Administrative Regulation No. 19/2026 – another step in Macau SAR’s public procurement reform

On 13 July 2026, Macau published Administrative Regulation No. 19/2026 (the “Regulation”), which implements the Public Procurement Law and establishes the operational framework for the new public procurement regime. The Regulation introduces detailed rules governing procurement planning, tender procedures, evaluation mechanisms, centralized procurement, transparency obligations and internal controls, with the objective of enhancing efficiency, competition, integrity and accountability in the use of public funds.

Enhanced Procurement Governance and Planning

The Regulation establishes detailed requirements for procurement documentation, including tender specifications, technical requirements, contract duration, guarantees and payment terms. It also clarifies the rules governing alternative bids, submission deadlines and the use of electronic and paper-based tender submissions. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring confidentiality, procedural integrity and traceability throughout the procurement process.

Stronger Financial Controls

To prevent circumvention of procurement rules, the Regulation reinforces the principle of unity of expenditure, requiring related procurements to be aggregated when determining the applicable procurement procedure. It also sets a threshold of MOP 750,000 for certain low-value restoration, repair and maintenance services relating to immovable property.

Formalisation of Procurement Committees

Detailed rules are introduced regarding the composition, qualifications and operation of bid-opening and bid-evaluation committees. Committee members are subject to conflict-of-interest requirements and must declare the absence of disqualifying circumstances. The Regulation also permits the appointment of external experts where specialised technical expertise is required.

Comprehensive Procurement Procedures

Articles 13 to 52 of the Regulation establish the procedural framework applicable from the launch of a procurement process through to contract award, and governs bidder qualifications, clarification procedures, submission and safeguarding of tenders, public opening sessions, bid evaluation, exclusion grounds and award decisions. It also provides procedural rules for various procurement methods, including public tenders, restricted tenders with pre-qualification, competitive negotiations, consultation procedures and direct awards.
The Regulation also requires the Financial Services Bureau (DSF) to establish and manage an official registration system for suppliers wishing to participate in consultation procedures. The system is organized by categories of goods and services and includes a supplier evaluation function that may be used as a reference in direct award procedures. Public entities carrying out highly specialized procurements that cannot be integrated into the system may, with authorization from the Chief Executive following consultation with the DSF, maintain their own dedicated registration systems while remaining subject to the consultation and direct award rules of the Public Procurement Law. Suppliers may apply for registration through the methods specified by the DSF, including electronic means, and must satisfy eligibility requirements relating to legal compliance, tax and business registration status, and financial activity.

Centralised Procurement System

The DSF is entrusted with coordinating the centralized procurement of consumable goods. Being tasked to prepare centralized procurement plans, consolidate purchasing needs across public entities and conduct procurement procedures on their behalf. Following award, public entities purchase goods directly from appointed suppliers while retaining responsibility for budget approvals and expenditure authorisations.

Integrated Procurement and Administrative Possession

The Regulation allows public entities to entrust other public bodies with conducting integrated procurement procedures, promoting interdepartmental efficiency and coordination. It also introduces procedures governing administrative possession of works, goods or services, including record-keeping requirements and mechanisms for contractor objections.

Increased Transparency

A comprehensive public disclosure regime is established. Subject to limited exceptions for confidential, sensitive or low-value procurements, contracting authorities must publish procurement documents, clarifications, bidder information, evaluation-related information and award decisions on a centralized public procurement website managed by the DSF.

Digitalisation and Transition to the New Regime

The Regulation supports digital transformation by allowing all procurement acts and procedures to be conducted electronically in accordance with Macau's electronic governance framework. Existing suppliers registered in public-sector supplier databases will be migrated to the new official supplier registration system managed by the DSF without needing to submit a new registration application, subject to a preliminary compliance review.

The Regulation enters into force on 1 September 2026, completing the implementation framework for Macau's new public procurement regime and significantly modernising the procedures governing public-sector procurement. Public entities should use the period before entry into force to update internal procedures, controls and procurement documentation, while suppliers should review their registration status and compliance readiness to ensure they are prepared to participate under the new framework.