Data Universal Numbering System
The D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S number) is a global registration number. The unique nine digit code identifies over 40 million companies throughout the world, and serves as the key to all Business information in the Dun & Bradstreet database. The D-U-N-S number was introduced in 1962, and is today accepted as a global standard for Business identification.
The D-U-N-S number is established and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet. We give each Business unit a nine digit number at the time it is entered into the D&B information data base. Sole proprietorships, parent companies, subsidiaries, main offices, divisions and affiliated companies are all units that are given unique identification if they are places of work. Using the D-U-N-S number, you can always find a Business, even if it has changed its name, merged or changed address.
Access to the D-U-N-S number creates new possibilities for companies, by enabling them to integrate their own information with information form the D&B database. The D-U-N-S number assists a client in setting up its own information database which satisfy that Business's needs in the best possible manner.
A D-U-N-S number is easy to find, and accepted throughout the world.
The following are some of its uses:
 | The first step in all business with other companies and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), is to ascertain the identification of the trading partner. The D-U-N-S number, with its unique possibilities of identifying and linking companies, helps to eliminate inaccurate transactions. |
| The D-U-N-S number is the key to linking the companies of a group. Since each Business has its own registration number, a large organization has many different D-U-N-S numbers. |
| The D-U-N-S number eliminates double numbers, and strengthens quality safeguards when building customer and supplier databases. |
Since a D-U-N-S number is unique throughout the world, the system facilitates international commerce.
The D-U-N-S number is approved by the following organizations:
American National Standards Institute, ANSI ASC X12, since 1989.
United Nations, UN/EDIFACT Council, since 1991.
International Standards Organization (ISO), since 1993.
United States Government (ECAT), since 1994.
European Commission (EDIRA), since 1995.
