The FDA DUNS Number is a crucial asset in today’s era of international integration. Furthermore, registering for a D-U-N-S Number is a fundamental step for any business looking to engage in global collaboration. In this article, UCC VN will guide you through a deeper understanding of the DUNS Number as well as the registration process.
1. What is FDA DUNS Number?
DUNS, or the D-U-N-S® Number, was developed by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) as a unique nine-digit identifier for companies, linked to a business’s Live Business Identity. This number aids in assessing potential partners, pursuing new contracts, applying for loans, and much more. It serves as a global standard for verifying businesses and is utilized by companies engaged in international trade. The DUNS Number plays a vital role in various business activities, helping organizations evaluate partners, secure contracts, obtain loans, and engage in essential transactions. Thus, it is an indispensable asset for any business aiming to thrive in the global marketplace.
Introduced in 1963 to support D&B’s business credit reporting, the DUNS database, as of 2019, contains over 240 million company records worldwide, updated daily. Additionally, more than 200 government organizations, trade associations, and industries globally recognize, recommend, or require businesses to have a D-U-N-S Number.
The FDA DUNS Number is essential for collaborating with Fortune 500 companies in the U.S., including Microsoft, Intel, Apple, Walmart, Target, and Google. Obtaining an FDA DUNS Number not only enhances a company’s partnership opportunities but also facilitates access to global certifications such as ISO, USDA, and Organic EU.
2. Benefits of DUNS Registration
As mentioned above, the FDA DUNS Number offers significant benefits for expanding markets and engaging in international trade. In particular, key advantages include:
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Pathway to International Integration
The DUNS Number is endorsed by over 200 government organizations worldwide. Registering for a DUNS Number creates numerous opportunities for international collaboration, allowing businesses to work with both domestic and foreign companies, as well as government entities globally. Importantly, having a DUNS Number is mandatory for FDA registration.
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Establishing a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Business Credit Profile
The DUNS Number is frequently used to establish a D&B business credit profile. Moreover, lenders and potential partners rely on this information to assess the borrowing company’s reliability and financial stability.
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Enhancing Credibility and Strengthening Transparency
The FDA DUNS Number serves as a globally recognized identifier for accessing and verifying business information. This capability helps companies build trust and enhance their credibility in the market, while also laying a strong foundation for establishing a reputable presence with customers, partners, and other lenders.
In summary, the DUNS Number not only facilitates international integration but also plays a crucial role in building business credibility and establishing a solid credit profile, making it an essential asset for companies aiming to thrive in the global marketplace.
The DUNS Number consists of the following components:
- D-U-N-S Number: This is a unique nine-digit identifier that authenticates a company’s information. Each company will have its own distinct DUNS Number.
- The D-U-N-S® Registered™ Seal on the company’s website showcases reliability and credibility, helping the business expand opportunities in international markets.
- D-U-N-S® Registered™ Certificate from Dun & Bradstreet
Global: This certificate verifies that the DUNS Number and the DUNS Seal of the business are trustworthy. - The D-U-N-S Number is not permanent. Businesses must register for renewal every three years with D&B. If not renewed, your DUNS Number will become inactive, and you will need to register for a new one.
Example: DUNS Number: 555374516 (the DUNS Number for an FPT branch in Ho Chi Minh City). Each distinct location, such as a branch or headquarters, receives its own DUNS Number.
4. How to Check Your DUNS Number After Registration?
By visiting the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) website at https://www.dunsregistered.com/, you can easily search for business information and check whether your business or any other business has a FDA DUNS Number.
In the opposite case, you can also look up the name of a business if you already have that business’s DUNS Number.
5. The Importance of DUNS When Registering with the FDA
First, let’s explore what the FDA is. The FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, is the U.S. agency tasked with safeguarding and advancing public health. It sets regulations and closely oversees all products related to food and pharmaceuticals, both domestically and internationally.
Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), it is required that all foreign food facilities wishing to import goods into the U.S. must register with the FDA. Furthermore, the FDA has designated the D-U-N-S Number as the Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) for the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for providing FDA-regulated products in the U.S.
The FDA utilizes the DUNS Number to ensure that the applicant is a legitimate business and that the provided contact information has been verified. In summary, if you want to obtain FDA certification, having a FDA DUNS Number is essential.
6. Register the FDA with UCC
Recognizing the importance of the DUNS Number, UCC provides a fast and easy registration solution for your business. When your company registers with the FDA through UCC, the DUNS registration will be completely free of charge.
First, we will check if your business already has a profile in the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) system. If you lack an FDA DUNS Number or have incorrect profile information, we will verify and update your business profile using the following details:
- Full name and abbreviation as per the business license
- Address specified on the business license
- Names and addresses of any subsidiaries (if applicable)
- Mailing address for correspondence and documents
- Contact phone number
- Name and contact method for the representative
- Current number of employees
- Products and areas of operation of the business
After confirming your business information, we will finalize the application and register the DUNS Number with Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). If there are no issues, the registration process will be completed within 5-7 business days. Additionally, we will provide your FDA DUNS Number via email or your preferred method of contact.
We hope this article has clarified the DUNS Number’s significance and the registration process for the FDA DUNS Number at UCC. If you have any further questions or need assistance regarding the FDA DUNS Number, please feel free to reach out. Wishing you a productive and successful day ahead!
For more information: Prior Notice Explained: What You Need to Know for Compliance
We hope this article has not only given you a clearer understanding of the DUNS Number but also clarified the registration process for the FDA DUNS Number at UCC. If you have any further questions or need assistance about the FDA DUNS Number, feel free to reach out. Wishing you a productive and successful day ahead!
