GeM registration for sellers: a simple guide

What GeM is and who buys on it

GeM registration is the first step for a business that wants to sell to government buyers in India. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is the online portal where central ministries and departments, public sector companies, many state government bodies and other public organisations buy goods and services, from office chairs and printer toner to housekeeping, vehicle hire and IT support.

Buyers on GeM can order directly from listed products for smaller purchases, compare several sellers' offers, or run a bid or reverse auction for larger requirements. The value limits and rules for each method are set by the government and revised from time to time, so read the current ones on GeM.

Who can sell on GeM

Most kinds of Indian business can register as a seller: proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs, companies, societies and others. You can take part as:

• a manufacturer (OEM) listing your own brand. Some product categories need an assessment of the manufacturer before products can be listed.
• a reseller of other brands, which usually needs the brand owner's authorisation recorded on GeM.
• a service provider, for services such as manpower, cleaning, security, transport or event management.

Micro and small enterprises have a particular reason to register. Central ministries and public sector companies have a target of buying at least 25% of what they purchase from micro and small enterprises, and many bids state whether MSEs and startups are exempted from the experience and turnover conditions. Read that line in every bid you consider.

Documents to keep ready

• the business's PAN, and for the person registering, Aadhaar with the mobile number linked to it, or PAN;
• the GST registration certificate;
• proof of the business's constitution, such as the certificate of incorporation or partnership deed, as the portal asks;
• bank account details for receiving payments;
• your Udyam certificate if you are an MSME, and DPIIT recognition if you are a startup;
• income tax return details, if the profile asks for them;
• for products: brand or trademark details, specifications, clear photographs and any BIS or other certificates the category requires; for resellers, the brand owner's authorisation.

Keep the business name and address the same across PAN, GST and bank records. Small differences, such as "Pvt Ltd" on one and "Private Limited" on another, are worth sorting out before you start, because the profile is checked against these records.

GeM registration steps for sellers

1. Start on the official GeM portal and choose to sign up as a seller. Use the portal itself, never a look-alike website.
2. Choose your type of business and verify the person registering, who becomes the primary user, through Aadhaar or PAN, with one-time passwords to their mobile and email.
3. Create your user ID and log in to the seller dashboard.
4. Complete the seller profile: business details validated against PAN, office and factory addresses, bank account, tax details, and MSME or startup details if you have them.
5. Deposit caution money as GeM's current terms require. Check the amount and conditions on GeM before you pay.
6. Add your catalogue or service offerings: category, specifications, price, stock and the areas you deliver to. A new brand goes through brand approval first.
7. Read the seller terms on delivery periods, returns, ratings and incidents before you accept an order.

GeM's help pages, user manuals and training sessions explain each screen, and you can complete the whole process yourself. If you hire a consultant, be wary of anyone who promises orders.

Winning your first government order

1. Watch bids in your category. Search open bids by keyword and read each bid document in full: quantity, specifications, delivery location, eligibility and any MSE or startup exemption.
2. Price with freight in mind. Buyers compare offers, and reverse auctions push prices down. Work out the cost of delivering to the consignee's address before you quote.
3. Start close to home. A Faridabad maker of office chairs might bid first for offices in Delhi and nearby states, where it can deliver and install quickly, before quoting for the North-East.
4. Supply exactly what the order says, on time. After delivery, the consignee records receipt and acceptance on GeM (the CRAC), and payment follows.
5. Protect your record. Late deliveries and rejected supplies are recorded against your seller account and can count against you later.

Questions people ask

Do I need GST registration to sell on GeM?

Most sellers register with a GSTIN, and government buyers expect a GST invoice. If your business is not registered for GST, check GeM's current rules for your category before you begin, and take advice from your accountant.

Is GeM the only way to sell to government?

Central government buyers are generally expected to buy goods and common services through GeM where they are available there. Works contracts, specialised items and some state and PSU purchases still go through e-tender portals and vendor lists, which our vendor registration guide covers along with how private companies approve suppliers.

Can a buyer check my business before ordering?

Yes, and many do. They look at your GST status, your Udyam number and, for companies, the MCA record; our guide to company look-ups shows what they see. Keep these records current and matching your GeM profile.

GeM brings government buyers to you; private companies you have to approach yourself. For that side, see how to reach purchase managers, or browse the Starleads lists by industry and city.

This guide describes the process in general terms and is not legal advice. GeM updates its terms, screens and requirements regularly, and the current version on GeM is what applies.