A D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses, and a global numbering system for business entities, developed and managed by Dun & Bradstreet<\/a> (D&B), an American credit referencing agency. D-U-N-S, also often written DUNS, stands for the Data Universal Numbering System.<\/p>\n
Launched in 1963 to support the company\u2019s credit reporting practice, the system assigns a unique numeric identifier – known as a D-U-N-S Number – to each business entity that is registered in their database.<\/p>\n
D-U-N-S Numbers essentially link a company with their credit report held in the Dun & Bradstreet database. According to D&B<\/a>, there are currently over 330 million businesses with D-U-N-S Numbers across the world.<\/p>\n
But how exactly does a D-U-N-S number work and how can a limited company in the UK get one?<\/p>\n
Many organisations will use the D-U-N-S Number of a company to check its reliability, creditworthiness, or financial stability on the Dun & Bradstreet database.<\/p>\n
The number identifies a company’s Dun & Bradstreet business credit file, which may include things like:<\/p>\n
The full credit file is known as the Dun & Bradstreet Live Business Identity.<\/p>\n
Certain businesses and financial lenders may wish to view this Live Business Identity file before they decide to work with a company or extend credit. In this scenario, they will request the D-U-N-S Number so that they can perform various checks.<\/p>\n
Certain public sector bodies and large companies will require a company to provide their D-U-N-S Number before considering working with them. For example, it may be necessary to provide this number during a tendering process for a government procurement contract.<\/p>\n
Any company that wants to join the Apple Developer Program is required to submit its D-U-N-S Number as part of the application process.<\/p>\n
Many companies developing advanced apps for iOS will want to join the Apple Developer Program. The Apple website states<\/a> that a D-U-N-S Number will be used to \u201ccheck the identity and legal entity status of your organization as part of our enrollment verification process for joining the Apple Developer Program or the Apple Developer Enterprise Program\u201d. Without a D-U-N-S number, an application to join either program will be refused.<\/p>\n
D-U-N-S numbers are designed for use on an international basis. Companies that want to deal with businesses in other countries can exchange D-U-N-S Numbers to perform due diligence checks.<\/p>\n
Although there are other methods of obtaining financial information on companies, these may vary depending on each jurisdiction.<\/p>\n
According to the Dun & Bradstreet website, all companies registered in the UK are automatically issued with a D-U-N-S Number. However, companies will not know their number until they use the Dun & Bradstreet lookup tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Although certain organisations may demand a D-U-N-S Number before working with a company or extending credit, there are many alternative ways to carry out background research into UK companies. For example:<\/p>\n
A company can also demonstrate its credentials with a Certificate of Good Standing<\/a>, which can be ordered from Quality Company Formations. This certificate verifies that a limited company\u2019s statutory filing obligations are up-to-date and that the company has been in continuous and uninterrupted existence since incorporation.<\/p>\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"