A GeM OEM Authorization Code is used in GeM workflows where a manufacturer authorizes a reseller or dealer to associate with the manufacturer's product catalogue. For businesses selling branded products through GeM, understanding OEM authorization can help avoid confusion during product listing and catalogue pairing.
The process is different from basic GeM seller registration. A business may already have a seller account and still need authorization from a particular manufacturer before it can work with products or catalogues where OEM approval is required.
The authorization process generally involves the reseller contacting the manufacturer, providing the requested business information, completing any required agreement or verification, receiving the authorization details, and then using the applicable code or authorization mechanism in the GeM seller account.
This guide explains how the process works, what the code means, what documents may be requested, and what sellers should check before using an OEM authorization.
A GeM OEM Authorization Code is an authorization identifier provided by an Original Equipment Manufacturer to an eligible reseller or dealer for the applicable GeM catalogue or product arrangement.
In simple terms:
OEM → Authorizes Reseller → Provides Authorization Details → Reseller Uses Them for Applicable GeM Catalogue Pairing
The purpose is to connect the reseller with the manufacturer or brand for products where OEM authorization is part of the GeM listing process.
The exact workflow can vary depending on the product category, OEM, seller type and applicable GeM requirements.
A reseller should therefore not assume that one authorization process works for every product.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
An OEM is the manufacturer or brand owner associated with a product. On GeM, OEM-related processes help establish the relationship between manufacturers, brands, catalogues and authorized sellers.
For example, suppose a manufacturer produces networking equipment and has an approved catalogue on GeM. An authorized dealer may need to establish its relationship with that OEM before offering certain products from the manufacturer's catalogue.
This is where OEM authorization and catalogue pairing can become relevant.
If you want to understand the broader concept of OEMs on GeM, you can read What Is OEM in GeM.
No.
These are separate processes.
Seller registration creates the business account needed to operate as a seller on the platform.
OEM authorization establishes the relationship between a manufacturer and an authorized reseller or dealer for applicable products or catalogues.
A simplified example is:
Seller Registration → Seller Account → Product/Service Listing → OEM Authorization Where Required → Catalogue Pairing → Applicable Procurement Participation
This means a reseller should not treat an OEM Authorization Code as a replacement for GeM seller registration.
Businesses that have not yet completed their seller setup can first review How To Register in GeM Portal as Seller.
The requirement depends on the applicable product category and GeM process.
Some products or catalogues may require manufacturer authorization before a reseller can associate with them. In these cases, the reseller may need to obtain the required authorization from the OEM and complete the relevant pairing process.
OEM authorization can be particularly relevant when:
Do not assume that every GeM product requires an OEM Authorization Code.
The product category and applicable GeM requirements should be checked before starting the authorization process.
GeM product categories can have different catalogue and seller requirements.
The current Tender18 guidance around OEM authorization focuses heavily on Q2 products, where the OEM may control the primary catalogue and an authorized reseller may need to establish a relationship with that OEM before working with the catalogue.
For a reseller, the important point is simple:
Do not assume that having a GeM seller account automatically gives you authorization to sell every branded product.
If a particular catalogue requires OEM authorization, the seller needs to follow the applicable manufacturer and GeM process.
This is why checking the product category before listing or bidding is important.
These terms are related but should not be treated as exactly the same thing.
This is a document issued by the manufacturer confirming the reseller's authorization or relationship.
It may contain information such as:
The code is an identifier used in the applicable GeM authorization or catalogue-pairing workflow.
The authorization letter or certificate may contain the code that the reseller needs to use.
The exact format and documentation can vary between manufacturers and applicable GeM processes.
The process is generally relevant to businesses that operate as:
Manufacturers may also need to complete their own OEM-related processes if they want to manage their brand or product catalogues on GeM.
A reseller should have a genuine business relationship with the manufacturer before requesting authorization.
The OEM may decide whether to approve the reseller based on its own commercial, technical or compliance requirements.
The process normally starts with the manufacturer rather than with a third-party seller simply generating a code.
Here is a practical workflow.
First, identify the manufacturer or brand whose products you want to sell.
Make sure the product and brand information is accurate.
For example:
Brand: ABC
Product: Network Switch
Seller: XYZ Distributors
The reseller should approach the actual manufacturer or its authorized channel team.
Contact the manufacturer's:
Explain that you are a GeM seller or reseller seeking authorization for the manufacturer's products.
Provide enough information for the OEM to understand:
The OEM may request documents to verify the reseller.
Depending on the manufacturer, these may include:
There is no single document list that applies to every OEM.
The manufacturer decides what information it needs before providing authorization.
The OEM may review your company information before approving the relationship.
The verification can cover:
The exact checks depend on the manufacturer.
Some manufacturers may require a formal agreement.
This agreement can define:
Read the agreement carefully before accepting it.
After the manufacturer approves the relationship, it may provide an authorization letter, certificate or applicable authorization code.
Keep the document safely.
You may need the authorization information during product listing, catalogue pairing or procurement activities.
Once the reseller receives the required authorization information, log in to the GeM seller account and follow the applicable catalogue or authorization workflow.
Depending on the current GeM interface and product category, this may involve an option related to:
Enter the required authorization details carefully.
The authorization or pairing process may require verification.
Do not assume that entering a code automatically means the process is complete.
Check the status in the seller account and resolve any request for additional information.
The exact documents vary by manufacturer and business relationship.
However, a reseller should be prepared to provide some combination of:
The OEM may request financial or trade information depending on its internal verification process.
The safest approach is to prepare your basic company documents first and then follow the exact checklist provided by the manufacturer.
An OEM Panel is associated with the manufacturer's role in managing or establishing its brand and product presence on GeM.
For manufacturers, OEM-related setup can involve:
For resellers, the OEM side matters because some products may require the reseller to be associated with the relevant manufacturer or catalogue.
This creates two connected sides:
Manufacturer → OEM/Brand Setup
Reseller → Authorization and Catalogue Association
The two should be understood separately.
The process is different depending on your role.
You may need to establish your OEM identity and manage your brand or product catalogue according to the applicable GeM process.
Your responsibilities can include:
You may need authorization from the manufacturer for products where OEM approval is required.
Your responsibilities can include:
OEM authorization and product listing are closely connected when a product catalogue requires manufacturer approval.
Before listing a product, check:
Make sure you are using the correct GeM category.
Confirm that the brand information matches the manufacturer.
Ensure that the technical specifications are accurate.
Confirm whether the category requires OEM authorization.
Use accurate product information that matches the approved product.
Ensure that the pricing information follows the applicable GeM requirements.
If you need guidance on the next stage, read How to Upload Products on the GeM Portal.
If a particular product or catalogue requires OEM authorization and the reseller does not have the required authorization, the seller may not be able to complete the applicable catalogue association or listing process.
Instead of trying to work around the requirement, the reseller should:
This is safer than submitting incorrect manufacturer information or using authorization details belonging to another reseller.
Yes, a reseller may have business relationships with multiple manufacturers.
For example, an IT reseller could work with:
Each manufacturer may have its own authorization requirements and commercial terms.
The reseller should maintain separate records for each OEM, including:
Do not assume that authorization from one manufacturer applies to another brand.
There is no single validity period that should be assumed for every OEM authorization.
Validity can depend on:
Check the authorization document and manufacturer agreement for the applicable period.
If an authorization expires or the commercial relationship ends, the reseller should not continue representing itself as authorized without confirming the current status.
Sometimes yes, depending on the product category and applicable GeM requirements.
OEM authorization is not a universal requirement for every seller, every product or every GeM transaction.
The key question is:
Does this particular product/category/catalogue require OEM authorization
If it does, follow the required authorization and pairing process.
If it does not, the seller should follow the standard listing and procurement requirements applicable to that product.
Do not apply one category's rules to every GeM product.
No.
OEM authorization establishes an applicable manufacturer-reseller relationship. It does not guarantee that the reseller will win a bid or receive an order.
A tender or GeM bid can still involve requirements related to:
After completing the necessary authorization, the reseller still needs to evaluate and participate in suitable procurement opportunities.
For the next stage, see How to Participate in GeM Bids.
Once your seller profile and applicable product authorization are ready, you can start researching relevant GeM procurement opportunities.
Do not search every available bid.
Start with products that your company is actually authorized and capable of supplying.
For example:
Product → Category → Brand → Location → Buyer → Quantity → Deadline
Tender18 provides a dedicated GeM Tenders section where businesses can research available GeM tender information.
A focused search can save time because not every tender will match your products or authorization status.
OEM authorization is only one part of bid preparation.
Before participating, check:
Does the bid require the exact product or an acceptable specification
Does the bid mention a particular brand, OEM or manufacturer
Does the bid require OEM authorization or another manufacturer document
Can your business supply the required quantity
Can you meet the stated delivery requirements
Does your product meet every required specification
Can you provide all requested certificates and declarations
Can you meet the pricing and other commercial requirements
Do you have enough time to prepare and submit the bid
Make sure you are requesting authorization from the actual manufacturer or appropriate brand owner.
Your company name and details should be consistent across business and GeM documents.
Check whether the authorization is still applicable before using it.
Authorization may relate to a particular brand, catalogue, product or business arrangement.
Check the scope carefully.
Use the documents requested by the OEM and the applicable GeM process.
A valid GeM seller account does not automatically mean you are authorized to sell every manufacturer's product.
If your product requires OEM authorization, complete the process before you need to participate in an urgent bid.
Before starting the process, check:
☐ GeM seller account available
☐ Correct OEM identified
☐ Product category confirmed
☐ Brand information verified
☐ OEM contact identified
☐ Company profile prepared
☐ GST documents ready
☐ PAN available
☐ GeM Vendor ID available
☐ Product information prepared
☐ OEM agreement reviewed
☐ Authorization letter received
☐ Authorization code/details checked
☐ Applicable GeM pairing completed
☐ Catalogue association checked
☐ Product listing reviewed
☐ Bid requirements checked
| Feature | GeM Seller Registration | OEM Authorization |
| Purpose | Creates seller access | Establishes applicable OEM relationship |
| Usually handled by | Seller | OEM and reseller |
| Product-specific | No | Can be |
| Manufacturer involvement | Not necessarily | Usually relevant |
| Required for every seller | Depends on participation | No |
| Required for every product | No | No |
| Used for catalogue association | Not by itself | Where applicable |
| Related to branded products | Generally seller account level | Often relevant |
The important distinction is that seller registration gives you the seller account, while OEM authorization can give you the required manufacturer relationship for specific products or catalogues.
Businesses may need help understanding the different stages between seller registration, product listing, OEM authorization and bid participation.
Tender18 provides support around areas such as:
For manufacturers and resellers, the right process depends on the product category, business role and applicable GeM requirements.
The goal should be to keep your seller information, product information and authorization documents consistent before participating in procurement opportunities.
The complete process can be viewed as:
GeM Seller Registration
↓
Identify Product & Category
↓
Identify OEM
↓
Contact OEM
↓
Submit Business Documents
↓
OEM Verification
↓
Reseller/Dealer Agreement, If Required
↓
Receive Authorization
↓
Complete Applicable GeM Pairing
↓
Product/Catalogue Association
↓
Search Relevant GeM Tenders
↓
Check Eligibility
↓
Prepare Bid
↓
Submit Before Deadline
This workflow makes it easier to understand where OEM authorization fits into the larger GeM selling process.
A GeM OEM Authorization Code is one part of the broader GeM selling process. It becomes relevant when a manufacturer-reseller relationship and catalogue authorization are required for a particular product or category.
The basic process is straightforward:
Identify the OEM → Contact the Manufacturer → Submit Documents → Complete Verification → Receive Authorization → Complete Applicable GeM Pairing → Check Product Listing → Participate in Relevant Bids
Keep your business documents, authorization records and product information consistent. Check the applicable requirements for the exact product or catalogue instead of assuming that one authorization rule applies to every GeM listing.
Once the authorization and product setup are in place, focus on procurement opportunities that match your actual products, technical capabilities, eligibility and delivery capacity.
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