GeM OEM or Reseller

The distinction and why it matters

An OEM is the original equipment manufacturer — the business that actually makes the product. A reseller sells someone else's product. On GeM this is not a label, it changes what you can do.

• An OEM can list its own products and authorise resellers to sell them
• A reseller generally needs authorisation from the OEM to list that product
• Some bids are restricted to OEMs, or give them preference
• OEM status requires assessment, and that assessment looks at whether you genuinely manufacture

The mistake worth avoiding is claiming OEM status when you assemble or rebrand rather than manufacture. The assessment exists precisely to test that, and a failed claim is worse than an honest reseller registration — it puts your standing on the platform in question.

If you are a reseller

• Get the authorisation before you list. Listing without it is the most common reason a reseller's catalogue entries are removed.
• Check what the OEM has already authorised. Some manufacturers restrict how many resellers can list, or which categories.
• Watch the bid conditions. A tender restricted to OEMs is not one you can win by being cheapest.
• Keep the paperwork. Authorisation letters get asked for, sometimes long after listing.

Written 5 September 2026. Government requirements and portal behaviour change — message us to confirm before you rely on any date or figure here.

Common questions