GeM (Government e-Marketplace) is an Indian government-run online marketplace that aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in the public procurement of goods and services. 


In order to use the GeM portal, suppliers and service providers need to register on the website. 


The registration process involves filling out an online form with details such as the supplier's name, PAN number, GST number, and other relevant information. 


Once the registration is complete, the supplier can start listing their goods and services on the platform and bidding for government procurement contracts. 


The registration process is mandatory for all the suppliers and service providers who want to transact on the GeM portal.


Is GST important for GeM registration?


Yes, GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration is important for GeM registration in India. 


GST registration is a legal requirement for all businesses in India that supply goods or services and have an annual turnover above a certain threshold. 


The GST registration number is required as part of the GeM registration process, as it is used to verify the supplier's identity and compliance with Indian tax laws. 


The GST registration number is also used to track the GST paid on the goods and services sold on the GeM platform, and to ensure that the correct taxes are being paid to the government.



Is registration on GeM free?


Yes, registration on GeM is free of cost for suppliers and service providers. However, suppliers and service providers will have to pay transaction fees on GeM, which is a small percentage of the value of the goods or services sold. 


This fee is used to cover the cost of maintaining and operating the GeM platform. 


Additionally, suppliers and service providers are also required to pay GST on the goods and services they sell on the platform as per the Indian Tax laws. 


Therefore, while registration on GeM is free, suppliers and service providers will still have certain costs associated with using the platform such as transaction fees, GST, and other taxes as per the Indian Tax laws.


Who can be eligible for the GeM registration?


GeM registration varies depending on the type of goods or services offered by the supplier or service provider. 


Generally speaking, any supplier or service provider who wants to sell goods or services to the Indian government through the GeM platform must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:


  • Must be a legal entity registered in India
  • Must have a valid PAN and GST registration
  • Must have a valid bank account
  • Must have valid certificates and licenses, as required by the government for specific goods or services
  • Should not be blacklisted or debarred by any government department or agency
  • Should have a good track record of supplying goods or providing services in the past.

The registration process also includes a background check of the suppliers and service providers and verification of their credentials.


Additionally, there may be specific eligibility criteria for certain goods or services, such as certifications or licenses required by the government. 


For example, suppliers of certain types of medical equipment or drugs may be required to have valid licenses from the relevant regulatory authorities.


Register on GeM Portal as a buyer.


GeM is primarily intended for use by government agencies and departments at the central, state, and local levels in India. 


Therefore, only authorized government officials and employees are eligible to register as buyers on the GeM platform.


The registration process for government buyers involves filling out an online form with details such as the organization's name, contact information, and other relevant information. 


Once the registration is complete, the buyer can start searching for and procuring goods and services on the GeM platform.


Additionally, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Autonomous bodies that are fully or partially funded by the government can also register as buyers on the GeM platform.


Note that the registration process for buyers also includes a background check and a verification of their credentials. 


Only authorized personnel are allowed to register as buyers and make purchases on behalf of their organization.


Register on GeM Portal as a seller.


A seller is an individual or organization that offers goods or services for sale. 


In the context of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform, a seller refers to a supplier or service provider who is registered on the platform and offers goods or services for sale to government buyers.


To register as a seller on GeM, suppliers or service providers need to fill out an online form with details such as their name, PAN number, GST number, and other relevant information. 


Once the registration process is complete, the seller can start listing their goods and services on the platform and bidding for government procurement contracts.


A seller can be a manufacturer, trader, wholesaler, distributor, and service provider. 


They can sell goods and services to government buyers through the GeM platform. 


Some examples of goods and services that can be sold on GeM include office supplies, IT equipment, vehicles, construction materials, and consulting services.


Note that registration as a seller on GeM is mandatory for all suppliers and service providers who want to transact on the platform, this includes fulfilling the mandatory criteria for registration and submitting the required documents for verification and background check.


What is the process of GeM registration?


The process for registration as a seller on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform involves several steps, which include:


Visit the GeM website and click on the "Registration" tab.


Select the appropriate category (Goods/Services) and subcategory.


Fill in the registration form with details such as the seller's name, PAN number, GST number, and other relevant information.


Upload the required documents, including PAN card, GST certificate, and other certifications or licenses as required.


Verify the mobile number and email ID provided in the registration form.


Wait for the verification and background check process to be completed by the GeM team.


Once the registration process is complete, the seller will receive an email or SMS notification with the login credentials.


Login to the GeM portal and complete the remaining steps of registration, such as creating a profile, adding bank details, and listing products or services.


Start bidding for government procurement contracts and sell goods and services to government buyers through the platform.


Note that the registration process may take some time to complete, as it involves verification of the provided details and background checks. 


It's also important to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and that all the required documents are uploaded as per the guidelines to avoid delays in the registration process.


What documents are required for GeM


The documents required for registration as a seller on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform may vary depending on the type of goods or services offered, but generally include:





PAN Card: A valid PAN card is mandatory for all sellers registering on GeM.


GST certificate: A valid GST registration certificate is required for sellers.


Incorporation/Registration certificate: This document is required to prove that the seller is a legal entity registered in India.


Bank account details: Sellers are required to provide details of their bank account, such as account number, IFSC code, and MICR code.


Address proof: Sellers need to provide address proof such as electricity bill, telephone bill, etc.


MSME/SSI certificate: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Small Scale Industries (SSI) certificate are required, if applicable.


ISO certification: Sellers providing goods or services that require ISO certification need to provide a valid ISO certificate.


Other relevant licenses, certifications, and documents as required by the government for specific goods or services.


Note that the above list may not be exhaustive and there may be additional documents required depending on the category of goods or services the seller intends to provide. 


It's important to ensure that all the required documents are uploaded as per the guidelines and are valid, to avoid any delay in the registration process.



Final words


The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform that aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in the public procurement of goods and services in India. 


To participate on the platform, suppliers and service providers must register and create an account, which is known as GeM registration. 


The registration process includes filling out an online form, uploading required documents such as a PAN card, GST certificate, and other relevant licenses or certifications, and passing a background check. 


It is free to register on GeM but suppliers and service providers will have to pay a transaction fee and GST on the goods and services they sell on the platform as per Indian tax laws. 


Additionally, government agencies and departments, as well as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Autonomous bodies that are fully or partially funded by the government, can register as buyers on the GeM platform to search for and procure goods and services.