In India, businesses are subject to a high level of regulation from all levels of government due to the number of regulatory agencies that oversee their operations and ensure their compliance with various laws and regulations. Therefore, to fulfill their obligation to comply and maintain transparency and credibility with the public, different government agencies issue various identification numbers to Indian businesses to document their existence.
While most people are vaguely aware of what GST Numbers, CINs (Corporate Identification Numbers), and the D-U-N-S® Number are, they often do not fully understand how each number serves a purpose or how to obtain them.
The goal of Duns India is to inform and educate Indian business owners about the difference between each identification number, as well as how D-U-N-S® Numbers are becoming an increasingly important part of the ecosystem that facilitates international business trade.
This guide explains:
- The definitions of GST Numbers, CINs, and D-U-N-S® Numbers
- The differences between each type of number
- The importance of each type of number for businesses operating in India
- How and when to acquire each type of number
What Is a GST (Goods and Services Tax) Number?
GST is a type of tax which is a government tax placed on goods and services. It is a government tax which was first implemented in India on the 1st of July in 2017, and replaced all the different Government taxes that were used in India, such as Value Added Tax (VAT), Service Tax and Excise Duty.
The Goods and Service Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) is the identification number that businesses use to pay their GST tax.
Key Points About GST Number
Definition:
The GSTIN is a 15 digit alphanumeric code that is given to businesses by the Government of India when they register to be under a GST.
GSTIN Format:
- First 2 digits – State code
- Next 10 digits – PAN of the business
- 13th digit – Entity number within the state
- 14th digit – Default “Z”
- 15th digit – Checksum character
Purpose of GST Number:
- Tax compliance under GST law
- Issuing GST-compliant invoices
- Filing returns and claiming ITC
Applicability:
- Businesses exceeding ₹40 lakh turnover (₹20 lakh for special category states)
- E-commerce sellers
- Interstate suppliers
- Casual and non-resident taxable persons
GST is mandatory where applicable and strictly enforced by Indian tax authorities.
What Is CIN (Corporate Identification Number)?
The Registrar of Companies (RoC) is the issuer of a Corporate Identification Number (CIN) under the Companies Act, 2013.
It is an alpha numerical code consisting of 21 characters which is given to a company incorporated in India.
Key Points About CIN
Definition: CIN also does not recognize a company that is registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
CIN Format:
- 1st letter – Listing status (L / U)
- Next 5 digits – Industry code
- Next 2 digits – State code
- Next 4 digits -Year of incorporation
- Following 3 letters Company type (PVT, PLC, etc.)
- Last 6 digits- ROC registration number.
Purpose of CIN:
- Corporate identity recognition.
- Submission of an annual returns and compliance books.
- MCA and RoC communication.
Applicability:
- Compulsory to the PLC, OPC, and Public Limited companies.
- Does not apply to partnerships or proprietorships.
CIN affirms that a business is incorporated in India.
What Is a D-U-N-S® Number?
D & B’s D-U-N-S® (Data Universal Numbers System) is a unique nine digit global identifier for businesses. Unlike GST and CIN, which provide identification for businesses registered within specific countries, a D-U-N-S® can be used to establish credibility as an international business. Duns India has an exclusive focus on assisting Indian companies with obtaining and managing their D-U-N-S® so they may be compliant with various global platforms.
Key Points About D-U-N-S® Number
Definition: A D-U-N-S® number is an internationally recognized number that identifies businesses globally.
Format:
- Nine digits
- Unique business location must have a D-U-N-S® Number
Purpose:
- D-U-N-S® Numbers serve several purposes:
- Business identification for suppliers globally
- Verification of suppliers for purchase orders
- Verification of creditworthiness
- Risk and compliance assessments
Applicability:
- Although having a D-U-N-S® is not mandated, obtaining one is highly encouraged for the following reasons:
- Apple Developer Program
- Google Play Console
- Amazon Global Seller
- SAP Ariba
- Foreign lenders & corporations
The D-U-N-S® Number is available to individuals doing business as Sole Proprietor; partners in a Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), and Corporations.
Key Differences Between GST, CIN & D-U-N-S® Number
| Feature | GST Number | CIN | D-U-N-S® Number |
| Issued By | Govt. of India | Registrar of Companies | Dun & Bradstreet |
| Purpose | Tax compliance | Corporate identity | Global credibility |
| Format | 15-digit alphanumeric | 21-character alphanumeric | 9-digit numeric |
| Applicability | Taxable businesses | Registered companies | Any business |
| Mandatory | Yes (if applicable) | Yes (for companies) | No, but strongly recommended |
| Scope | Domestic | Domestic | Global & domestic |
Why Indian Businesses Need All Three Identifiers
Each of these identifiers has Unique Functions:
GST Number
- Legal tax compliance
- Completeness of invoicing in accordance with the law
- Protection of the company from penal or audit actions
CIN
- Proof of existence of the corporation
- Required for all filings with the MCA, as well as for establishing a bank account
D-U-N-S® Number
- Establishes a global credibility
- Facilitates onboarding internationally
- Required by all international companies such as Apple and Google, and all global tenders
- Establishes trust with multi-national corporations.
Businesses that want to expand and grow internationally must have all three identifiers, as the D-U-N-S® Number becomes increasingly important for international growth.
How to Obtain GST, CIN & D-U-N-S® Number in India
GST Registration
- Visit the GST portal.
- Provide PAN, address, and bank
- Receive a GST number once your application has been verified.
CIN Registration
- CIN Registration Steps in India
- Register Your Company through the MCA
- Complete your Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and all company forms.
D-U-N-S® Registration (Via Duns India)
- Provide necessary business information and paperwork
- Complete the required verification with Dun & Bradstreet.
- Receive a 9-digit D-U-N-S® Number.
Duns India provides comprehensive services to Indian businesses to assist in registering for their D-U-N-S® Numbers, making the registration process faster and more accurate.
Conclusion
The GST, CIN, and D-U-N-S® numbers serve separate and distinct purposes and should not be considered alternate forms of one another.
- Via tax compliance, the GST holds businesses in compliance with tax laws.
- To demonstrate that a corporation operates legally via the Government of India sanctioning, the CIN is essential.
- To create a viable identity as a business in multiple countries, the D-U-N-S® represents the identity of your company on a global scale.
The D-U-N-S® number is critical for companies in India planning to enter into agreements with foreign entities or work with MNCs.
Duns India can assist businesses in India to obtain their D-U-N-S® numbers, manage their D-U-N-S® numbers and help avoid issues during the verification process when seeking to expand into international markets.
FAQs
No; however, it is strongly recommended for any business wishing to operate globally and whenever.
Yes; since each has its own purpose and they do not conflict with each other.
No; only incorporated businesses need to obtain a CIN. A proprietor can register for both GSTs and D-U-N-S® numbers.
Generally, it takes 5-7 days when done without issues. If you are utilizing professional assistance, many will expedite the registration process.
Yes, only if your income is below the government’s exempt amount and you are not legally required to register. Penalties apply in other cases.