Last week, CNNIC, the Registry operator for the .CN domain extension, unexpectedly set out new rules surrounding the registration of .CN domains.

Since that announcement, we’ve been working with Neustar, our .CN registration partner, to determine the exact impact that these new policies will have on .CN registrations through OpenSRS.

The news is not especially positive.

These new policies, as set out by CNNIC, have a direct, negative impact on the viability of continuing to offer .CN domain registrations through OpenSRS. If you are selling .CN domains through OpenSRS, please stay tuned over the coming weeks as we address the business impact and make further determinations about how we plan to address continued support of .CN domains.

New Policy Details

Beginning December 21, 2009, all new .CN domain registrations will require the submission of additional paperwork to CNNIC in order to ensure that the registration is completed. The full text of the new requirements is available at: http://cnnic.cn/html/Dir/2009/12/12/5750.htm

In summary:

• Documentation for new registrations is now required to be submitted, by email or fax, directly to CNNIC. Do not forward documentation to Tucows/OpenSRS. Complete information about what is required along with documents for download can be found at http://opensrs.com/resources/domains/policies/#cn
• Failure to submit the required documentation within five (5) calendar days of the registration will result in the domain being deleted.
• New domain registrations will not appear in WHOIS or begin to resolve until the audit of the documentation has been completed by CNNIC. That process could take up to three (3) days from when the documents are received.
• Currently there is no process to track the progress of the audit process.
• Any .CN Registrations that fail due to incomplete documentation will be refunded monthly by OpenSRS.
• Renewals are NOT affected.

We recognize the significant impact this will have on .CN domain registrations. We continue to support .CN registrations through OpenSRS, with the understanding that the onus is on the Reseller to ensure that the proper documentation is submitted directly to CNNIC.