What is Tender fee?
A tender fee is a non-refundable charge some buyers collect for issuing tender documents, separate from the EMD a bidder submits with the bid.
What is a tender fee?
A tender fee, also called the cost of tender document or document fee, is a charge for buying or downloading the tender documents. Unlike EMD, it is not refunded, whether you win or lose.
Many e-tenders let bidders download documents free and collect the fee only when they bid. Some buyers do not charge a tender fee at all.
How it is paid
The amount is usually a fixed sum set by the buyer, often higher for larger tenders.
- Online through the e-procurement portal’s payment gateway
- By demand draft in favour of the buyer, submitted as the tender says
- Some portals also charge a separate e-procurement processing fee
Exemptions
MSEs registered under the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs are generally exempt from paying tender fee, as specified in the tender. Some tenders exempt other groups too. To claim the exemption, upload the proof the tender asks for, such as a valid Udyam certificate.
A portal’s processing fee may still be payable even when the tender fee is waived, so read the payment section of the tender.
Common questions
Common questions about Tender fee in government tenders.
Generally no, even if you lose. Some buyers refund it if they cancel the tender, but only where the tender says so.
MSEs registered under the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs are generally exempt, as specified in the tender.
No. Tender fee pays for the documents and is kept by the buyer. EMD is bid security and is refunded unless forfeited.
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