Mauritius Public Tender for Sale of Unclaimed Goods

Official Notice: Sale of Unclaimed Goods by Public Tender in Mauritius

This official communication, issued by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), provides detailed information regarding the upcoming sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. The notice, identified as Communique 60 of 2019, is part of the Mauritian government's efforts to manage and dispose of goods that have remained unclaimed for a specified period, ensuring transparency and fairness in the sale procedures.

Scope and Purpose of the Notice

The primary objective of this notice is to inform the general public and potential bidders about the sale of specific items, notably gold jewelry and precious stones, which are held by the Customs Department following the abandonment or non-claiming by their owners. This sale is conducted via an online auction platform managed by the MRA, providing a secure and accessible means for interested parties to participate in the bidding process.

The sale is scheduled to take place from 11 December to 18 December 2019, with the auction platform opening for bids on the first day and closing at midday on the final day. The process aligns with the legal framework governing customs and revenue management in Mauritius, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and transparency standards.

Who Is Concerned and How to Participate

This notice targets prospective bidders interested in acquiring the listed jewelry and stones. Bidders who are not yet registered on the MRA’s online auction system must complete a registration process to participate. Registration involves accessing the e-Auction Sales link available on the official MRA website (www.mra.mu), where they will need to provide relevant identification and contact details.

Registered bidders can view the list of available items, which will be posted on the online platform starting from 09.00 hrs on Wednesday, 11 December 2019. The auction items will be displayed at the ground floor of the Customs House at Mer Rouge, where potential buyers can view the goods in person on Sunday, 15 December 2019, from 10.00 hrs to 15.00 hrs.

Details of the Bidding Process and Payment Conditions

The auction process involves several key steps to ensure fairness and transparency:

• Item Listing: The jewelry and stones are listed on the online auction platform under Quotation No. QUO201960.
• Bidding Period: Bidding opens on 11 December 2019 and closes on 18 December 2019 at 12.00 hrs.
• Deposit Requirement: Bids requiring 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 the designated tender box at the Customs Warehouse, Mer Rouge, before the deadline for bidding closure.
• Deposit Submission: The cheque must be placed in an envelope indicating the bidder’s name and the items for which the deposit is intended. Personal cheques are not accepted.

All jewelry sold will be delivered with an assay report issued by the Assay Office, ensuring the quality and authenticity of the items. Successful bidders will be notified in accordance with the procedures outlined on the auction platform and official communications.

Legal and Administrative References

This sale process is conducted under the legal authority granted to the Mauritius Revenue Authority and the Customs Department, aligned with the provisions of the Customs Act and related regulations. The notice emphasizes the importance of adherence to the stipulated procedures to facilitate a smooth and transparent transaction, in accordance with the legal framework governing public tenders and sales of unclaimed goods in Mauritius.

Contact and Additional Information

For further details or assistance regarding the auction, interested parties can contact the Customs Department at the details provided in the notice:

• Phone: +230 202 0500
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.mra.mu

This official communication exemplifies the Mauritian government's commitment to transparency in managing unclaimed goods, providing clear instructions for participation, and ensuring that the sale process adheres to legal and procedural standards.