Guide for Sellers - How to Get Brand and Catalogue Approval on GeM Portal

Introduction :-

Getting Brand Approval and Catalogue Approval on the Government eMarketplace ( GeM ) is one of the biggest hurdles for new sellers, especially MSMEs and startups aiming to sell products to government buyers. These two approvals determine whether your product can go live on the portal and ultimately whether you can participate in bids, receive orders and scale your government business.

This guide explains the entire process step by step, the documents required, common mistakes to avoid, economic impact and how IndianTenders.in can support you at every stage.

What Is Brand Approval on GeM ?

Brand Approval allows sellers to showcase a registered, legitimate and verifiable brand on the portal. Without this, you cannot publish your products or participate in relevant categories.

GeM verifies brands to ensure:

Authenticity
Regulatory compliance
Standardization of products
Buyer trust and transparency

Brand approval is mandatory for OEMs, authorised resellers and private label manufacturers.

Key Industries That Require Brand Approval:

Electronics, IT equipment, furniture, office supplies, laboratory equipment, machinery, safety gear, textiles, medical devices, FMCG and more.

Documents Required for Brand Approval

To secure brand approval smoothly, ensure these documents are ready:

Mandatory Documents

Trademark Certificate (TM registered / under process with TM journal number)
Authorization Letter (if you are a reseller and not the OEM)
OEM Declaration Format (GeM specific format)
Company Registration Documents (Udyam/Udyog Aadhaar/MSME)
Website or Online Presence Proof (official brand website / brochure / catalogue)
Product Images & Specifications
ISO / Quality Certifications (if applicable)

Optional but Highly Recommended

BIS, CE, RoHS, FSSAI, BEE ratings
Performance statements
Previous government supply orders

These strengthen your approval chances significantly.

Step by Step Brand Approval Process

Login to GeM → Seller Dashboard → Products
Select Brands → Add New Brand
Fill in brand details (name, segment, category)
Upload mandatory documents
Submit for evaluation
GeM Seller Support + OEM verification call (if applicable)
Approval timeline: 3 - 7 working days

Pro Tip: Ensure your trademark, website and authorization letter all reflect the same brand name mismatch is the No.1 cause of rejection.

What Is Catalogue Approval on GeM?

Catalogue Approval (Product Listing Approval) means your product listing is checked and approved for:

Category relevance
Technical accuracy
Pricing fairness
Compliance with product specifications

Once approved, your product becomes visible to all government buyers and available for direct purchase as well as bidding.

Catalogue Approval Documents

Product images (white background, HD, multiple angles)
Technical datasheet/PDF
Price justification (market price proof)
Warranty details
OEM authorization (if reseller)
Testing reports/quality certificates

Step by Step Catalogue Upload & Approval

Go to Add New Product under Seller Dashboard
Choose correct category (very important for approval)
Fill technical specs
Upload product images + brochures
Add price (must meet GeM’s price reasonability norms)
Submit for approval

Approval Time: 2–5 working days.

Common Reasons for Brand & Catalogue Rejection

Low quality images
Wrong category selection
Technical specs copied incorrectly
Mismatch between invoice, trademark and authorization letters
Overpricing or noncompetitive pricing
Lack of technical certificates

Economic Impact of Brand & Catalogue Approval

Getting listed and approved on GeM directly contributes to:

Increased MSME revenue
Higher production demand
Government procurement transparency
Better market access for small manufacturers
Job creation at regional levels

In FY 2023–25, more than 60% of GeM purchases were from MSMEs, showcasing how powerful approvals can be for business growth.

How IndianTenders.in Helps Sellers Succeed on GeM

IndianTenders.in provides end to end consultancy to ensure your brand and catalogue get approved on the first attempt.

Our Assistance Includes:

Complete documentation support
TM verification guidance
OEM authorization preparation
Category mapping & correct product placement
Compliance check (ISO, BIS, quality norms)
Pricing guidance to avoid rejection
GeM profile optimization for visibility
1:1 support from GeM experts

Want to register on IndianTenders.in and get expert help?

Click here to Register on → Indiantenders.in

Conclusion

Brand and catalogue approval on GeM may appear complicated, but with the proper documentation, accurate product detailing, and compliance awareness, sellers can be approved quickly and begin winning government orders. A well-known brand not only increases your visibility but also builds trust among buyers from various ministries and PSUs.

With IndianTenders.in as a strategic partner, sellers can avoid costly mistakes, save time, and accelerate their success on India's largest government eprocurement portal.

OR

OR