Government departments in India buy footwear through GeM (Government e-Marketplace) — either as a direct purchase against a listed product or, for larger quantities, through a bid or reverse auction. Sellers must be registered, list a product against the exact specification, and back it with lab test reports. Here's how the process works for both buyers and suppliers.
What GeM is
GeM (Government e-Marketplace) is India's official online procurement platform, launched in 2016, through which central and state government departments, PSUs and forces buy goods and services transparently. Footwear — safety shoes, police and defence boots, school shoes — is a large category, bought by police departments, paramilitary forces, the armed services, PSUs and institutions.
How buyers purchase footwear on GeM
- Find the category — e.g. Shoes Leather Oxford DMS, Boot High Ankle Leather DVS, Safety Footwear as per IS 15298.
- Name the specification — the buyer specifies the exact standard (IND/TC/3780, JSS 8430-12, IS 15298, etc.), colour, sizes and quantity.
- Choose the route:
- Direct purchase for small quantities against a listed, compliant product.
- Bid / reverse auction for larger volumes, where registered sellers compete on price against the specification.
- Verify & receive — buyers can require OEM verification and inspection, and check test reports before award.
Tip for buyers: always name the governing specification. It makes bids comparable and stops a low quote on a non-compliant product from winning.
How sellers supply footwear on GeM
To supply, a seller needs:
- GeM seller registration + GST.
- A product listed against the correct specification (not a generic listing).
- Lab test reports proving the leather, sole and construction meet the named standard.
- Often OEM / manufacturer proof — many defence and police tenders require the maker, not a reseller, and mark listings "reseller not verified by OEM" otherwise.
- Capacity and documentation for bulk supply and inspection.
Being the actual manufacturer is a real advantage on GeM: you can get your catalogue OEM-verified, hold the test reports, and price without a middleman's margin.
The specifications that come up most
- Police / defence: IND/TC/3780 DMS oxford, IND/TC/3844 & JSS 8430-12 (DVS boot), JSS 8430-11 (leather grain boot).
- Safety / industrial: IS 15298 (SB/S1/S1P/S3 grades).
- See our police shoes specification guide for the police footwear detail.
DBFootwear — a registered GeM manufacturer-seller
DBFootwear has supplied the Government of India since 1995 — originally through DGS&D rate contracts — and is today a registered GeM seller (seller 5116877, GeM since 2020). As the manufacturer in Agra, we hold the specifications and test reports, can get listings OEM-verified, and have the capacity to fulfil bulk tenders — up to 50,000 pairs a month, from a minimum of 12 pairs.
Explore our Force & Uniform footwear range, or contact us with your tender specification for a quote.