GeM Seller Registration

GeM Seller Registration is the mandatory onboarding process on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) through which companies, MSMEs, startups, self-help groups, and individual artisans register to list their products or services on India's central government procurement platform serving over 10,000 central government buyer organisations.

What is GeM Seller Registration?

Any entity wanting to sell goods or services to the central government through GeM must complete seller registration. The process is entirely online at gem.gov.in and involves:

1. Basic registration: Mobile number, PAN, and Aadhaar (for individuals/proprietors) or company PAN, GSTIN, and CIN (for companies)
2. Business profile: Company name, registered address, contact details, bank account for payment
3. Category selection: The product or service categories in which the seller wants to list
4. Document upload: GSTIN certificate, MSME/Udyam certificate (if applicable), DPIIT startup recognition (if applicable), trade licence where required
5. GeM Vendor Assessment (VA): For certain product categories, a third-party quality assessment of manufacturing capability is required before listing

After registration, the seller creates product listings in the GeM Product Catalogue or service offerings in the service catalogue, subject to Golden Parameters defined by GeM.

GeM has over 65 lakh registered sellers as of 2025, with a gross merchandise value (GMV) exceeding INR 4 lakh crore annually. MSMEs and startups benefit from EMD exemption, purchase preference, and zero platform fees for listing. Learn more about winning on GeM in our guide to GeM bids.

Why GeM Seller Registration matters for Indian government suppliers

Without GeM registration, a company cannot participate in the government's mandatory central procurement channel. Under GFR Rule 149, central government ministries and departments must procure goods and services available on GeM through GeM, making registration essential for any supplier targeting central government business. Registration is free, and a single registration covers all central government buyers nationwide.

Example

An MSME manufacturing office furniture registers on GeM, uploads its Udyam certificate for MSME benefits, lists its product range in the furniture category against the Golden Parameters for each item, and completes Vendor Assessment for the seating category. Within six months, it receives orders from 12 different government departments across India for a combined value of INR 38 lakh, business that previously required separate tender responses to each buyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GeM seller registration free?

Yes. Registration on GeM is free of charge for all categories of sellers. GeM charges a transaction fee from buyers rather than sellers, so the cost of participation for vendors is zero.

Can an individual (not a company) register as a GeM seller?

Yes. Individual artisans, weavers, self-help group members, and sole proprietors can register on GeM using their Aadhaar and PAN. GeM has specific onboarding flows for handloom and handicraft artisans under the GeM Weavers Portal.

How long does GeM seller registration take?

Basic registration with no Vendor Assessment requirement can be completed in 1-2 hours. If your product category requires Vendor Assessment, the assessment process takes 2-4 weeks depending on the assessor's availability. Products cannot be listed in VA-required categories until the assessment is completed.

What is the difference between GeM registration and DIPP/Startup India registration?

These are separate registrations. GeM registration qualifies you to sell on the marketplace. DPIIT startup recognition (Startup India) is a certificate issued by the government that qualifies your company for various startup benefits, including certain GeM-specific fast-track listing benefits. You can have GeM registration without DPIIT recognition, but DPIIT recognition provides additional advantages on GeM.