Global Initiative on Unique Identifiers for Businesses


Introduction

The development of effective Statistical Business Registers (SBRs) is crucial for modern economic analytics and governance. However, the lack of a unique business identifier in many countries poses a significant challenge, hindering the full utilization of administrative data and its interoperability such as linking with tax records and register information from legal business entities, employers and employees, and buildings. Recognizing this gap, the UN Guidelines on Statistical Business Registers recommends adopting and promoting the use of unique identifiers for businesses.

Endorsed at the 54th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission in March 2023, the Global Initiative on Unique Identifiers for Businesses focuses on strengthening the connection between business registration and statistical business registers, thereby enhancing the availability and utility of business data globally. It encourages countries and relevant organizations to work together to establish a robust interoperable infrastructure for statistical business registers. By improving the transparency of business activities and ensuring the availability of unique business identifiers, the initiative facilitates better access to and sharing administrative data, which is crucial for understanding globalization, environmental and societal impacts and outcomes, and thereby enhancing statistical capabilities for informing a multidimensional approach to business activity.

Overall, the Global Initiative on Unique Identifiers for Businesses aims to transform the global landscape of business registration and data utilization, promoting better governance and informed economic and the broader sustainable development policies through enhanced statistical capacities. Current members of the Core Group on the GIUIB include Statistics Netherlands, Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and United Nations Statistics Division.

What is the purpose of this assessment?

The aim of this global assessment is to evaluate the current state of business registration systems in countries, both administrative and statistical, on the use of unique identifiers for businesses. The feedback from the global assessment will contribute to guiding the prioritization of countries for targeted support and the development of tailored strategies that address specific national needs.

Who should fill out this questionnaire?

This questionnaire is being circulated to the following institutions that are responsible for business registers or statistical business registers.

A. Public institutions that are legally responsible for the registration of companies and/or businesses (business registrars)

B. Public institutions that maintain a business register for the performance of legal tasks (e.g., Inland Revenue, Social Security)

C. National statistical offices (NSO)

How to fill out the questionnaire?

This questionnaire is available in two formats:

Your response to this questionnaire should be submitted by 28 February 2025.

For terminology, please refer to the glossary document.

Your input into this questionnaire is very important and your participation is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at business_stat@un.org.

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