The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)is a business
identifier code provided by Dun and Bradstreet. This business identifier code
was developed in 1963 to support Dun and Bradstreet’s credit reporting practices.
Today the DUNS number is widely used to identify businesses for
issuing new credit. It is also used by the European Commission, United Nations,
and the United States government. More than 50 global, industry, and trade
associations recognize, recommend, or require
DUNS. The DUNS database now contains over 100 million entries
for businesses throughout the world.
The DUNS number is a nine-digit number issued by Dun and
Bradstreet assigned to each business in the D&B. The DUNS number is a
randomly assigned number used to identify the business.
Unlike the national Employment Identification Number (EIN), a
DUNS number may be issued to any business worldwide. Certain U.S. government
agencies require that a vendor have a DUNS number as well as a U.S. Employer
Identification Number (EIN).
The Office of Management and Budget, a United States federal
agency, announced in the June 27, 2003 issue of the Federal Register (68 FR
38402) that a DUNS number would be required for all grant applicants for new or
renewal awards submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Other agencies such as some United Nations offices and the
Australian government agencies require certain businesses to have a DUNS
number. A DUNS number is also a way in which separate corporate entities,
having no official relationship, can be branded as one by sharing one DUNS
number among the affiliated companies.
A DUNS number is sometimes formatted with embedded dashes to
promote readability. Numerous other business numbering systems exist
independent of DUNS — for example, the International Suppliers Network system.
However, few, if any, register as many international businesses as DUNS.
Dun and Bradstreet’s unique DUNS number is the most widely used
worldwide method of identifying businesses.
IMPORTANT: Just because you have a DUNS number for your
business, does NOT mean you have business credit established!
Call us today to start the process of getting your DUNS number,
establishing business with all three of the major business credit reporting
agencies, and getting approved for $50,000 in business credit this year with no
personal guarantee and regardless of your personal credit quality.
Expert Credit Consultants, LLC
specializes in establishing business credit and funding using our exclusive
Business Credit and Financing Suite as well as consumer credit restoration and
optimization. www.ExpertCreditConsultants.com.
