Importers of unclaimed goods left for more than two months at Her Majesty’s Customs and the BVI Ports Authority are advised that these items must be cleared by Friday April 10 to avoid having them sold at public auction.

The public auction will be held at Port Purcell on Saturday April 18 at 9:00 a.m.

The unclaimed goods may be cleared by importers who must present an airway bill, bill of lading, invoice or any other relevant documentation. In addition, shipping fees or any other incidentals must be paid to the shipper of the goods before the Customs department allows clearance.

Perishable goods listed will not be auctioned, but will be disposed of due to the duration of time at the ports.

This auction is in accordance with the Customs Management and Duties Act No. 6 of 2010 Section 52 (8) which states “goods deposited in a customs warehouse shall be removed from that warehouse within two months from the date of their deposit, and any goods not so removed may be sold.” The auction is sanctioned under Section 137 of the same legislation.

A copy of the list with all goods and importers’ names will be posted at Her Majesty’s Customs stations located at Port Purcell, West End, Beef Island and the main Headquarters.

Public auctions by Government are also guided by the Public Finance Management Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 17 of 2005, Section 255.

For more information, contact Her Majesty’s Customs Headquarters at 468-3701 extension 6800.