Public Tender for Sale of Abandoned and Unclaimed Goods in Mauritius

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

This official communication from the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), dated 1 December 2020, provides detailed information regarding the upcoming sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. The notice aims to inform the general public, potential bidders, and relevant stakeholders about the procedures, conditions, and logistics associated with this auction, which is conducted via the MRA’s online auction platform.

Context and Scope of the Sale

The sale involves a selection of goods that have been classified as abandoned or unclaimed, with a specific focus on alcoholic products. Such items typically originate from cases where goods have been left unclaimed at customs warehouses or have been abandoned by their owners, and are now offered for sale to recover costs and clear storage space. This initiative aligns with the MRA’s mandate to manage and dispose of goods in accordance with national customs regulations and fiscal policies.

The auction is conducted online through the MRA’s dedicated e-Auction system, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and efficiency. The sale period spans from 2 December to 9 December 2020, with bidding closing precisely at 12:00 hrs on the final day. The process is open to both registered and new bidders, provided they complete the necessary registration procedures prior to participation.

Procedures for Participation and Viewing

Potential bidders who are not yet registered must access the MRA’s official website at www.mra.mu and navigate to the e-Auction Sales link to complete their registration. This process is essential for gaining access to the online bidding platform and participating in the auction. Registration is straightforward and designed to facilitate a secure and user-friendly experience.

Interested parties can view the list of items available for bidding, which, in this instance, comprises alcoholic products, starting from 09:00 hrs on 2 December 2020. The list will be posted on the online auction platform under Quotation No. QUO202031. Bidders are encouraged to inspect the goods physically at the Customs Warehouse, Lux Shed, Mer Rouge, during designated viewing times, which are specified in the notice:

• Wednesday 2 December to Friday 4 December 2020, and Monday 7 December to Tuesday 8 December 2020, from 09:00 hrs to 15:45 hrs
• Saturday 5 December 2020, from 09:30 hrs to 12:00 hrs
• Wednesday 9 December 2020, from 09:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs

Bid Submission Requirements and Security Measures

To place a bid, participants must comply with specific financial security requirements. Bids that involve a deposit must be accompanied by a banker’s cheque in favor of the Director-General of the MRA. The deposit amount should be at least 10% of the bid value, serving as a guarantee of the bidder’s commitment. The cheque must be deposited in a designated tender box located at the Customs Warehouse prior to the closing time of the auction.

It is important to note that personal cheques are not accepted for deposits. Bidders should clearly indicate their name and the items for which the deposit is intended, enclosed within an envelope for proper identification. For those without internet access, the MRA provides three bidding booths equipped with computer terminals at the Customs Warehouse, Mer Rouge, to facilitate participation.

Additional Information and Access Conditions

Visitors and bidders must carry valid identification, such as their Identity Card, to gain access through the Port’s main gate. This security measure ensures the safety and integrity of the auction process.

This notice exemplifies the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s commitment to transparency and digital transformation, leveraging online platforms to manage the disposal of goods efficiently. Interested parties are advised to review all details carefully and adhere to the specified procedures to participate successfully in the auction.

References and Contact Information

For further information, inquiries, or technical support related to the online auction system, stakeholders can contact the MRA at:

• Phone: +230 202 0500
• Fax: +230 216 5946
• Email: [email protected]

Additional updates and details are available on the official MRA website, www.mra.mu.