This guide covers everything you need to know about how to create a gem product catalogue that gets orders — with practical, actionable information tailored for Indian MSMEs and small businesses.
Understanding UNSPSC Codes — The Foundation of Your Catalogue
Every product on GeM must be assigned a UNSPSC (United Nations Standard Products and Services Code) — a global classification system. Choosing the wrong UNSPSC code means your product appears in the wrong category and buyers searching for it simply will not find you.
To find your correct UNSPSC: log in to GeM → go to Add Product → search by product name in the UNSPSC search box → compare the category descriptions carefully. When in doubt, contact our experts — wrong categorization is the #1 reason for catalogue rejection.
6 Elements of a High-Performing GeM Product Listing
1. Product Title: Include brand name (if OEM), model number, key specification, and size/quantity. Example: "ABC Brand A4 Size 80 GSM Copier Paper — 500 Sheets per Ream"
2. High-Quality Images: Minimum 800x800 pixels, white background preferred, show product from multiple angles. Poor images are the single biggest reason buyers skip your listing.
3. Detailed Specifications: Fill every specification field GeM asks for. Buyers filter by specifications — incomplete listings are invisible to many buyers.
4. Competitive Pricing: Check competitor prices for your UNSPSC category before listing. Price 5-10% below retail market price to be competitive for direct purchases.
5. Delivery Timeline: Set a realistic delivery date. Consistently missing delivery commitments permanently damages your seller rating.
6. Certifications: Upload all relevant certificates — BIS, ISO, quality certifications. Certified products get preferential treatment from many government buyers.
Step-by-Step Process
Log in to GeM Seller Dashboard
Navigate to gem.gov.in and log in. Go to Product Management → Add New Offering. You will see two options: Products and Services. Select based on what you sell.
Search and Select UNSPSC Category
Type your product name in the UNSPSC search box. Review the category description carefully. Select the most specific subcategory that matches your product. Avoid generic parent categories.
Fill Product Specifications
Complete every specification field — even optional ones. Buyers often filter by specifications you might consider minor. If a field is unclear, describe the specification as accurately as possible.
Upload Product Images
Upload minimum 3 images: front view, side view, and packaging/label. File format: JPG or PNG, minimum 800x800 pixels, maximum 2MB each. Clean, professional images significantly increase order rate.
Set Pricing and Availability
Enter your MRP, selling price, and available quantity. Consider GeM transaction fee (0.5-1%) in your pricing. Set a realistic delivery timeline you can consistently meet.
Upload Supporting Documents
Attach required certificates based on your category. Common documents: GST invoice, test certificate, BIS license (where mandatory), brand authorization (for resellers), ISO certificate.
Submit for Catalogue Approval
Review all entered information and submit. GeM catalogue team reviews within 24-72 hours. You will receive email notification on approval or rejection with reason.
Common Reasons for Catalogue Rejection
- Wrong UNSPSC category selected for the product
- Poor image quality — blurry, watermarked, or wrong format
- Missing mandatory specifications
- Price significantly higher than market rate (GeM checks market benchmarks)
- Missing brand authorization letter (for resellers of branded products)
- Required certification not uploaded for the product category
Need Expert Help?
Our GeM consultants handle everything — from registration to winning your first order. Book a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 How many products can I list on GeM?
There is no limit to the number of products you can list on GeM portal. You can list as many products as your business offers, across multiple UNSPSC categories. However, quality over quantity — well-optimized listings with complete specifications perform significantly better than bulk incomplete listings.
2 How long does catalogue approval take on GeM?
Standard catalogue approval on GeM takes 24-72 hours on working days. During high-volume periods, it may take up to 5 working days. Rejection is notified by email with the specific reason, which you can fix and resubmit.
3 Can I change my product price after listing?
Yes, you can update your product price at any time. Price changes are effective immediately. However, any ongoing bids or open orders at the previous price are honoured at the original quoted price.