A DUNS, or Data Universal Numbering System, number, is essential for businesses. This nine-digit number helps to identify a given business, and is key for identifying its subsidiaries and trading partners, and for evaluating a company’s risk profile. Having a DUNS number can also be highly beneficial in developing new relationships with trading partners, and in ensuring a better credit rating and favourable terms when it comes to lending and loaning.

Because of this, obtaining a DUNS number is essential if you want your company to be a viable contender on the global stage. So how does one go about obtaining a DUNS number?

What information do I need to provide in order to obtain a DUNS number?
A DUNS number provides valuable information about your company’s standing, so to apply for a DUNS number you’ll need to provide essential information such as a corporate name, business name, contact details, number of employees, and your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code. Your SIC code describes the area into which your business falls. You’ll also need to provide information about the year in which your business was first begun in order to obtain your DUNS number.

What if my company has multiple locations or offices?
Each discretely operating arm or location of your business will be assigned a separate number. For example, if your business has two different branches in two different locations, these will be assigned two separate DUNS numbers. Similarly, if your company has two separate operations residing in the same location, these will also be assigned two separate DUNS numbers, providing that they operate discretely.

How much will it cost to obtain a DUNS number?
Obtaining a DUNS number is free, regardless of where you and your company reside. This is true even if your company is an umbrella company with several subsidiary companies, and has always been the case. Any fees associated with keeping your DUNS number up to date are paid by those who are accessing your company information, meaning not only that you’ll never incur any costs with your DUNS number, but that you may derive additional valuable trading benefits from having your DUNS number.

How long does it take to obtain a DUNS number?
The length of time it takes to obtain a DUNS number can vary depending on the method you use to request a DUNS number. One method of obtaining a DUNS number is to do so online. This typically results in a wait of 30 days for your DUNS number. If time is of the essence, you can obtain a DUNS number immediately by calling up and agreeing to a company investigation. Usually this process takes between five and ten minutes.

Obtaining a DUNS number is a simple and hassle-free process, and the fact that having a DUNS number is so essential to running a competitive business is even greater incentive to sign up for a DUNS number.