A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a DUNS Number

The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) to business entities on a location-specific basis.1 Widely recognized as a standard business identifier, the DUNS number plays a crucial role in establishing a company’s credibility and facilitating various business transactions.1 This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the DUNS number and the process for obtaining one, with specific considerations for businesses operating in Nepal.

Understanding the DUNS Number

Introduced in 1963, the DUNS number was initially created by Dun & Bradstreet to support their credit reporting practices.3 Today, it serves as a unique reference that D&B uses to assign data to a particular business.5 This system allows other organizations to look up business data, make inquiries, and utilize D&B services related to that specific entity.5 The DUNS database encompasses over 300 million entries for businesses worldwide, making it a globally recognized identifier.3 Its adoption extends to numerous international organizations, including the European Commission, the United Nations, Google, and Apple, highlighting its significance in the global business landscape.3

Why Obtain a DUNS Number?

A DUNS number offers numerous benefits for businesses across various sectors. Primarily, it is used for credit scoring and lending decisions, functioning similarly to personal credit scores by providing a record of a business’s financial health.5 This can significantly impact a company’s ability to secure loans and favorable credit terms.6 Furthermore, a DUNS number is often a prerequisite for obtaining grants from both federal and other sources, as well as for bidding on certain government contracts.2 While the U.S. federal government has transitioned to using the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for contracts and grants issued after April 2022, the DUNS number remains relevant for various other purposes.3

Beyond financial aspects, a DUNS number enhances a business’s credibility and visibility in the marketplace.5 Potential business partners and customers can use it to verify a company’s legitimacy, payment history, and overall reliability.5 In an increasingly competitive labor market, job applicants may also review a prospective employer’s financial health using the DUNS number.5 For businesses aiming to engage in international trade or supply chains, having a DUNS number can be crucial, as many global companies use it to vet potential partners and suppliers.4 Moreover, for technology companies, a DUNS number is often required for enrolling in developer programs like the Apple Developer Program or the Google Play Store.1

General Application Process

The primary way to obtain a DUNS number is through the Dun & Bradstreet website.5 The application process generally involves the following steps:

1. Search for Existing DUNS Number: Before applying, it is advisable to check if your business already has a DUNS number. This can be done through a lookup tool on the D&B website by providing your business’s legal name and location.1 It is possible that a DUNS number has already been assigned if a supplier or financial institution has previously requested information about your company.6
2. Initiate the Application: If your business does not have a DUNS number, you can begin the application process by selecting the “Get a DUNS Number” option on the D&B website.5
3. Provide Business Information: You will be required to fill out an online form with detailed information about your business. This typically includes the legal business name, physical address, mailing address, phone number, contact person’s name and title, legal structure (e.g., corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship), date of formation, primary industry, and the total number of employees.1
4. Specify the Reason for Application: D&B may ask for the primary reason you are requesting a DUNS number, such as being a U.S.-based business, a Canada-based business, an Apple Developer, a U.S. Government Contractor or Grantee, or needing a UFI for FDA registration.5
5. Submit the Application: Once all the required information is entered, the application can be submitted to D&B for review.5
6. Verification and Processing: D&B will then verify the submitted information, which may involve contacting you directly for clarification or additional details.1 Having business registration documents ready can be helpful during this stage.1
7. Receive Your DUNS Number: Upon successful verification, D&B will assign a unique nine-digit DUNS number to your business, which is typically communicated via email.1

Alternatively, a DUNS number can also be requested by phone by calling D&B’s dedicated toll-free number.2 When calling, it is advisable to state the reason for your application, especially if it relates to a federal grant program, as this might expedite the process or waive potential fees.2

Applying for a DUNS Number from Nepal

While the general process outlined above applies to businesses worldwide, applying for a DUNS number from Nepal may present specific considerations. Some users have reported difficulties finding a direct application option for Nepal on the standard D&B website.22 In such cases, direct contact with Dun & Bradstreet’s South Asia and Middle East office is recommended.22 The relevant contact information is:

• Phone: +971 4 369 5700
• Fax: +971 4 363 7104
• Address: Dun & Bradstreet South Asia Middle East Ltd, P.O. Box 506511, Office# 806, 8th Floor, Liberty House, DIFC, Dubai, UAE 22

Contacting this regional office directly can provide tailored guidance and support during the application process.

Based on user experiences in Nepal, businesses should be prepared to provide additional documentation beyond the standard requirements. One user mentioned needing the company registrar certificate and three years of audit reports.12 They also had to fill out a specific form provided by D&B.12 Notably, this user reported that D&B did not contact them to verify documents.12 Another user suggested an alternative route: applying through the Apple Developer Program enrollment process. This method might be faster and potentially free.12 While the standard required information likely applies, businesses in Nepal should be ready to submit supplementary documents like registration certificates and financial statements, and consider exploring alternative application methods if applicable.

Required Information for Application

Regardless of the application method or location, certain core information is typically required when applying for a DUNS number. This includes:

• Legal Name of the Business: The official registered name of your organization.1
• Headquarters Name and Address: If applicable, the name and address of the company’s headquarters.1
• Physical Address: The actual physical location of your business.1
• Mailing Address: If different from the physical address.1
• Phone Number: Your business’s contact telephone number.1
• Contact Name and Title: The name and title of an authorized representative of the company.1
• Legal Structure/Type of Business: The legal classification of your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation).2
• Number of Employees: The total number of full-time and part-time employees at your location.2
• Primary Line of Business/SIC Code: A description of your organization’s main business activities or your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code.2
• Year the Entity Was Created: The year your business was established.13
• Business Registration Documents: For businesses in Nepal, a company registrar certificate and potentially three years of audit reports may be required.12

Timeline and Cost of Obtaining a DUNS Number

The standard processing time for obtaining a DUNS number can take up to 30 business days.4 However, some sources suggest that it can take as little as 1-2 business days or 2-3 days.2 The actual processing time can vary depending on factors such as the availability of publicly verifiable information and the responsiveness of the applicant to any communication from D&B.4

For businesses requiring a DUNS number urgently, expedited processing options are often available for a fee. This typically involves paying an additional charge (e.g., $229) to receive the number within a shorter timeframe, such as eight business days or even five business days in some cases.5

Generally, Dun & Bradstreet offers DUNS numbers free of charge through their online portal.4 Moreover, if the DUNS number is required for specific purposes, such as applying for US government grants or contracts, it should be obtained for free by indicating this during the application process.8 Similarly, enrollment in the Apple Developer Program might also offer a free DUNS number.1 Therefore, it is advisable to inquire about potential fee waivers based on the reason for needing the DUNS number.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Several common issues can arise during the DUNS number application process. Providing accurate and up-to-date information is paramount to avoid delays and rejection.10 Inaccurate information can lead to the application being rejected.19 For non-US vendors intending to register with the US government, ensuring that the information provided to D&B for the DUNS number precisely matches the information provided for the NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code is crucial.21 Address mismatches across various systems, including bank accounts, NCAGE registration, DUNS registration, and the System for Award Management (SAM), are a frequent cause of validation errors for US federal registration.21 Therefore, meticulous attention to detail and verifying consistency across all submitted information is essential.

A common issue encountered specifically with the Apple Developer Program is a “Legal Entity error,” which typically occurs if the company is not recorded as a corporation in D&B’s system.28 This issue can often be resolved by submitting relevant legal documents to D&B through a dedicated Apple Developer support form.28 If such errors arise, consulting program-specific FAQs or support resources is recommended.

While the standard processing timeframe is provided, businesses should be prepared for potential delays, as processing times can vary based on D&B’s verification needs and the volume of applications received.4 Delays may occur if additional verification or information is required.10 If the application takes longer than the expected timeframe, following up with D&B to inquire about the status might be necessary.1

It is also important to understand that a DUNS number is distinct from other business identifiers such as the Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS for tax purposes.4 Furthermore, for US federal contracts and grants issued after April 2022, the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) obtained through SAM.gov has replaced the DUNS number as the primary identifier.3 Recognizing the different purposes of these identifiers ensures that businesses obtain the correct number for their specific needs.

Using and Managing Your DUNS Number

The DUNS number serves as the foundation for your business’s credit profile with Dun & Bradstreet.9 D&B uses this number to compile a business credit file, encompassing crucial information such as payment history, credit utilization, and indicators of financial stability.4 This file may include various D&B scores and ratings, such as the PAYDEX score, which predicts payment performance.4 Lenders, suppliers, and other potential business partners can request your business credit report using your DUNS number to assess your company’s creditworthiness.7 Therefore, maintaining a positive business credit history linked to your DUNS number is vital for accessing loans and securing favorable business terms.

To ensure the accuracy and credibility of your business profile, it is essential to keep your company information in the D&B database updated.4 You can often view and update your company information free of charge through D&B’s online portals, such as D-U-N-S Manager or Company Update.7 Significant changes, such as relocating facilities or undergoing a change in ownership, necessitate updating your DUNS information or potentially applying for a new one.4 Regularly reviewing and updating your business details associated with your DUNS number ensures accuracy and maintains the integrity of your business profile.

Understanding your business credit report, particularly the PAYDEX score, is crucial for managing your company’s financial health. The PAYDEX score, ranging from 1 to 100, is a key indicator of your business’s creditworthiness, with higher scores signifying a lower risk of late payments.4 Regularly monitoring your business credit report provides valuable insights into how lenders and partners perceive your company’s financial standing, enabling you to take proactive steps to improve your creditworthiness if needed.

Conclusion: Key Steps to Secure Your DUNS Number

Obtaining a DUNS number is a significant step for any business seeking to establish credibility and participate in the global marketplace. For businesses in Nepal, the process involves careful attention to specific requirements and potential challenges. The key steps to secure your DUNS number include:

1. Verify Existing Number: Check if your business already has a DUNS number using the D&B lookup tool.1
2. Gather Required Information: Collect all necessary details about your business, including legal name, address, contact information, legal structure, and number of employees.1 For Nepal, be prepared to provide additional documents like the company registrar certificate and audit reports.12
3. Choose Application Method: Decide whether to apply online through the D&B website or by phone. For Nepal, consider contacting the South Asia and Middle East regional office directly 22 or exploring the Apple Developer Program enrollment if applicable.12
4. Be Aware of Timeline and Costs: Understand the standard processing time of up to 30 business days and consider expedited options if necessary, noting potential fees. Inquire about fee waivers for specific purposes like government programs or Apple enrollment.4
5. Ensure Accurate Information: Double-check all submitted information for accuracy and consistency to avoid delays or rejection.10
6. Keep Information Updated: Once obtained, regularly review and update your DUNS number and associated business information with Dun & Bradstreet to maintain accuracy and credibility.4

By following these steps, businesses in Nepal can successfully obtain a DUNS number, which will serve as a valuable asset for building business credit, enhancing credibility, and accessing various opportunities in the global marketplace.

Works cited

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