Information from the trade register

You can obtain information from the local trade register (trade register). The trade register is not a public register. As such, it does not enjoy public trust like the commercial register, for example. Therefore, no guarantee is given for the accuracy and completeness of this information. This information is provided exclusively for the purpose stated in your enquiry.
According to Section 14 (8) sentence 2 of the Trade Regulation Act, information may be provided from the trade register if the applicant has a legitimate interest in the data and there is no reason to assume that the trader's legitimate interest prevails.
The information is limited to the name, the business address and the reported activity.
Further data may be provided if the applicant has a legal interest in the information (e.g. to assert legal claims).

There is no legal claim by third parties to the provision of data.
The application cannot be made by telephone.

The provision of information is at the discretion of the competent authority. (Circular of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Technology and Transport dated 30 November 1995 - 432-62.0-9/95).

Important note:
This is not the so-called commercial certificate of good conduct, which you need for public tenders, for example.

Information on this can be found under the keyword Trade Licence Register.

Information that goes beyond the name, business address and registered activity of an individual trader cannot generally be provided.
The person seeking information must credibly demonstrate a legitimate interest. This must be done informally, in writing, if possible also stating possible evidence (e.g. default summonses).

Local law

Fees Act for the State of NRW
General administrative fee schedule