The Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S^®) was established by D&B in 1962. It is a unique nine-digit identification assigned to every business in D&B’s Global database.

The D&B D-U-N-S^® Number is a widely recognized standard for identifying businesses among thousands of companies, marketplaces and regulatory entities. Companies worldwide use the D-U-N-S^® Number to link information about suppliers, customers and trading partners, thereby providing a complete picture of the risk and opportunity in their business relationships.

All companies in the D&B database are assigned a D-U-N-S^® Number after they have gone through a rigorous, proprietary process called DUNSRight^®.

Significance of the D-U-N-S^® Number

• Is a global standard for authenticating businesses for online and offline transactions
• Enhances global recognition for businesses
• The same D-U-N-S^® Number is retained through the life of a business, from inception to closure (including bankruptcy)
• Facilitates linkages between companies and their related entities
• Exclusively used for vendor pre-qualification by Fortune 500 companies