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 upcoming sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. This notice, identified as Quotation No. QUO202104, provides essential details for interested parties wishing to participate in the auction, emphasizing transparency and accessibility in accordance with the authority's regulations and digital initiatives.
Scope and Purpose of the Notice
This official notice aims to inform the general public and potential bidders about the sale of certain goods, specifically alcoholic products, that have been abandoned or remain unclaimed within the customs facilities. The sale is conducted via the MRA's online auction platform, aligning with the government’s push towards e-government services and digital procurement processes. The primary objective is to recover value from goods that, due to various circumstances, have not been collected by their rightful owners, thereby promoting efficient customs management and revenue collection.
Key Details of the Auction Process
Registration and Access
Prospective bidders who are not yet registered on the MRA’s Online Auction System must complete the registration process by visiting the official website at www.mra.mu and accessing the e-Auction Sales link. This registration is mandatory to participate in the bidding process, which is scheduled to run from 24 February to 3 March 2021.
Items Available for Bidding
The list of items, which primarily consists of alcoholic beverages, will be published on the online platform starting Wednesday, 24 February 2021, at 09:00 hours. Bidders can view the detailed inventory and place their bids through the system. The bidding window will close on Wednesday, 3 March 2021, at 12:00 hours, after which no further offers will be accepted.
Viewing Arrangements and Physical Inspection
For those wishing to inspect the goods physically before bidding, the items will be displayed at the Customs Warehouse located at Lux Shed, Mer Rouge. The viewing schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday 24 February to Friday 26 February 2021, from 09:00 to 15:45 hours
- Saturday 27 February 2021, from 09:30 to 12:00 hours
- Monday 1 March to Tuesday 2 March 2021, from 09:00 to 15:45 hours
- Wednesday 3 March 2021, from 09:00 to 12:00 hours
Potential bidders are encouraged to visit during these times to assess the goods firsthand, which can influence their bidding strategy.
Participation Conditions and Deposit Requirements
To ensure serious bidding, all offers that require a deposit must be accompanied by a banker’s cheque representing at least 10% of the bid amount. The cheque should be drawn in favor of the Director-General, Mauritius Revenue Authority and deposited in a designated tender box located at the Customs Warehouse before the bidding deadline. Personal cheques are not accepted to guarantee the financial commitment of bidders.
Alternative Bidding Arrangements
For individuals without internet access, the MRA has set up three dedicated bidding booths equipped with computers at the Customs Warehouse. These facilities enable in-person participation, ensuring inclusivity and facilitating wider public engagement.
Additional Information and Access Requirements
Visitors intending to attend the viewing or bidding sessions are requested to bring their valid Identity Cards for security clearance at the Port Main Gate. This measure aligns with standard customs and security protocols.
References and Contact Details
This notice is issued by the Mauritius Revenue Authority, located at the Custom House, Mer Rouge, Port Louis. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the MRA via telephone at +230 202 0500 or email at [email protected]. Additional information about the auction and the online system can be found on the official MRA website, www.mra.mu.
Overall, this official communication underscores the Mauritian authorities’ commitment to transparency, digital transformation, and effective management of abandoned goods, providing clear guidance to ensure public participation in the auction process.