Official Notice: Sale of Abandoned and Unclaimed Goods by Public

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

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an official communication to inform the public about an upcoming sale of abandoned and unclaimed goods through a public tender process. This notice, identified as CommuniqueQUO202307 and dated 25 April 2023, provides essential details for prospective bidders interested in participating in this auction. The sale is conducted via the MRA's Online Auction System, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to modernize and digitize its administrative procedures.

Scope and Purpose of the Notice

This official notice aims to inform the general public and potential bidders about the specific sale of calcium carbonate, a commodity classified as abandoned or unclaimed goods stored at the Customs Warehouse located in Mer Rouge, Port Louis. The sale is conducted through a transparent public tender process, allowing interested parties to bid electronically or in person at designated bidding booths. The initiative underscores the Mauritius Revenue Authority's commitment to efficient management of unclaimed goods and revenue recovery, aligning with national policies on transparency and e-governance.

Who Is Concerned and How to Participate

All individuals or entities interested in acquiring the goods, particularly calcium carbonate, should note that registration on the MRA's Online Auction System is a prerequisite for participation. Those already registered need not re-register, but new bidders must complete the registration process online. The registration portal is accessible via the official MRA website, where detailed instructions are provided to facilitate smooth onboarding.

Prospective bidders are advised to familiarize themselves with the auction procedures, including deposit requirements, viewing arrangements, and bidding timelines. The notice emphasizes that bids requiring a deposit must be accompanied by at least 10% of the bid amount, payable via a Banker’s Cheque drawn in favor of the Director-General of the MRA. Personal cheques are not accepted. Deposits must be deposited in a designated tender box at the Customs Warehouse before the bidding closes. This deposit acts as a security measure to ensure serious participation and commitment.

Details of the Sale and Viewing Arrangements

The calcium carbonate will be available for viewing at the Customs Warehouse, Lux Shed, Mer Rouge, during specific dates and times, allowing interested bidders to inspect the goods before placing their bids. Viewing sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Wednesday 26 April 2023 to Friday 28 April 2023, from 09:00 to 15:45
• Saturday 29 April 2023, from 09:30 to 12:00
• Tuesday 2 May 2023, from 09:00 to 15:45
• Wednesday 3 May 2023, from 09:00 to 12:00

These viewing times provide an opportunity for bidders to assess the condition and quantity of the goods, which are displayed at the designated customs premises. The auction itself will commence on 26 April 2023 at 09:00 hours, with bidding closing on 3 May 2023 at 12:00 hours.

Accessibility and Additional Bidding Facilities

For those without reliable internet access, the MRA has set up three bidding booths equipped with computer terminals at the Customs Warehouse in Mer Rouge. These facilities enable all interested parties to participate in the auction without the need for personal internet connectivity. Bidders are encouraged to bring along their national identity cards to facilitate access into the Freeport Zone 1, where the warehouse is located.

Legal and Administrative Framework

This auction process is governed by the legal framework established under the Mauritius Revenue Authority Act and related regulations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the disposal of unclaimed goods. The use of the online auction platform aligns with the government's broader digital transformation initiatives, promoting efficient public service delivery and reducing administrative burdens associated with physical bidding processes.

Additional Information and Contact Details

Interested participants seeking further information or clarification can contact the MRA via the following channels:

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

This official communication underscores the importance of adhering to the specified procedures and timelines to ensure successful participation in the auction. Citizens and businesses are encouraged to monitor the MRA's official channels for any updates or amendments related to this sale.