Quick answer
The DUNS number (Data Universal Numbering System) is an identification code of 9 digits assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to uniquely identify a company worldwide. In Italy it is requested through CRIBIS D&B: you can obtain it free of charge (in about 30 days) by writing to dunsnumber@cribis.com, or for a fee with faster turnaround times.
Updated on 27 August 2026
If your company wants to publish an app on the App Store or Google Play as an organisation, access international credit lines, take part in tenders or export abroad, sooner or later you’ll be asked for a DUNS number. In this guide we’ll look at what it is, how it works, why it’s so important and — above all — how to obtain it in Italy, even for free.
What Is the DUNS Number
The DUNS number (D-U-N-S, short for Data Universal Numbering System) is a numeric code of 9 digits developed by Dun & Bradstreet in 1963 and has become an international standard for the unique identification of businesses. Each code is linked to a single operating location and is recognised in over 200 countries.
Please note: the DUNS is not a tax identifier and does not replace the VAT number or tax code. It is a commercial identifier, used as a reference by institutions, financial bodies and large companies to identify your business with certainty and consult its profile.
How It Works
Each DUNS number is associated with a company profile in the Dun & Bradstreet database, which collects registry, commercial and reliability data (including indicators such as the well-known Paydex, which measures payment punctuality). The code is assigned only once and remains unchanged for the entire life of the company.
Organisations with multiple locations can have a DUNS for each location: the various codes are linked in a hierarchical structure (the so-called family tree) that represents the corporate relationships between headquarters, branches and subsidiaries.
Why It Is Essential for Your Business
- Publishing apps as an organisation: both Apple (to enrol the company in the Apple Developer Program) and Google Play (verification of organisation developer accounts) require the DUNS number to confirm the company’s legal identity.
- Business reliability and credit: the D&B profile linked to the DUNS is consulted by banks, suppliers and partners to assess your company’s soundness and payment punctuality.
- International trade and export: many foreign customers, B2B marketplaces and customs procedures require the DUNS as a globally recognised identifier.
- Tenders, calls and large supplies: numerous organisations and large companies use it in supplier onboarding and qualification procedures.
The DUNS used to be required for registrations with the United States federal government as well; since 2022 the latter has replaced it with the Unique Entity ID (UEI), but the DUNS remains widely used in commercial and international contexts.
How to Request the DUNS Number in Italy
In Italy, the official partner of Dun & Bradstreet is CRIBIS D&B. The request is made from the dedicated iCRIBIS page: icribis.com/it/istruzioni/acquista-duns.
There are two options:
- Paid — fast processing: you get the code in a shorter time for a fee. Recommended if you have a deadline (for example publishing an app or a tender).
- Free — standard processing: also available is the free processing option, with a turnaround time of about 30 days. To proceed, send an email to dunsnumber@cribis.com with your company’s details. This option is not widely advertised (on the iCRIBIS page it is “hidden” among the instructions), but it’s perfect if you’re not in a hurry.
In practice, the choice depends entirely on timing: it’s completely normal that the free request is slower (usually around 30 days), because it is processed with standard priority. If instead you’re in a hurry — for example you need to publish an app by a certain date or meet a call deadline — it’s worth paying forfast processing, which significantly reduces the time. The DUNS number you obtain is identical in both cases: only the speed of issue changes, not the validity of the code.
| Option | Cost | Time | When it’s worth it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free — email to dunsnumber@cribis.com | Free of charge | About 30 days | You’re not in a hurry |
| Paid — fast processing | Paid | Significantly reduced | You have a deadline (app, tender, supply) |
What Information to Prepare for the Request
- Exact company name (as per the chamber of commerce registration)
- VAT number and tax code
- Full address of the registered/operating office
- Company contact details (phone and email)
- Name of an internal contact person
Check Whether You Already Have One
Before requesting a new one, check whether your company already has a DUNS: many companies already listed in the Dun & Bradstreet databases have one assigned. You can check this using the D&B or CRIBIS search tools, or indicate it in the request itself.
Key data and references
- Format: numeric code of 9 digits, managed by Dun & Bradstreet since 1963.
- Validity: recognised in over 200 countries; assigned only once and permanent.
- Required by Apple Developer Program and Google Play for organisation accounts.
- In Italy: issued by CRIBIS D&B, with a free option in ~30 days via dunsnumber@cribis.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DUNS Number
How much does the DUNS number cost?
The DUNS number is free: in Italy you can request it at no cost from CRIBIS D&B by writing to dunsnumber@cribis.com. There is a paid option only if you need faster issue times.
How long does it take to get it?
With the free option it usually takes about 30 days. With paid fast processing the times are significantly reduced.
Is the DUNS number mandatory?
It is not a legal obligation, but it is effectively necessary in several cases: to publish apps as an organisation on Apple and Google Play, for many international supplies and for commercial credit assessment.
Does the DUNS expire or need renewal?
No. The DUNS number is assigned only once and is permanent: it remains valid for the entire life of the company, with no renewals.
What is the difference between the DUNS and the VAT number?
The VAT number is a national tax identifier; the DUNS is a international commercial identifier managed by Dun & Bradstreet and recognised in over 200 countries. They are complementary, not alternatives.
How can I find out if my company already has a DUNS?
You can check it with the search tools of Dun & Bradstreet or CRIBIS: many companies already listed in their databases have one assigned without knowing it.
Conclusion
The DUNS number has become a cross-cutting requirement for operating as a company internationally: from publishing apps to credit reputation, all the way to exporting. In Italy, obtaining it is simple and, thanks to the CRIBIS free option, also at zero cost — you just need a little patience.
If you need support in building yourcompany’s digital identity — domain, certified email (PEC), hosting, app publishing or management software — the G Tech Group team is at your disposal: contact us for a consultation.
Sources
- Dun & Bradstreet — D-U-N-S Number
- CRIBIS D&B (iCRIBIS) — DUNS number request: icribis.com/it/istruzioni/acquista-duns
- Apple Developer — Enrollment (DUNS requirement for organisations)
- Google Play Console — Organisation developer account verification