and Viewing Arrangements

The goods available for auction consist mainly of motor vehicles that have never been registered in Mauritius. These vehicles are displayed at the Customs Warehouse located at Lux Shed, Mer Rouge. The viewing schedule is as follows:

• Thursday 1 December 2022 to Friday 2 December 2022, from 09:00 to 15:45
• Saturday 3 December 2022, from 09:30 to 12:00
• Monday 5 December 2022 to Tuesday 6 December 2022, from 09:00 to 15:45
• Wednesday 7 December 2022, from 09:00 to 12:00

Potential bidders are encouraged to inspect the items during these times to assess their condition before placing bids.

Bidding Procedures and Technical Arrangements

The auction will be conducted online, with the bidding process opening at 09:00 hours on 1 December 2022 and closing at 12:00 hours on 7 December 2022. Bidders who do not have internet access can use one of the three bidding booths equipped with computer terminals located at the Customs Warehouse in Mer Rouge.

All bids requiring a deposit must be submitted in a sealed envelope, with the deposit cheque enclosed, at the designated tender box before the deadline. The auction platform will be accessible through the official online system, where registered bidders can place their offers securely.

Legal and Registration Considerations for Successful Bidders

Vehicles sold through this auction have not been registered in Mauritius. The winning bidder is responsible for registering the vehicle with the Registrar General’s Department in accordance with the Registration Duty Act. This process involves paying applicable registration duties and fees at their own cost, following the acquisition.

Furthermore, bidders are advised to bring valid identification documents, such as Identity Cards, for access to the Customs Warehouse and the auction premises, especially within the Freeport Zone 1 area.

Contact and Additional Information

For further details regarding the auction process, registration, or viewing arrangements, interested parties may contact the Mauritius Revenue Authority at the following:

• Telephone: +230 202 0500
• Fax: +230 216 5946
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.mra.mu

This initiative underscores the MRA’s commitment to transparency and efficient management of unclaimed goods, providing opportunities for lawful acquisition while ensuring compliance with customs regulations.