Checking that something is genuine.
WHY IT MATTERS
Forged registrations and certificates are common.
WHAT CAN TYPICALLY BE VERIFIED
Company and business name registrations Tax identification numbers Product registrations Professional qualifications, through the relevant body
WHERE TO VERIFY COMPANY REGISTRATION
The registry's public search.
WHAT IT SHOWS
Whether the entity exists Its registration number Its status
WHAT TO CHECK
That the name, number and status match what you were shown.
WHY STATUS MATTERS
An inactive or struck-off company is not a valid counterparty.
WHAT TO VERIFY BEFORE CONTRACTING
The entity's existence and status Who is authorised to sign Tax registration, where relevant
WHAT TO ASK FOR
The certificate and the status report.
WHAT TO DO WITH THEM
Verify independently rather than accepting the document.
WHY
Documents are readily falsified; registry records are not.
WHAT TO VERIFY FOR PRODUCTS
The registration number, against the agency's records.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Numbers that look plausible but do not verify Certificates with no verifiable reference
WHAT TO DO ABOUT A FAILED VERIFICATION
Stop, and ask.
WHY
There may be an innocent explanation, and there may not.
WHAT TO RECORD
The verification, with the date.
