Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a D-U-N-S Number in India

If you are an Indian company that wants to do business internationally, sell on global marketplaces, or attempt to acquire business credit, you must apply for a D-U-N-S number; this will be a mandatory step. Even though the process of requesting a D-U-N-S number is relatively straightforward for Indian companies, many companies create unintentional delays, receive D-U-N-S number application denials, or receive incorrect records created in D&B’s (Dun & Bradstreet) database from their mistake-filled D-U-N-S number requests when they do not follow simple guidelines.

“How to Avoid Common Errors on a First-Time D-U-N-S Number Request as an Indian Company” will save you days or weeks of potential frustration by reviewing the various mistakes Indian businesses make and the steps they can take to prevent the same mistakes from occurring. This document outlines common errors experienced by Indian businesses when applying for a D-U-N-S number and provides a solution to expedite approval of the D-U-N-S number request and the creation of an accurate business record for D&B.

1. Submitting Incomplete or Outdated Business Information

Incomplete or non-current accounts for the bulk of delays for organizations that have submitted requests for D-U-N-S numbers. D&B requires that companies submit every detail listed on their request for the issuance of a D-U-N-S number; if any of the details do not match what is provided, there will be some communication necessary back and forth for the information to align.

Common information problems include:

• Using an old address
• Providing a phone number that is no longer valid
• The Misspelling of the business name
• Differences between a document and the online form submitted.

   

How to avoid this

To avoid these issues, ensure that all of your business documentation (GST, MSME, Utility Bill, PAN, CIN….) is accurate, and if you have outdated documents, replace them with current versions prior to submitting them.

2. Using a Personal Mobile Number or Email Instead of a Business Contact

Instead of Business Number and Email. Many applicants from India may enter their personal Gmail email address and/or personal phone number instead of entering their business email address and/or business mobile number; therefore, there may be a verification problem.

People rely on the D-U-N-S profile as an indicator of trust; as such, if there is any type of personal contact information on the profile, this would likely result in decreased credibility of the business.

Best practice

Use a:

• A business domain email – (an example would be info@companyname.in).
• A business phone number (preferably the phone number registered on the GST / MSME). 
• Official business address

Using the correct business information will improve your trust score in D&B and, therefore, will allow for seamless verification of your business.

3. Entering Wrong Business Industry Code or Description

D&B assigns SIC / NAICS Industry Codes to categorize businesses; many applicants select the incorrect category because they do not know which category best describes their business.

Why this matters

An incorrect industry code can:

• Affect your ability to apply for international partnerships
• Misrepresent your company to banks and investors
• Delay marketplace approvals (Amazon, Walmart, Alibaba, etc.)

   

How to avoid this

Write a clear and accurate description of your business activity, and use simple and easily understood words to describe the Industry Category in which your business fits.

• “Manufacturer of organic skincare products”
• “Software development and IT consulting services”

Avoid vague descriptions like “trading” or “services.”

4. Not Checking If Your Business Already Has a D-U-N-S Number

Companies regularly make the mistake of applying for a D-U-N-S number without understanding that they may already possess one within the database.

This usually happens when:

• Your organisation was previously established through a vendor or marketplace.
• Your organisation’s D-U-N-S Profile was created by a previous employee.
• Your organisation moved and inadvertently created duplicate records for itself.

   

Why it’s a problem

Duplicate profiles can lead to confusion in:

• Bank verification
• Marketplace onboarding
• Vendor credit checks
• Company credibility reports

   

Always check first

Before applying for a D-U-N-S number, you should always search the D&B database for your enterprise to determine whether or not you have already been assigned a profile. If you do have an existing profile, then you should update it rather than creating a duplicate profile.

5. Using the Wrong Registered Address Format

D&B often rejects enterprise applications based on incorrect address formats. Companies from India often create applications that contain:

• Abbreviations of addresses
• Informal names of locations
• Informal names for localities
• Missing building numbers

   

The correct address format helps in

• Provides for faster verification,
• Proper geolocating,
• Correct creation of records.

You should always use the exact mailing address specified in your GST, MSME, CIN, or utility documentation.

6. Providing Incorrect Owner/Director Information

The ownership of the organisation must be properly recorded within the D-U-N-S Profile. Common errors include:

• Businesses enter an old director’s name
• Use spelling variations of the owner’s name
• Enter outdated KYC information

How to fix it

Ensure your director/owner data matches your:

• PAN
• Aadhaar
• CIN/ROC records
• GST registration

Accurate owner information strengthens your global identity.

7. Not Verifying Your Business Website

Many companies do not have a verified website when they apply, or they do provide a site ,but with inaccurate or incomplete information.

D&B often cross-checks your website to verify:

• Business legitimacy
• Contact details
• Services/products
• Physical location

Avoid these website mistakes

• No “About Us” page
• No address or contact number
• No domain email
• Poor or misleading content

If your website is incomplete, update it before applying.

8. Applying Without Understanding D-U-N-S Number Usage

Many businesses apply to get a D-U-N-S Number without knowing how it will help them or what types of transactions they will use it for, since they believe that it is strictly for export.

But a D-U-N-S number is useful for:

• International vendor registration
• Global trade checks
• Bank loan assessments
• Import-export documentation
• Marketplace onboarding

   

If an applicant does not understand why they are applying for the D-U-N-S Number, chances are they will submit incomplete information when applying. Therefore, make sure to thoroughly understand why you need a D-U-N-S Number.

9. Not Responding Quickly to D&B Verification Calls/Emails

After submission, Dun & Bradstreet may contact you:

• To verify your address
• To confirm the director’s details
• To clarify business descriptions

Delayed responses often halt the approval process.

What to do

Ensure someone at your company:

• Regularly checks official email
• Answers business phone calls
• Responds within 24 hours

This can speed up approval significantly.

10. Submitting Incorrect or Irrelevant Documents

Common mistakes include:

• Uploading personal documents instead of business documents
• Scanned images that are blurry
• Old utility bills are older than 3 months
• Fake documents (which can lead to permanent rejection)

   

Always submit

• GST certificate
• MSME certificate
• Inc./CIN document
• Latest utility bill
• PAN card (business or proprietor)

Proper documents ensure a smooth process.

11. Expecting Instant Approval Without Expedited Processing

The free D-U-N-S registration process can take up to 15–30 days in India. Many businesses expect instant approval or try to reach D&B without understanding timelines.

If you need a D-U-N-S number urgently—for example, for Amazon Brand Registry, global onboarding, or bank documentation—you must opt for expedited processing.

12. Not Updating Details After Approval

After acquiring a D-U-N-S number, businesses often forget to update:

• Address changes
• Changes in authorized signatory
• New phone number or email
• Business name changes
• Website updates

   

An outdated D-U-N-S profile reduces credibility.

Make it a habit to update your profile every 6–12 months.

Why Avoiding These Mistakes Matters

A Correct D-U-N-S Profile Provides Your Business

• Global Trust
• Faster Bank Approvals
• Credit Check Qualifications
• Amazon, Flipkart, Apple, Dell & other Global Marketplaces Approvals
• Global Business Validity

By avoiding mistakes, you will have a reliable and reputable profile to help ensure the long-term success of your business.

How Device Doctor India Helps You Apply for a D-U-N-S Number Without Errors

Many Indian companies are struggling because of not know what documents | verification rules | or Industry classifications will be needed to complete their D-U-N-S process.

Device Doctor’s goal is to provide a simplified end-to-end application process for Indian companies.

We ensure:

• Correct submission of documents
• Accurate business classification
• Address and ownership verification
• Avoidance of duplicate profiles
• Faster approval through expert guidance

Through Device Doctor India, Indian Companies receive their D-U-N-S Numbers quickly and without the Many Mistakes That Can Cause Delays or Denials.

Conclusion

D-U-N-S is necessary for entering the Global Marketplace; therefore, it is vital to avoid mistakes when applying for the D-U-N-S Number. Mistakes can severely delay your D-U-N-S Approval.

By submitting accurate information, selecting the appropriate Industry Classification, keeping your Documents Updated, and responding quickly to Verification Document Requests, you can Speed Up the D-U-N-S Issuance Process.

By avoiding these typical mistakes, your company’s D-U-N-S Number Will Build A Strong|Credible Profile. Global Banks, Enterprises, and Marketplaces Want To Trust You.

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