The export sector within India has experienced rapid growth and diversification in a number of sectors, including Pharmaceutical products, IT Services, Engineering products as well as export/import to the US, Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia. To access and compete in global markets, exporters from India must provide the international market with a perception of credibility, reliability and authenticated business information prior to entering into relationships with them.
This is a challenge for a substantial number of exporters from India, as many of the documents that they currently use to prove their legitimacy in India (such as GST Registrations, Import/Export Codes, or Company Incorporation Certificates) are unable to provide them with a means of proving themselves to international buyers. Global buyers (including Multinational Corporations as well as International Procurement Platforms) do not solely rely on these documents but rather use globally accepted systems to evaluate all international businesses.
One of the most important of these systems and tools used around the world is the D-U-N-S® Number created and managed by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Indian exporters looking to establish trust and grow their export business internationally must now obtain a D-U-N-S® Number as an additional and critical requirement.
At Duns India, we enable exporters to obtain their D-U-N-S® Number and record their business with D&B accurately and efficiently and thereby ensure that their business will be recognised as trustworthy and reputable internationally.
Understanding the D-U-N-S® Number
A D-U-N-S® Number (Data Universal Numbering System) is an assigned 9 digit number that identifies your business. Dun & Bradstreet issues these numbers and they are recognised by International buyers, Financial Institutions, Government Agencies and Global Supply Chains as a way to verify businesses worldwide.
The uniqueness of this global identifier is that it provides a consistent standard of identity for your business. All essential information regarding your business (i.e. Name, Legal Structure, Ownership, Operational Status, and Financial History) is connected together to create a single verified identity
For Exporters, this means that if a buyer would like to verify the legitimacy of an exporter, they can do this with confidence based on the verification of the D-U-N-S® Number, instead of relying on what the exporter has stated.
Why Global Buyers Prefer Exporters With a D-U-N-S® Number
Risks are very important in International Trade, and therefore an International Buyer is looking for assurance that he/she is dealing with a legitimate, stable and capable business. A D-U-N-S® Number provides these assurances for buyers through the provision of reliable third-party validation tools. By using a D-U-N-S® profile from Dun & Bradstreet, a buyer gains a complete profile of a supplier’s Verifiable Status.
Exporters who have assigned to them a D-U-N-S® Number are generally seen as a more professional and credible source. This, in turn, can lead directly to successful contract approval/negotiation outcomes.
Mandatory Requirement for Multinational Companies
Many multinational companies (MNCs) require their suppliers or vendors to have a D-U-N-S® Number before they can become part of the MNC’s supply chain processes. The major MNCs, including Apple, Amazon, Google, Walmart, Samsung and various global pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies, rely on D&B’s business information to evaluate their supply partners.
Without a D-U-N-S® Number, Indian exporters may not be able to adequately fill out vendor registration forms and may find themselves unable to qualify for procurement opportunities, even if their products are competitively priced and of high quality. In many instances, applications are automatically rejected if the D-U-N-S® field is left blank.
Role of the D-U-N-S® Number in Financial Credibility
In addition to providing a minimal verification of a business’ existence, the D-U-N-S® Number includes a business credit profile for the company holding that D-U-N-S® Number. The business credit profile may include such items as payment history, financial stability indicators, risk profile for conducting business, and what types of customers should be considered to be viable for ongoing business with that company.
Therefore, while some of the information in the business credit profiles of importers/exporters is not publicly available, buyers and lenders typically use this information to determine if a supplier is capable of fulfilling large or repetitive orders.
Importance for International Marketplaces and Platforms
Businesses worldwide are now utilizing global B2B marketplaces and enterprise platforms to sell their products. The first step in this process is getting your business verified or obtaining Verified Business Credentials (VBC), usually done through obtaining a D-U-N-S® Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Most of the time, a D-U-N-S® Number is required when exporters list products, set up a supplier account or apply to be part of a premium seller program.
Exporters who work with bulk supply, Private Label Manufacturing or OEM Services and do not have a D-U-N-S® Number may have limited access to these International Marketplaces and Platforms. However, having a D-U-N-S® Number makes it easier for exporters to be onboarded and increases the likelihood of their products being visible to Verified Global Buyers.
Boosting Success in International Tenders and Contracts
Tenders that are issued by foreign governments, defence establishments or international agencies are heavily reliant on verifying suppliers. The D-U-N-S® number is generally used to identify and validate bidders.
The availability of a D-U-N-S® number allows exporters from India to participate in these types of tenders. Because this information can be quickly verified in reputable databases, many administrative burdens are relieved for exporters, which increases the likelihood of acceptance at the qualification stage.
Supporting Secure Cross-Border Transactions
Cross-border payment transactions generally carry more risk for both the buyer and seller than domestic payments. Buyers tended to prefer working with a supplier whose identity can be verified, and the fraud management system can be traced to a D-U-N-S® Number.
This added layer of trust often leads to faster approvals, fewer payment delays, and stronger long-term partnerships.
How the D-U-N-S® Number Helps Exporters Scale Globally
For exporters looking to grow internationally over the long term, obtaining a D-U-N-S® Number is an integral part of building a Foundation for International Growth. Obtaining a D-U-N-S® Number gives businesses consistency in their Global Identity, allows them to reach International Buyers and provides them with a means to integrate seamlessly into Global Supply Chains.
As businesses expand into larger Markets with greater transaction volumes, it becomes necessary to have an established business profile that has been recognized and verified. Therefore, having a verified D-U-N-S® Number provides Exporters with the credibility and compliance to support their expansion at all growth stages.
Difference Between D-U-N-S® Number and Indian Business Identifiers
Many exporters in India believe that Indian Business Identification Numbers (i.e., GSTIN, IEC or CIN) are sufficient to conduct International Trade. Although these identifiers are relevant for the Indian domestic market (when doing business within India), they provide no value or relevance outside of India, and thus do not meet the needs of Exporters in International Markets.
The D-U-N-S® Number is globally recognized and accepted by different industries and countries. It works alongside the registration system of the Government of India, while at the same time filling a major void in Global Credibility.
Is a D-U-N-S® Number Legally Mandatory for Exporters?
Indian law does not require Indian Exporters to obtain a D-U-N-S® Number; however, within the global commercial environment, there is a significant and growing expectation of this requirement.
Most reputable international buyers, Multinational Corporations, and Global eCommerce platforms will not accept suppliers without a D-U-N-S® Number. Therefore, without one exporters risk missing out on valuable business opportunities, even if they operate within full legal compliance in India.
Applying for a D-U-N-S® Number in India
Exporters may try and apply for a D-U-N-S® Number independently, but often experience frustrations involving document inconsistency, incorrect or incomplete business information, or delays caused by verification processes. These complications can lead to extended expansion timelines and missed deadlines with international customers.
As a result, many Exporters choose to engage the use of Professional Support Services.
Duns India specializes in the registration of D-U-N-S® Numbers for Indian Businesses. Our Staff has extensive knowledge of both the Document Requirements for Indian Businesses and the Global Verification Standards; ensuring an efficient and error free application process.
We offer comprehensive Service and Support with every aspect of the D-U-N-S® Number registration process from Document Reviews, Application Submissions, and Coordination.
Conclusion
As the world’s trade environment becomes increasingly competitive, the need for credibility is equally important as capability. A D-U-N-S® Number provides recognized businesses an internationally verified identity, which facilitates the ability to create trust and win contracts and thus gain access to a global marketplace.
For serious exporters seeking long-term global growth, acquiring D-U-N-S® Numbers will be considered a strategic investment and not just an administrative task.
At Duns India, companies can obtain a D-U-N-S® Number through fast, accurate and trusted means, providing access to a world of global opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
While not legally mandated in India, businesses that export frequently need a D-U-N-S® Number for confirmation of business legitimacy from international customers, multinational corporations and global procurement providers. Many international customers will not do business with a supplier that cannot provide an acceptable D-U-N-S® Number.
The time it takes to process depends on the applicant’s ability to complete the application and submit the necessary documents for verification accurately. By utilizing a professional service such as DunsIndia, most Indian companies can expect their D-U-N-S® Number within a few business days of submission.
Yes, startups, MSMEs, proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, and private limited companies can all apply for a D-U-N-S® Number. There is no minimum turnover or business age requirement, making it accessible even for newly registered exporters.
Yes, a D-U-N-S® Number is globally recognised and does not expire. Once issued, it remains permanently assigned to your business. However, it is important to keep your business details updated to maintain an accurate global profile.
Applying directly can lead to delays due to documentation errors or mismatched business details. DunsIndia specialises in D-U-N-S® registration for Indian businesses and ensures accurate submission, faster processing, and transparent pricing at just ₹5,999—saving exporters time and effort.