If you plan to start a construction company in Mauritius one of the key requirement is to register with Construction Industry Development Board(CIDB Mauritius).
It is illegal under the Construction Industry Development Board Act to operate as a contractor in Mauritius without proper registration. Section(19) of CIDB Act stipulates that “No person shall offer his services as a Consultant or Contractor unless he is registered.
According to Section (2) of the Construction Industry Development Board Act, a Contractor means a person who, or a firm that, carries out construction works in the construction industry and includes a Foreign Contractor.
However, any person undertaking construction works of less than Rs 500,000 (VAT exclusive) is not required to be registered under the provisions of the Construction Industry Development Board Act.
There are three Classes of Works under which a Contractor can be registered, namely; ‘Building Construction Works’, ‘Civil Engineering Construction Works’, ‘Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Works’.
Contractors is also classified into 8 Grades A to H. Each Grade allows a Contractor to undertake construction works up to a contract value. A Contractor is not allowed to undertake construction works above his Grade Limit.
A Contractor may also be registered in different Areas of Specialisation under the different Classes of Works as indicated in the Third Schedule of the Construction Industry Development Board Act. In such cases an Applicant has to demonstrate it has the capability to undertake such type of works.
How to register with CIDB Mauritius as contractor
CIDB Mauritius has classified contractors as Local Contractors, Foreign contractors,Joint Venture Contractors.
Categories of Local Contractor registration
RG6 (Grade A+ to F) registration forms can be found here
Grade G Contractor registration forms can be found here
Grade H Contractor registration forms can be found here
Categories of Foreign Contractors registration
RG7 – Application for Provisional Registration as a Foreign Contractor forms found here
RG8 – Application for Temporary Registration as a Foreign Contractor forms found here
Categories of Joint Venture Contractors registration
RG9 – Application for Provisional Registration as a Joint Venture Contractor forms found here
RG10 – Application for Temporary Registration as a Joint Venture Contractor forms found here
To apply under RG6 (Grade A+ to F)
To apply for registration as a contractor with CIDB Mauritius under RG6 category, it is important that you apply for a Class of works in which you are currently operating or intends to operate provided it meets the Eligibility requirements for that Class of Works.
As a contractor you may apply for more than one Class of Works provided you meet the requirements for registration in the corresponding Classes. However, you should provide a Breakdown of Turnover. For more notes on eligibility and criteria read here.
To apply under RG7
Applicant shall apply for a Class of Works in which it is currently operating or intends to operate provided it meets the Eligibility requirements for that Class of Works. Applicant may apply for more than one Class of Works provided it meets the requirements for registration in the corresponding Classes.
However, Applicant shall submit separate application for each Class of Works as separate Registration Certificate will be issued accordingly. Further notes can be found here.
To apply under RG8-Foreign Contractor
Applicant shall state the number of Occupational Safety & Health Officers registered in Mauritius, to be appointed on the Project. A “Qualified Technical/Supervisory Staff” is one who holds a Diploma in a Technical Field.
Applicant shall refer to the provisions made in the Occupational Safety and Health (Scaffold) Regulations 2011 concerning the compulsory employment of Competent Person for scaffolding works of height above 6m. The Regulations are available at http://cidb.gov.mu Competent Person – Scaffolding Supervision “Competent Person” means any person who –
(a) Holds a competency certificate in the erection, maintenance, alteration, repair and dismantling of scaffolds issued by the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) or such other recognized body; or
(b) By reason of his qualification and training, or having at least 5 years’ experience, is competent to undertake work related to the erection, maintenance etc.
To apply under RG9-Provisional Registration as a Joint Venture Contractor
Applicant shall state the name of the Joint Venture entity as per the agreement between the parties as the Certificate of Registration will be issued on that name. If the Joint Venture entity had previously been granted Registration by CIDB, it shall state that Registration Reference. The contractor should also fill in area of specialization, Highest value project, Average turnover etc. Further notes can be found here.
To apply under RG12
For Mechanical Works (including Plumbing Works)
(a) Applicant shall demonstrate with proof that he has completed Mechanical Works of at least Rs 300,000 cumulative over the past 10 years; or
(b) Testimonial, in the prescribed Format, from Registered Engineer/Architect/Quantity Surveyor certifying that applicant has capabilities to undertake works of at least Rs 300,000.
Electrical Works
(a) Applicant shall demonstrate with proof that he has completed Electrical Works of at least Rs 500,000 cumulative over the past 10 years; or
(b) Testimonial, in the prescribed Format, from Registered Engineer/Architect/Quantity Surveyor certifying that applicant has capabilities to undertake works of at least Rs 500,000. Further notes can be found here.
Finally, here are the criteria for First-/Lapsed Registration of Contractors and Criteria for Upgrading of Contractors.
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