Public Tender Sale of Abandoned and Unclaimed Goods in Mauritius

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

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an official announcement regarding the upcoming sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. This notice, numbered CommuniqueQuo202413 and dated 28 March 2024, provides essential information for members of the public interested in participating in this auction. It outlines the procedures, viewing arrangements, bidding requirements, and relevant contact details to ensure transparency and accessibility in accordance with Mauritian administrative practices.

Scope and Purpose of the Tender

This public tender is organized by the MRA to dispose of goods that have been abandoned or remain unclaimed at the Customs Warehouse located at Mer Rouge, Port Louis. The sale aims to recover value from items that, due to lack of claim or ownership confirmation, are deemed surplus to operational needs. The auction covers a variety of general goods, and participation is open to the general public, subject to registration and compliance with the specified procedures.

Eligibility and Registration Process

Prospective bidders who are not yet registered on the MRA’s Online Auction System must complete the registration process before the bidding period begins. Registration is facilitated through the official online portal, which provides a secure and efficient platform for managing bids and deposits. The registration link is accessible via the MRA website, and applicants are advised to complete this step well in advance of the auction opening date, scheduled for Thursday, 28 March 2024.

Registered bidders are required to follow the instructions on the portal to participate in the auction, which involves submitting bids electronically within the stipulated timeframe. The system ensures transparency and adherence to the legal framework governing public tenders in Mauritius.

Details of the Goods for Sale and Viewing Arrangements

The items available for bidding include various general goods that have been abandoned or unclaimed. Visual inspection of the goods is permitted during designated viewing sessions at the Customs Warehouse, Lux Shed, Mer Rouge. These sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Thursday 28 March 2024 to Friday 29 March 2024, and Monday 1 April 2024 to Wednesday 3 April 2024, from 09:00 to 15:45 hours.
• Saturday 30 March 2024, from 09:30 to 12:00 hours.
• Thursday 4 April 2024, from 09:00 to 12:00 hours.

Note that viewing is not available on Sunday, 31 March 2024. Interested participants are encouraged to visit during these times to assess the goods prior to bidding.

Bid Submission and Deposit Requirements

All bids must be submitted electronically via the Online Auction System. For items requiring a bid deposit, bidders must provide a guarantee equivalent to at least 10% of their bid amount. This deposit should be paid through a Banker’s Cheque, drawn in favour of the Director-General, Mauritius Revenue Authority. The cheque must be deposited in the designated tender box at the Customs Warehouse before the bidding deadline.

Personal cheques are not accepted for deposit payments. Bidders are advised to clearly indicate their name and the specific items for which the deposit is intended on the envelope containing the Banker’s Cheque to facilitate proper processing.

Additional Requirements and Access Protocols

Participants are required to carry valid identification, such as their National Identity Card, when accessing the Customs Warehouse. This is necessary for security and administrative purposes at the Port Main Gate. The process aligns with Mauritian customs procedures and ensures that only authorized individuals attend the viewing sessions and participate in the auction.

Contact and Further Information

For further details or assistance regarding registration and bidding procedures, interested parties can contact the Mauritius Revenue Authority at the following:

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

This official communication underscores the Mauritian government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in public asset management. Citizens and business entities are encouraged to participate within the stipulated guidelines to acquire goods in a fair and orderly manner, contributing to the effective recovery of public resources.