Business Registration Number

What is a Business Registration Number?

A Business Registration Number (such as a CRN in the UK or a VAT number) is a company's unique identification number. It functions as the business's "social security number" and is the primary source of identification for authorities, banks, and trading partners. For e-invoicing, this number is used as the primary ID to identify recipients in the private sector.

How it works

In digital infrastructures, businesses are registered with their registration number as an identity marker. When an invoice is sent via the international Peppol network, the registration number is converted into a standardized code (e.g., 0088 for GLN or specific country codes), allowing foreign suppliers to identify the recipient correctly. The business register ensures that master data such as name, address, and VAT status are always accessible.

Requirements for Invoices

According to most national laws, the registration number must appear clearly on all invoices. In electronic invoicing, it is a mandatory part of the structured data. If the number is missing or incorrect, the invoice will typically be rejected by the recipient's validation filter immediately, which is fundamental for correct tax handling and bookkeeping.

Security and validation

The registration number acts as a shield against fraud. By connecting invoicing systems directly to official registries, businesses can validate in real-time whether a recipient is a legally valid entity. This ensures that transactions always take place between verified parties, minimizing the risk of erroneous payments in bookkeeping.