Selling on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM Portal) can be a game-changer for businesses but only if your products actually get listed. Many sellers spend weeks preparing their accounts only to face repeated product rejections. This not only delays business opportunities but also discourages MSMEs and startups that rely on GeM for government procurement orders.
But here’s the good news: most rejections are not because your product is “bad” they’re because the system is stricter than sellers expect. Understanding how the GeM Portal works and how a GeM Portal Consultant interprets these rules can make the difference between rejection and approval.
The Bigger Picture: Why Does GeM Reject So Many Products?
At first glance, it may seem harsh that GeM rejects listings for small errors. But there’s a reason:
- Government buyers rely on GeM to procure millions of rupees worth of goods.
- Unlike private marketplaces, GeM has zero tolerance for ambiguity or misrepresentation.
- The rejection system acts as a filter to ensure that every listed product is authentic, compliant, and comparable across vendors.
So when your product is rejected, it’s not personal it’s the portal ensuring buyer confidence. This perspective helps sellers shift from frustration to problem-solving.
Beyond the Obvious: Common and Overlooked Reasons for Rejection
1. Category-Specification Mismatch
Many sellers assume “similar” products can be listed under any close category. In reality, GeM product categories are hyper-specific and defined in consultation with procurement experts.
- Example: A “wireless keyboard” listed under “computer accessories – wired keyboard” will be auto-rejected.
- Consultant insight: Professionals often map products to hidden subcategories not visible at first glance, drastically improving approval chances.
If you are unable to find your product category than you can reach out our team we are India’s trusted GeM Portal Consultant.
2. Overlooked Technical Attributes
Each category has mandatory technical attributes (size, weight, voltage, etc.). Sellers often skip them or fill “N/A.” The automated validation rejects incomplete attributes immediately.
- Bidz professional Consultant insight: Experts don’t just fill attributes they align them with procurement tender language. This increases both approval and tender eligibility.
3. Image Rejection Is About Trust, Not Aesthetics
Sellers think “clear enough” images are fine. But buyers need standardization: white backgrounds, no logos, correct aspect ratios.
- Example: An OEM seller lost approvals because their images showed a different model than the datasheet.
- Bidz professional Consultant insight: Consultants often build an image repository aligned with GeM standards, so future uploads are seamless.
4. Document-Brand Misalignment
Even if you upload all required certificates, rejections happen if they don’t match exactly with brand or category requirements.
- Example: BIS certificate for one product line uploaded for another brand = instant rejection.
- Bidz professional Consultant insight: Consultants cross-map documents with category requirements before uploading something most sellers overlook.
5. System-Level Triggers
Sometimes, rejection has nothing to do with sellers at all. The GeM system automatically rejects:
- Products with unusually low/high prices (flagged for compliance).
- Duplicate entries across states.
- Products linked to brands awaiting OEM/vendor assessment.
This “invisible layer” frustrates sellers but consultants usually know these patterns from experience.
The Consultant Advantage: Fixing More Than Just Errors
A GeM Portal Consultant is not just a data entry operator. Their value lies in interpreting the rules, anticipating system triggers, and presenting your product in a procurement-ready format.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Strategic Product Mapping
- Consultants study upcoming tenders and ensure your product attributes match buyer demand.
- Example: If most tenders specify “energy-efficient” models, consultants recommend uploading with relevant certifications.
- Building Approval Pipelines
- For sellers with 50+ SKUs, uploading randomly leads to chaos. Consultants create a staged approval pipeline: start with easiest-to-approve SKUs, build credibility, then tackle complex products.
- Reducing Time-to-Market
- Instead of waiting weeks for trial-and-error approvals, consultants streamline documents, images, and HSN codes before submission. This can cut approval time from 30 days to less than a week.
- Compliance Foresight
- Consultants track category updates. For example, in 2024, electrical equipment categories required new BIS certificates. Many sellers were blindsided, but consultant-supported sellers had approvals in place.
Seller Checklist: How to Reduce Rejections Without Guesswork
If you’re a seller, here’s a consultant-inspired checklist to self-audit before uploading:
- Double-check category alignment (don’t guess; confirm through GeM taxonomy).
- Match attributes with real-world tender requirements.
- Use a standardized image library (white background, correct angle, resolution).
- Verify certificates link to the right brand, category, and product.
- Assign correct HSN/SAC codes using GST council lists.
- Upload in phases if you have multiple SKUs.
- Monitor category updates regularly (consultants often maintain trackers).
Case Example: From 12 Rejections to a Tender Win
A Delhi-based electrical equipment supplier faced 12 straight product rejections in two months. Reasons ranged from image issues to missing technical specs. Frustrated, they hired a GeM Portal Consultant.
Here’s what changed:
- Images were re-shot to GeM specifications.
- HSN codes were corrected after cross-checking with GST lists.
- Category mapping was realigned with upcoming procurement tenders.
- Within 10 days, 8 out of 12 products were approved.
- Within 3 months, the seller won their first government order worth ₹18 lakhs.
This shows that approval isn’t just about clearing errors it’s about aligning with how buyers search and purchase on GeM.
FAQs on GeM Product Rejections
Because it deals with taxpayer-funded procurement, GeM emphasizes compliance, standardization, and fairness over speed.
Yes. Sellers can edit attributes and re-upload. However, repeated rejections lower your credibility.
No one can guarantee approvals, but consultants reduce trial-and-error, making approvals faster and smoother.
MSMEs enjoy benefits in bidding, but for product approval, the rules are equally strict for all sellers.
Don’t Let Rejection Stop Your Growth
Product rejections on GeM Portal are frustrating, but they are not failures they are feedback from the system. The real question is: do you know how to act on that feedback?
Most rejections come from overlooked details, unclear documentation, or category misalignment. This is where a GeM Portal Consultant makes the difference transforming guesswork into a structured, compliance-first approach.
If your products are stuck in the rejection loop, don’t let it hold your business back. With expert guidance, you can move from rejection to approval and from approval to government orders.
