Getting a “Product Not Approved” status on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal is one of the most frustrating roadblocks for sellers. You have uploaded your product, filled in every detail, and waited — only to find it sitting in rejected limbo. The good news is that in most cases, this is fixable. This guide breaks down exactly why it happens and what steps to take to get your listing approved.
What Does “Product Not Approved” Actually Mean?
When GeM marks a product as “Not Approved,” it means the platform’s review system — automated or manual — has flagged the listing for non-compliance with GeM’s cataloguing standards. This is not a permanent ban. It is a signal that something in your submission does not meet the required criteria before the product can go live for government buyers.
GeM operates on a strict quality framework because government procurement demands consistency, accuracy, and verified compliance. Even a minor mismatch in product specifications can trigger this status.
Common Reasons for Product Rejection on GeM:
| Rejection Reason | What It Means | How Common |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect or mismatched HSN code | HSN code does not match the selected product category | Very common |
| Poor or non-compliant product images | Blurry, watermarked, or images with text overlays | Very common |
| Incomplete product specifications | Mandatory fields like brand, model, or technical specs are missing | Common |
| Brand name not matching OEM certificate | Brand listed differs from what is on the authorisation certificate | Common |
| Duplicate product listing | A similar product already exists under a different listing | Moderate |
| Non-compliant pricing | Price is higher than market or violates GeM’s comparative norms | Moderate |
| Missing or expired documents | BIS, ISI, OEM certificates not uploaded or past validity | Moderate |
| Product category mismatch | Product is listed under the wrong GeM taxonomy category | Less common |
Step-by-Step: How to Fix the “Not Approved” Status
Step 1: Check the rejection remark
Log in to your GeM seller dashboard, navigate to “My Products,” and click on the rejected listing. GeM usually provides a remark or reason — read it carefully before making any changes.
Step 2: Match your HSN code to the product category
Cross-check the HSN code with the GST HSN master list and the GeM category you selected. A mismatch here is one of the top rejection triggers.
Step 3: Re-upload product images meeting GeM standards
Images must be on a white background, minimum 500×500 pixels, no watermarks, no text overlays, and should show the product clearly from multiple angles. Poor image quality alone can get a listing rejected.
Step 4: Fill all mandatory specification fields completely
Do not leave fields blank or write “N/A” where actual data is required. GeM’s automated checker flags incomplete specifications and will not approve a listing with critical fields missing.
Step 5: Verify your brand name matches your OEM certificate exactly
The brand name on your listing must be identical — including spelling and capitalisation — to what is printed on your OEM or manufacturer authorisation certificate.
Step 6: Upload all required compliance documents
Depending on your product category, GeM may require BIS certification, ISI mark, FSSAI licence, OEM authorisation, or other documents. Ensure all documents are valid and within their expiry date.
Step 7: Resubmit the product for review
Once all corrections are made, save the updated listing and submit it again for approval. The review process typically takes 3 to 7 working days.
If you do not see a specific rejection reason on your dashboard, raise a ticket through GeM’s helpdesk at helpdesk.gem.gov.in or call GeM support. Keep screenshots of your submission — these are useful if you need to escalate.
When to Raise a Grievance Instead of Resubmitting?
Sometimes your product is technically compliant, yet it still gets rejected. This can happen due to incorrect automated flagging, a cataloguing bug, or a reviewer error. In these cases, do not simply resubmit — raise a formal grievance on the GeM portal under the “Grievance” section of your seller dashboard.
Attach all supporting documents — product images, HSN code justification, compliance certificates, and any communication you have with GeM. A well-documented grievance gets resolved faster than a vague complaint.
How to Prevent “Product Not Approved” in Future Listings?
Study the product category guidelines on GeM thoroughly before you upload. Each category has specific specification requirements, permitted image formats, and documentation checklists. Taking 20 minutes to read the category spec sheet before uploading saves days of waiting for a re-review.
During upload, fill specifications from the product’s technical datasheet, not from memory. For branded products, keep your OEM authorisation letter and brand certificate readily accessible before you start the listing process.
After upload, track your listing status daily during the review window. If the status stays as “Under Review” beyond 7 working days without any update, follow up via the GeM helpdesk rather than waiting indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does GeM take to review a resubmitted product?
GeM typically takes 3 to 7 working days. During peak periods or policy rollouts, this can extend to 10 to 14 days. If it goes beyond that without a status change, raise a helpdesk ticket.
Q2.Can a “Product Not Approved” listing be deleted and re-uploaded fresh?
Yes, you can delete the rejected listing and create a new one. However, it is usually more efficient to edit and resubmit the existing listing, since a fresh upload goes through the same review queue and may face the same rejection if the root issue is not fixed.
Q3.Does a rejected product affect my seller account rating on GeM?
A single product rejection does not directly affect your seller rating. However, repeated rejections across multiple listings can flag your account for additional scrutiny by GeM’s quality assurance team.
Q4.My product has a BIS certificate but still got rejected — why?
A BIS certificate covers compliance but does not guarantee approval if other fields are incomplete or incorrect. Common culprits alongside a valid BIS certificate are incorrect HSN codes, mismatched brand names, or image quality issues. Check all fields, not just the compliance documents.
Q5.Can I list a product on GeM without a brand name or OEM certificate?
For unbranded or generic products, GeM allows you to select “Unbranded” or your own brand — but you must still meet all specification and image requirements. Some product categories mandate OEM or manufacturer certificates regardless of branding, so always check the category-specific rules before listing.
Q6.Is there a limit to how many times I can resubmit a rejected product?
GeM does not publicly specify a hard limit on resubmissions. In practice, sellers have resubmitted products multiple times after iterative corrections. If a product keeps getting rejected for the same reason, contact GeM support directly rather than looping through repeated failed submissions.
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