Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has transformed the scene of public procurement in India by inculcating a sense of transparency, efficiency and accountability. One of the features of its simplified procurement process is the integration of various features and modules for smooth transacts among its government buyers and registered sellers by GeM. There are quite a number of such vital documents in this process, and one such is the CRAC in Gem – Consignee’s Receipt and Acceptance Certificate.
In this blog post by tender 18 , we shall outline what is CRAC, why it is important in GeM ecosystem, how it is generated and what both buyers and sellers need to know to be compliant and make timely payments.
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CRAC, which stands for Consignee’s Receipt and Acceptance Certificate, is a digital certificate generated on the GeM portal once a product or service is received and accepted by the consignee (the buyer or their authorized representative).
In simpler terms, CRAC is a formal acknowledgment by the buyer that:
Once CRAC is generated, it signals the successful completion of the supply stage, thereby initiating the payment process to the seller.
CRAC plays a central role in the post-delivery validation of goods or services. Here’s why CRAC is indispensable in the GeM procurement lifecycle:
Payment to the seller on GeM is processed only after CRAC is generated. Without it, the transaction is considered incomplete.
CRAC ensures that goods or services delivered are verified against the terms of the Purchase Order (PO), offering transparency and accountability.
As per GeM guidelines, the consignee is required to generate CRAC within 10 days of delivery. This helps maintain discipline and prevents delays.
If there are issues in the supplied items or services, CRAC helps document the status — whether accepted or rejected — which is crucial in raising grievances or initiating returns.
Since CRAC is generated and stored digitally on the GeM platform, it serves as an official proof of delivery and acceptance, useful for audits and compliance.
The Consignee is responsible for generating CRAC. In the GeM context, the consignee is the individual or department receiving the goods/services.
Authorized users with the "Consignee" role in the buyer organization’s GeM account have the ability to:
Generating CRAC on the GeM platform is a structured and user-friendly process. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Visit the official GeM portal
Log in using your Buyer ID and password.
Navigate to the "Consignee" section.
Select “Order Management” or “My Orders.”
From the list of Purchase Orders, choose the one for which goods/services have been received.
Confirm delivery date.
Indicate the quantity received.
Inspect the item for quality, quantity, and specifications.
If accepted, proceed to generate CRAC.
If there is any discrepancy, you may reject the consignment with reasons.
Click on “Generate CRAC.”
The document is automatically generated and linked to the order.
Once CRAC is submitted, it is stored in the GeM system and is visible to all relevant stakeholders, including the paying authority.
According to GeM guidelines, CRAC must be issued within 10 calendar days of delivery. Delays in CRAC generation can:
Hence, buyers are encouraged to maintain strict adherence to the timeline.
Once CRAC is successfully generated:
Failure to generate CRAC can have several consequences:
Buyers should avoid relying on auto-CRAC as it bypasses manual inspection and can be risky if goods have actual issues.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Consignee's Receipt and Acceptance Certificate |
| Generated By | Consignee (Buyer Department) |
| Timeline | Within 10 days of delivery |
| Purpose | Confirms satisfactory delivery and acceptance |
| Triggers | Payment process initiation |
| Digital Format | Available on GeM dashboard |
| Mandatory For | All orders completed through GeM |
In the rapidly evolving landscape of government procurement, tools like CRAC help ensure transactions are transparent, traceable, and timely. It acts as a bridge between delivery and payment — safeguarding the interests of both buyers and sellers. For government officials, adhering to CRAC timelines ensures operational efficiency and avoids payment disputes. For sellers, it marks the beginning of the reward for their efforts — payment.
At Tender 18, we help suppliers, vendors, and contractors navigate every step of the GeM ecosystem — from registration to CRAC generation — ensuring smooth and successful participation in government tenders. Whether you're new to GeM or looking to optimize your procurement strategy, Tender 18 is your trusted partner.
To stay informed about GeM tenders, procurement updates, and best practices, follow Tender 18. We bring you the latest insights, expert advice, and tools to succeed in India’s dynamic government procurement market. Our specialized GeM Portal Consultant Services are designed to help suppliers and vendors navigate every aspect of the GeM platform — from registration and product listing to bid submission and CRAC compliance — ensuring a smooth and successful procurement journey.
