Why Indian Exporters Need a D-U-N-S Number to Enter Global Markets

The Importance of D-U-N-S Numbers for Indian Exporters Entering the International Market There is a requirement for all Indian exporters to prove their credibility and financial stability to gain access to the global market. In order for a foreign buyer to be able to do business with an Indian exporter, the seller must be able to provide evidence of his or her creditworthiness, as well as many other financial criteria.

Regardless of the method used to apply to become a vendor for export tenders, show their products on a global marketplace, or build a supplier relationship with a multinational company, one common denominator that every foreign buyer wants to see is that the vendor has a D-U-N-S® Number issued by Dun & Bradstreet. Even though an exporter may have established other types of company identifiers like a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), IEC (Import Export Code), or CIN (Corporate Identification Number), these may not necessarily provide enough assurance to a buyer that a vendor can successfully develop business relationships with them in the international marketplace.

International buyers desire verified information about the vendor’s business, verified financial identity, and a globally recognized system of trust. A D-U-N-S Number provides an exporter with the necessary evidence to establish these three elements.

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

A D-U-N-S (Data Universal Numbering System) Number is a nine-digit number that serves as a unique way of identifying a company anywhere in the world and that businesses can use to show proof of legitimacy to potential customers. The D-U-N-S Number is maintained by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), which provides information regarding companies around the world.

Unlike identifiers within a specific country (e.g., a GST number or Company Registration Number), the D-U-N-S Number will allow you to validate your company’s information in the same way as you would with a national identifier. The D-U-N-S Number has been accepted by:

• International corporations
• Global buyers
• Government agencies
• Financial institutions
• Export Councils
• Supply-chain systems

As such, a D-U-N-S Number can be thought of as your “passport” into the global marketplace.

Why Indian Exporters Need a D-U-N-S Number

1. Builds Global Credibility and Trust

One of the reasons why many international buyers are reluctant to do business with a company that they cannot directly connect with is due to a lack of verification. With a D-U-N-S Number, this concern is removed because:

• Provides a globally recognized business identity
• Displays a business’s financial stability
• Verifies its existence, operations, and background
• Confirms ownership and management details

   

When a company is assigned a D-U-N-S Number, international buyers view that business as being more reliable than a company that does not have one.

2. Required for Working with Many Multinational Corporations

Major global companies mandate a D-U-N-S number for onboarding. These include:

• Apple
• Amazon
• Google
• Samsung
• Walmart
• Pfizer
• Ford
• Government procurement systems

   

The D-U-N-S number is mandatory for all Indian exporters seeking to do business with these companies.

3. Helps Validate Financial Health for International Buyers

Before the shipment of goods or the receipt of advance payments, exporters typically need to provide evidence of their financial stability through a D-U-N-S number, which is associated with one of D&B’s business credit files. The D&B business credit file for the exporter contains the following information about the exporter:

• Payment behavior
• Credit rating
• Financial stress score
• Operational insights
• Public legal filings

   

The exporter would expect to receive better deals, negotiate favourable terms and obtain new contracts more quickly by leveraging the D&B business credit file for providing evidence of their financial stability.

4. Essential for Global Marketplace Listings

Numerous international e-commerce platforms require exporters to have a D-U-N-S number to become a participant in their marketplace, particularly for products sold that are classified as:

• Private label products
• B2B bulk orders
• Manufacturing components

Some examples of international e-commerce platforms that require the D-U-N-S number are: Amazon Global Selling and Apple Supplier Portal.

5. Improves Chances of Winning International Tenders

International tenders, both private and government tenders, are validated using the D-U-N-S number to confirm the legitimacy of a supplier. Exporters that are interested in bidding on the following types of international tenders are likely to need to submit their D-U-N-S number in conjunction with their financial and compliance documentation:

• Defence procurement
• Foreign government tenders
• UN and World Bank projects
• International construction/material tenders

Submission of a D-U-N-S number increases the presence of the exporter in both the public and private sectors.

6. Makes Cross-Border Payments More Secure

International buyers prefer to buy from suppliers with confirmed identities (those with a D-U-N-S number). Because the D-U-N-S number:

• Decreases risk associated with international financial transactions
• Provides buyers with proof of business presence
• Allows for expedited payment processing
• Facilitates global anti-fraud compliance

This results in fewer transaction delays for exporters and smoother processing for all parties involved.

7. Helps Expand Export Business Faster

A D-U-N-S number is a trusted business identifier that enables exporters to:

• Be more visible in the world
• Attract more international customer leads
• Build stronger relationships with foreign companies
• Open new doors to new markets

The D-U-N-S number provides Indian exporters a powerful platform to expand globally.

Difference Between D-U-N-S Number and Other Indian Business Identifiers

Many exporters believe that having a GSTIN, IEC or CIN is sufficient. However, these business identifiers serve different purposes than a D-U-N-S number. 

GST Number (GSTIN)

• A GSTIN is used for local Indian taxation.
• It is also a requirement for compliance to tax regulations in India.
• A GSTIN does not represent a global business identity.

   

IEC (Import Export Code)

• IEC code is required to import or export products from/into India.
• It is issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade.
• IEC Codes do not give buyers any assurance of an exporter’s financial stability.

   

CIN (Corporate Identification Number)

• CIN is a corporate identification number.
• It is required for all incorporated or limited companies in India.
• It is not valid outside of India.

   

D-U-N-S Number

• The D-U-N-S number is a unique identifier for global businesses and is commonly used internationally to verify the identity of a business. 
• Companies must have a D-U-N-S number if they want to participate in any global tender, register to sell products in an international marketplace, or enter into a global partnership with another company.

   

Thus, the D-U-N-S number fills the gap that other identifiers cannot.

How Indian Exporters Benefit from a D-U-N-S Number

1. Exporters are considered to be “verified suppliers” by large Global companies that rely on Dun and Bradstreet to provide verification information on suppliers. Therefore, having a D-U-N-S number will enhance an Exporter’s credibility and instantly indicate they are trustworthy suppliers of goods.
2. Exporters have access to international funding sources through banks, financial institutions and other lending companies that utilize D&B reports for loan applications, trade credit agreements and export financing.

    

With a strong D&B profile, an Exporter will increase their ability to obtain funding.

3. International buyers require verification of suppliers before signing contracts. When an Exporter has a D-U-N-S number, it can expedite the buyer onboarding process by as much as 70%.
4. A D-U-N-S profile enhances an Exporter’s reputation by enhancing the Exporter’s brand value, improving the Exporter’s professional image and improving the Exporter’s market position, and therefore making them stand out compared to other exporters in the global marketplace.
5. By verifying supplier information, both buyers and sellers are protected from risks of non-payment, fraud, misrepresentation of identity, and misstatement of documentation, and therefore, buyers are more likely to trust sellers with a D-U-N-S number.

A D-U-N-S number makes a buyer feel more secure in their transactions with an exporter.

Is a D-U-N-S Number Mandatory for Exporters?

From a Legal Perspective, no—A D-U-N-S number is Not a Legal Requirement for Companies in India.

However, in Practical Terms it is Practically Necessary to Conduct Global Business because

• Many Major Global Corporations Require it for their Business Operations
• Many Government Tenders Require it as part of the Bid Process
• Marketplace Platforms Require it when Verifying Sellers
• Trade Partners Prefer to Work with Suppliers Who Have Verified Identities

Therefore, while it’s not a Requirement, it is Very Valuable to Have a D-U-N-S Number and in Effect, it is Nearly Always Required.

Industries That Benefit the Most from a D-U-N-S Number

Indian exporters in the following sectors often require the number:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Automobiles
• Engineering goods
• Food processing
• Textiles and apparel
• Leather goods
• Chemicals and dyes
• IT and software services
• Machinery and components
• Gems and jewelry

Companies in these sectors frequently collaborate with multinational buyers, making D-U-N-S essential for growth.

How to Apply for a D-U-N-S Number in India

Getting a D-U-N-S number is simple.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit the official Dun & Bradstreet India website (dnb.co.in).
2. Go to the D-U-N-S registration page.
3. Enter business details:

    

   • Business name
   • PAN
   • Address
   • Contact details
   • Business type

      

4. Submit basic documents if required.
5. Wait for verification.
6. Receive your D-U-N-S number in 5–7 working days.

Fast-track options are available at an extra cost.

How a D-U-N-S Number Helps Exporters Become Global-Ready

To succeed internationally, exporters must be:

• Transparent
• Compliant
• Financially stable
• Credible
• Discoverable

   

A D-U-N-S Number establishes a validated business identity recognized globally.

It prepares exporters for:

• International Cross-Border Partnerships
•  International Compliance Reviews
• Manufacturer’s/Vendor’s Background Checks
• Supplier Selection Processes
•  Global Procurement Standards

For these reasons, exporters planning for global growth should obtain a D-U-N-S Number before they begin.

How Device Doctor India Helps Exporters Go Global

Having a strong online presence along with your D-U-N-S Number will greatly enhance your potential to export products. Device Doctor India provides Indian exporters with high-quality websites, product catalogs, and e-commerce Sites compliant with International Standards for businesses to establish credibility with foreign customers. Device Doctor India’s professional staff can help companies present their products professionally, handle inquiries efficientl,y and build the credibility required to attract foreign purchasers. A D-U-N-S Number combined with a professionally designed website will enable exporters to confidently promote their products and services to foreign customers.

Conclusion

The competition for the global export market continues to be competitive; therefore, international buyers are continually looking for trustworthy and transparent businesses. A D-U-N-S Number helps to bridge that gap of trust, providing Indian exporters with a huge advantage over other exporters.

The D-U-N-S number helps in identifying a business and verifying its creditworthiness for possible suppliers to source products and services safely while maintaining their global sourcing and procurement requirements. Its value to the international business community is when exporting goods, with the increase in global trade and growing export market opportunities, it allows Indian exporters with verified global identities to be ahead of their competition. Therefore, obtaining a D-U-N-S number is not only an advantage; it is an important investment in the long-term growth of the export business.