What is CNNIC?
CNNIC, the China Internet Network Center, is “an administration and service organization set up on June 3, 1997” to act “as an important constructor, operator, and administrator of infrastructure in Chinese information society.”
In that capacity, CNNIC announced at the end of October 2023 that registrars outside of China will not be allowed to register .cn and .中国 domains via other registrars as resellers. Indeed, CNNIC will have technical methods to identify such registrations and may act upon affected domains.
How will CNNIC’s Announcement Affect Your Domain Portfolio?
We highly recommend that all registrants with .cn and .中国 domains review their portfolios to identify and mitigate any possible risks that may arise from working with registrars not recognized by CNNIC.
CNNIC’s Original Announcement is As Follows:
In accordance with “Internet Domain Name Regulations” issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MIIT) and Article 5 of the “Implementing Rules of China ccTLD Registration” issued by China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), any registrar providing “.cn” and “.中国” domain name registration services within China must obtain administrative approval from the government authorities.
Recently, CNNIC has identified instances where some overseas registrars have cooperated with China domestic domain name resellers to provide “.cn” and “.中国” domain name registration services within China through these resellers. The above actions have violated the ” Internet Domain Name Regulations ” issued by MIIT and the agreements between CNNIC and the registrars.
We hereby urge all overseas registrars to comply with Chinese regulations and the terms of agreements. Please immediately cease collaboration with domain name reseller in China regarding “.cn” and “.中国” domain name registration services.
Markmonitor Shanghai Accredited Since 2021
Markmonitor is proud to say that we’ve maintained a long and direct partnership with CNNIC. In 2021, Markmonitor Shanghai became a CNNIC accredited registrar to provide domain services in China in compliance with all local laws and regulations.
Don’t hesitate to speak to your Domain Portfolio Advisor should you have any questions.
