Sellers require to mention ”country of origin” on products for GeM platform

The government procurement portal GeM has made it mandatory for sellers to mention ”country of origin” on products they wish to sell through the platform. It is a move aimed at promoting Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India). Government e-Marketplace (GEM) has also enabled a provision for indication of the percentage of local content in products with a view to promote Make in India.

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Key-Points

The changes to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, are in line with the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India policies.

Buyers on the platform can now see the percentage of local content in various products. They can also switch on a new Make in India filter to see products that match their preferences on local content.

In case of bids, buyers can now reserve any bid for Class I local suppliers (local content > 50%). For those bids below INR 200 crore, only Class I and Class II local suppliers (local content > 50% and > 20% respectively) are eligible to bid, with Class I supplier getting purchase preference.

Government e-Marketplace

Government e-Marketplace owes its genesis to the recommendations of two Groups of Secretaries made to the Prime Minister in January 2016.

GeM is dynamic, self sustaining and user friendly portal for making procurement by Government officers.

GeM has taken this significant step to promote ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

GeM has also enabled a provision for indication of the percentage of local content in products.