DUNS
DUNS is the abbreviation for Data Universal Numbering System , a number system for the unambiguous identification of companies , corporate divisions, public institutions , traders and the self-employed . Introduced in 1962 by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) , it has since established itself as an international standard.
The nine-digit DUNS number code is issued by Dun & Bradstreet and serves as an identification number for every economic operator stored in the D&B database. The number combination is generated randomly and receives its meaning after it has been issued to the respective company.
The ninth digit of the number combination was used as a check digit until the end of 2006, which was formed according to the Luhn algorithm in order to be able to exclude invalid number combinations. In order to be able to meet the increasing demand for DUNS numbers, this number has not been used as a check digit since then.
Web links
- Information on DUNS at Bisnode Germany
- Query and request
- FDA guidance on decision for DUNS numbers from November 2014