For Indian businesses that want to do business with global companies, sell goods in foreign marketplaces or gain access to business credit, acquiring a D-U-N-S® number has gone from being optional to a necessity in many situations. For those that have opened up new markets through eCommerce and an increasing reliance on digital technologies, a D-U-N-S® number is becoming a primary identifier that can help them access the products and services they need to grow their businesses in India.
The good news is that the application process for obtaining a DUNS number is simple, but as many Indian businesses find out the hard way, applying incorrectly can lead to delays, denials and revisions to their business records on time. The impact these mistakes can have on businesses in terms of delayed bank approvals and access to international markets and partnerships is significant.
The following guide provides a list of common mistakes made when applying for a D-U-N-S® number and how to avoid them, and to ensure your application is approved quickly and your business profile is accurately created in the D&B database.
1. Submitting Incomplete or Outdated Business Information
The most common cause of D-U-N-S® application delays for Indian businesses is due to providing incomplete or incorrect information at the time of submitting an application. D&B will perform a verification process of every piece of information you submitted against their official database.
Common issues include:
- Submitting Old or Incorrect Address for Your Business
- Providing Non-Valid Phone Numbers for Your Business
- Providing Incorrectly Spelled Names of Your Business
- Providing Information that does not Match the Documents Submitted or Online Application
How to avoid this
You should always check that your business records, including:
- Your GST Number
- Your MSME Number
- Your PAN Number
- Your CIN Number
- All of the Utility Bills that show that you are living at the same address.
2. Using Personal Contact Details Instead of Business Information
Many people apply for jobs with their personal Gmail accounts or mobile phones rather than using the company’s official phone and email address to show that they are using business-related information.
Best practice
Always use:
- Always use a business email address (e.g., info@companyname.in)
- Always list a business telephone number (preferably registered in the GST/MSME system)
- Always use a registered office address
Listing accurate and complete contact information will help to improve trust and facilitate faster verification.
3. Selecting the Wrong Industry Description or Code
D&B assigns companies an industry code (SIC/NAICS) based on their activities. Selecting an inaccurate code could misrepresent the company’s activities. There are many reasons for this error.
Why this matters
If your company is incorrectly classified, it could:
- Delay your company’s approval for selling in the marketplace
- Reduce the level of evaluation your bank and investors will conduct on your company
- Negatively impact your ability to establish international partnerships
How to avoid it
Use a clear, specific business description, such as:
- Manufacturer of 100% organic skin care products
- Developing and selling software and IT consulting services
Do not use vague terms that indicate multiple activities such as “services” or “trading”.
4. Not Checking If Your Business Already Has a D-U-N-S® Number
Many companies do not realize that they already had a D-U-N-S® profile created for them by either:
- Marketplaces
- Vendors
- Former employees
- Previous registrations
Why this is risky
Duplicate profiles create confusion during:
- Bank verification
- Credit checks
- Marketplace onboarding
Always check first
Before you apply, it’s always best to perform a search within the D&B database to see if a profile already exists for your business.
5. Using an Incorrect or Informal Address Format
Address mismatches are a common reason for application rejection.
Avoid:
- Abbreviated addresses
- Informal locality names
- Missing building numbers
Best practice
Use the exact address format mentioned on GST, MSME, CIN, or utility bills. This ensures faster verification and accurate geolocation.
6. Providing Incorrect Owner or Director Information
Ownership details must match official government records.
Common mistakes:
- Old director names
- Spelling variations
- Outdated KYC information
How to fix it
Ensure owner/director details match:
- PAN
- Aadhaar
- CIN/ROC records
- GST registration
Accurate ownership data strengthens global credibility.
7. Not Verifying or Updating Your Business Website
Dunn & Bradstreet, also known as D&B, often uses cross-checking on websites for the verification of legitimacy.
- No About Us Page
- Lack of Address or Telephone Number
- No Domain Email Address
- Inconsistency with Owner Name
If a website is incomplete at the time of application, try to complete or at least update your website prior to submitting your application, especially if you are in a hurry.
8. Applying Without Understanding How a D-U-N-S® Number Is Used
Many companies believe that a D-U-N-S® Number is for exporting goods only but actually a D-U-N-S® Number has many additional functions.
It is required for:
- To verify a business bank account
- To onboard global vendors.
- To apply for a marketplace or platform.
- To make a credit assessment of a business.
- To export goods in and out of a country.
Knowing what a D-U-N-S® number is used for helps you fill out your application accurately.
9. Delayed Response to D&B Verification Calls or Emails
D&B may need to verify your:
- Address
- Ownership
- Business activity
If you don’t respond within a reasonable time frame, your D&B registration could be either delayed or cancelled.
What to do
Ensure someone:
- Monitors official emails
- Answers business calls
- Responds within 24 hours
10. Uploading Incorrect or Poor-Quality Documents
Common document mistakes:
- Personal documents instead of business ones
- Blurry scans
- Old utility bills
- Mismatched records
Always submit:
- GST certificate
- MSME certificate (if applicable)
- CIN/INC documents
- Latest utility bill
- PAN (business or proprietor)
11. Expecting Instant Approval Without Expedited Processing
Standard (free) D-U-N-S® registration can take 15–30 days in India.
If you need it urgently—for:
- Amazon Brand Registry
- Apple Developer account
- Bank or investor documentation
You should opt for professional or expedited assistance.
12. Not Updating Details After Approval
Many businesses forget to update their D-U-N-S® profile after changes such as:
- Address updates
- New directors
- Website changes
- Contact details
An outdated profile reduces credibility. Update your profile every 6–12 months.
Why Avoiding These Mistakes Matters
A correctly established D-U-N-S® Profile allows your company to obtain:
- Global trust
- Faster bank approvals
- Marketplace acceptance (Amazon, Apple, Dell, etc.)
- Better credit evaluation
- Strong international credibility
How Duns India Helps You Apply Without Errors
At Duns India, we have over 20 years of expertise in assisting Indian businesses with applying for D-U-N-S® Numbers:
We ensure:
- Document submission is meticulous
- We classify you in the appropriate industry
- We verify your name and address as owner(s)
- We eliminate duplicate submissions from other registries
- The approval process is quick and error-free.
Service Fee: ₹5,999 only
With our expertise, we eliminate any potential for delays/rejections in processing your application.
Conclusion
The D-U-N-S® Number is mandatory for gaining access to the global marketplace. Missteps can greatly impede or negatively impact your company.
By properly classifying your business based on the industry you represent, keeping documents current, responding rapidly to verification requests, and providing accurate information, you will receive an effortless D-U-N-S® Number registration through Duns India, creating credibility with international banks, corporations, and marketplaces.
FAQs
Standard processing takes 15–30 days. With expert assistance, it can be faster.
Yes, if details are incorrect, mismatched, or duplicate profiles exist.
GST, PAN, CIN/INC (for companies), MSME (optional), and a recent utility bill.
Yes. Updating ensures ongoing credibility and compliance.
Yes. Expert assistance avoids errors, saves time, and ensures faster approval.