DUNS Number Guide
What is a DUNS number?
A D‑U‑N‑S® Number (or Data Universal Numbering System) is a unique 9-digit identifier for businesses, assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet. It’s used globally to identify and distinguish companies in commercial, regulatory, and supply chain contexts.
Unlike locally issued company registration numbers, each DUNS number is globally unique; no two businesses share the same identifier, even across borders. Think of it like a business passport which uniquely identifies your company all over the world.
Why is DUNS required in BOMcheck?
In BOMcheck, the DUNS number is used to uniquely and unambiguously identifying each supply chain legal entity. This is important in complex supply networks where companies may share part numbers, operate under similar names, or maintain multiple facilities.
BOMcheck stores substance declaration data based on the combination of part numbers and DUNS number. This enforces golden record by default and ensures that:
If multiple suppliers use the same part number, BOMcheck keeps their declarations separate by DUNS number.
Larger companies can appoint multiple Authorised Users, all working under the same DUNS, without risk of data fragmentation.
✅ International Standards Requirements
The DUNS number is also required under many GEA (formerly IPC) standards for material declarations. These standards mandate that supplier legal entities be identified using DUNS, ensuring declarations are traceable and standardized across systems and geographies.
Do I have an existing DUNS number?
It is highly likely your company has a DUNS number, even if you never applied for one.
Dun & Bradstreet maintains a massive global database of over 500 million business entities. Many manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers to large enterprises are already in the system, whether they know it or not. You might have a DUNS number that was:
- Automatically created when a customer onboarded you
- Assigned when registering with a marketplace, government agency, or regulatory body
- Set up during past interactions with global clients, especially large multinationals
🔍 How to check for existing DUNS numbers
Dun & Bradstreet have multiple official lookup tools. Sphera recommend to use the global look up tool to search by company name and location across D&B’s worldwide database.
Please note that some web browsers DO NOT work well with this tool and we recommend to use Google Chrome (last tested November 2025).
If your company has multiple legal entities or locations, there may be more than one DUNS number assigned. That’s why it’s important to identify the correct number for your legal entity making declarations in BOMcheck.
How can I get a new DUNS number?
If your company doesn’t already have a DUNS number, or if you’re setting up a new legal entity, you can request one directly from Dun & Bradstreet.
🌐 Official How to Get a D-U-N-S Number Guide
⚠️ Please Be Aware
There are intermediary companies and even fraudulent entities which may request large payments and ongoing subscriptions for DUNS number application and issuance. Whilst Dun & Bradstreet do have legitimate costed services which include DUNS number issuance, applying for a DUNS number in all countries is free-of-charge.
TIP
If in doubt as to the authenticity of the Dun & Bradstreet website you are visiting, consider using the official D&B Country & Region web page which provides direct links to official D&B sources and network partners (e.g. Experian, Altares).
How to apply for a free DUNS in China
✅ Step-by-Step: Standard Free Application
Only use the official D&B China site: https://www.dnb.com.cn/
Use the online application form in Chinese or in English
Make a "Standard Application" and submit your company details.
Wait to receive your DUNS number which may take up-to 30 days.
☎️ Need help?
Hotline (within China): 400-820-3536
Email: inquiryCN@dnb.com
Email: BOMcheckAdmin@sphera.com
⚠️ Important:
Do not pay third-party agents who offer to "get you a DUNS number" for a large fee. The number itself is free. You DO NOT need to establish a D&B Credit File (Dun & Bradstreet will charge you a fee for this additional service). Instead, you should specify to Dun & Bradstreet that you want them to only create a DUNS number for your company.
How do I maintain my DUNS number?
Once issued, your DUNS number is permanent. It does not expire or require renewal. Maintenance simply means keeping your business information up to date in Dun & Bradstreet’s records (e.g. if you change your address or company name).
⚠️ Please Be Aware
You do not need to pay an ongoing subscription or annual cost to maintain your DUNS number.