Government e-Marketplace (GEM) Registration Services
Register your business on the Government e-Marketplace (GEM). We simplify the process, enabling your products or services to be sold to government buyers seamlessly.
The Government e-Marketplace (GEM) was established under the provisions of Rule 149 of the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017, with the objective of simplifying public procurement for goods and services across India. It serves as a dedicated platform for procurement by government departments, organisations, and public sector undertakings (PSUs), aiming to improve the transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in government transactions.
What is Government e-Marketplace (GEM)?
As per the definition, GEM is a completely online platform hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that helps your business in the procurement of commonly used goods and services required by various government entities. It also helps you to simplify the interactions between buyers and sellers through a digitised process that removes the intermediaries, giving you a direct transaction with public sector organisations.
According to a recent report by the Ministry of Commerce, GEM has recorded over ₹2 lakh crore in gross merchandise value (GMV) since its inception, with participation from more than 60,000 buyers and 10 lakh sellers and service providers. Additionally, small businesses and MSMEs have emerged as key beneficiaries, accounting for nearly 57% of the total procurement on the platform.
Hence, GEM registration has now become an important step for your business to expand your reach into public sector contracts and leverage the growing opportunities in the government procurement space.
Why Choose Benchmark
At Benchmark, we provide you with professional GEM registration services, customised to help your business to be successful while entering the government procurement ecosystem. With years of expertise in public procurement and compliance management, we understand the details of the Government e-Marketplace registration process and deliver reliable solutions to meet your needs. Whether you are a micro, small, or medium enterprise (MSME) or a large corporation, we offer customised assistance to ease your registration journey.
Key reasons to choose us as your GEM registration partner:
- Expertise in understanding the GEM registration process with precision.
- Assistance in preparing and submitting all necessary GEM registration documents.
- Proven track record of helping MSMEs and startups leverage government procurement opportunities.
- Dedicated support for uploading product and service catalogues as per GEM guidelines.
- Experience in handling eligibility criteria for diverse industries and sectors.
- Guidance on bid preparation and participation in GEM tenders.
Our Services
At Benchmark, we offer a wide range of specialised services to support your business in successfully registering and managing your presence on the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) platform. Here are our services under GEM Registration:
- Assistance with the preparation and verification of business credentials such as GSTIN, PAN, and Udyog Aadhaar.
- Customised documentation support to meet GEM's specific requirements for various business types.
- Guidance on product and service categorisation for accurate representation on the GEM portal.
- Setting up and configuring GEM user accounts for authorised personnel.
- Review and finalisation of product and service catalogues, including pricing and specifications, to comply with GEM standards.
- Advisory on bid submission strategies, focusing on competitive pricing and compliance with tender specifications.
- Technical support for resolving issues related to GEM account setup, approvals, and registration processes.
- Assistance in applying for special privileges and benefits under GEM for MSMEs, startups, and other eligible entities.
- Audit of GEM compliance records to identify potential gaps and recommend corrective measures.
- Periodic training sessions to help businesses navigate the GEM portal and effectively manage your accounts.
Eligibility and Classes of GEM Registration
For your business to register in the Government e-Marketplace (GEM), you must meet certain eligibility criteria. GEM registration is open to various types of entities, ranging from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations, provided you comply with the platform's requirements.
The table below outlines the eligibility criteria and different classes of GEM registration available:
| Class of Registration | Eligibility Criteria | Applicable Entities |
|---|---|---|
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) |
Must possess a valid Udyog Aadhaar, GSTIN (if applicable), and PAN. | Micro, small, and medium enterprises across all sectors. |
Startups |
Registered under Startup India initiative or recognised by DIPP. | Early-stage businesses working on innovative solutions. |
Sole Proprietorships |
PAN, GSTIN (if applicable), and business bank account in the name of the proprietor. | Individual entrepreneurs operating as sole proprietors. |
Partnership Firms |
Registered partnership deed, PAN, and GSTIN. | Businesses operating as registered partnerships. |
Private Limited Companies |
Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, GSTIN, and authorised signatory's identity proof. | Companies incorporated under the Companies Act. |
Public Limited Companies |
Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, GSTIN, and detailed financial records (if required). | Large-scale businesses with public shareholding. |
Government Entities |
Official authorisation and registration details provided by the respective government department. | Public sector undertakings (PSUs) and other government bodies. |
Trusts and Societies |
Registration certificate under the applicable law, PAN, and GSTIN (if applicable). | Non-profit organisations and other trusts/societies. |
Documents Required for GEM Registration
Registering on the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) requires you to provide specific documents to validate your eligibility and complete the registration process. Here is the list of essential documents.
| Type of Entity | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | - PAN card of the proprietor - GSTIN (if applicable) - Bank account details (cancelled cheque) - Aadhaar card or voter ID of the proprietor |
| Partnership Firm | - Partnership deed - PAN card of the firm - GSTIN - Identity proof of all partners (e.g., Aadhaar or voter ID) - Bank account details (cancelled cheque) |
| Private Limited Company | - Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) - Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA & AOA) - PAN card of the company - GSTIN - Bank account details (cancelled cheque) - Identity proof of authorised signatories |
| Public Limited Company | - Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) - MOA & AOA - PAN card of the company - GSTIN - Financial records, if required - Identity proof of authorised signatories |
| MSMEs | - Udyog Aadhaar or MSME Certificate - GSTIN - PAN card - Bank account details (cancelled cheque) - Proof of address |
| Startups | - Certificate of recognition under the Startup India initiative - GSTIN (if applicable) - PAN card - Bank account details (cancelled cheque) - Identity proof of authorised signatory |
GEM Registration Process
At Benchmark, we simplify the GEM registration process by guiding you through each phase with precision, using our expertise to eliminate complexities and technical challenges. Below is the step-by-step process for GEM registration:
Step 1: Create an Account on the GEM Portal
Visit the official GEM portal and click on the 'Sign Up' option. Select the appropriate registration category (e.g., seller or buyer) and provide basic business details such as your organisation name, type of business, and email ID. This starts with the account creation process.
Step 2: Submit Business Credentials
Enter your GSTIN, PAN, and Udyog Aadhaar (if applicable) to validate your organisation's identity. These details are cross-verified by the portal to ensure accuracy and compliance with government regulations.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
And then prepare and upload all necessary documents, such as the identity proof of authorised signatories, bank details, and business registration certificates. All files must meet the specified format and size requirements outlined on the GEM portal.
Step 4: Verify OTP and Activate the Account
An OTP is sent to the registered mobile number and email ID for authentication. Enter the OTP to verify your contact information. Once verified, your GEM account is activated, allowing you to access the platform.
Step 5: Add Product/Service Details
Log into your account and upload your product or service catalogue, ensuring all items meet the categorisation and pricing guidelines of GEM. Accurate descriptions and specifications are critical for visibility and approval.
Step 6: Final Review and Approval
The GEM portal conducts a thorough review of the submitted details and documents. If all requirements are met, the registration is approved, and you can begin participating in tenders and transactions.
Non-Compliance Issues to Avoid
It is important to maintain strict compliance to GEM policies to safeguard your business's credibility and eligibility. Below are key non-compliance issues to avoid:
- Providing inaccurate or incomplete business credentials, such as GSTIN or PAN.
- Uploading false or misleading product or service descriptions.
- Failing to meet tender obligations after contract acceptance.
- Submitting documents that do not align with GEM's specified formats or requirements.
- Misrepresentation of business categories, such as MSME or startup status.
- Delays in updating business details like address or contact information.
- Not adhering to pricing guidelines set for products and services.
- Ignoring regular updates or notifications from GEM regarding compliance changes.
- Failure to resolve disputes or grievances raised by government buyers.
- Using unauthorised third-party agents for GEM-related activities.
GEM vs Traditional Procurement
The GEM represents a modernised approach to public procurement, offering businesses a simple and efficient platform for engaging with government buyers. Unlike traditional procurement methods, which often involve lengthy procedures and multiple intermediaries, GEM simplifies transactions through its digital interface, providing greater accessibility and efficiency. Below, we compare key aspects of GEM and traditional procurement to highlight their differences and advantages.
| Aspect | GEM Procurement | Traditional Procurement |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Operation | Fully digital platform with end-to-end transactions handled online. | Paper-based processes involving physical documentation and manual submissions. |
| Transparency | Transactions are publicly visible, minimising the risk of corruption or favouritism. | Limited transparency, with potential for discretionary decision-making by officials. |
| Procurement Timeframe | Shorter timelines due to automated processes and direct buyer-seller interaction. | Lengthy procedures involving multiple stages of approval and intermediaries. |
| Cost of Procurement | Lower costs due to elimination of intermediaries and standardised pricing. | Higher costs attributed to manual intervention, middlemen, and administrative overheads. |
| Participation | Open to all registered businesses, including MSMEs, startups, and large enterprises. | Restricted participation, often requiring businesses to go through cumbersome eligibility checks. |
| Compliance | Automated compliance checks with standardised document verification. | Manual compliance checks, increasing the likelihood of human errors and inconsistencies. |
| Contract Execution | Digital contracts that are auto-generated and tracked within the platform. | Physical contracts that require manual monitoring and enforcement. |
| Payment | Mechanism Faster payments through GEM's integrated payment gateway, with status tracking for invoices. | Delayed payments due to reliance on traditional banking systems and offline approval processes. |
Conclusion
The Government e-marketplace (GEM) is transforming the way businesses usually interact with government buyers, providing a lot of opportunities to expand into public procurement. By registering on GEM, your business could gain direct access to an efficient platform that provides your business with a lot of opportunities for growth and long-term success.
At Benchmark, we are dedicated to simplifying your GEM registration process, offering custom services to meet the unique requirements of your organisation. From document preparation to post-registration support, our expertise ensures your business is ready to thrive in this competitive space.
Get in Touch
Ready to Start Your GEM Journey? Contact us today to begin your registration process with confidence.
FAQs
Can an individual register on GEM, or is it limited to companies?
Both individuals and organisations can register on GEM, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Individuals registering as proprietors must provide relevant credentials such as a PAN card, Aadhaar, and business bank account details. Companies, on the other hand, must submit certificates of incorporation and other corporate documentation.
How long does it take to complete GEM registration?
The GEM registration process can be completed within a few days if all the required documents are prepared and submitted correctly. However, delays may occur if the portal identifies errors or discrepancies in the information you have provided, making it essential to review all the documents before you submit them.
What types of products or services can be sold on GEM?
GEM supports a diverse range of categories, including office supplies, IT equipment, consulting services, and specialised goods like laboratory equipment or medical devices. As the sellers, you are required to categorise your offerings accurately to meet buyer specifications and GEM guidelines.
What happens if a business fails to meet a GEM tender obligation?
Failure to fulfil a tender obligation can lead to penalties, suspension of the GEM account, or removal from the platform. Such issues can also harm a business's reputation, making it essential to evaluate tender requirements thoroughly before committing.
Does GEM offer any special provisions for startups or MSMEs?
Yes, GEM has specific provisions such as reduced eligibility criteria and preference in certain tenders to encourage participation by startups and MSMEs. These entities can leverage GEM's features to gain visibility and compete effectively with larger organisations.