Registering .cn domains
From SuperbHosting.net Support Wiki
Third level domain names consist of three parts. For example, in the third level domain name example.com.cn:
- .cn would be the top level part
- .com would be the second level part
- example would be the third level part which is the part you register
For domain names such as .com.cn, .net.cn, .org.cn, the .cn extension is a country-code top level domain (ccTLD). What this means is that this domain extension has been set aside specifically for the use of a country. The .cn domain was created for the country of China and, until recently, has been used for addressing government, public utilities, and other resources and business within the country of China.
Recently, the use of this domain name was opened up to all web users so that anyone, anywhere can register a .cn domain name for any purpose.
Many .cn domain names are sold in a third-level domain format. What this means is that you actually register yourName.org.cn or MyBusiness.com.cn. This type of domain works exactly like other domains you are used to seeing (such as SuperbRegistrar.net), they just have an extra extension added to them.
On March 16th, 2003, the .cn Registry finally allowed users to start registering second-level .cn domain names. This means that, instead of getting yourname.com.cn, you might be able to get yourname.cn. The .cn top level domain is managed by the China Internet Network Information Center.
Registration, Renewal, and Grace period for .cn domains
The minimum registration period for a .cn domain name is 1 year, and the maximum is 5 years.
Domain names registered through China-based registrars cannot be transferred into non-China based registrars, and vice versa. Domain names cannot be transferred within the first 60 days of initial registration. Also, domain names scheduled to expire in fewer than 14 days will not be allowed to transfer. These rules are based on the fact that .cn does not have auto-renewal for expired names. You must use the authorization key which you obtained from the current registrar to transfer .cn domains.
The .cn registry only provides a 2-day grace period to renew expired domains. After the 2-day grace period, the domain is either released back to the registry or immediately goes into redemption.
We urge you to manage .cn domains closely and encourage your clients to renew their .cn domain well in advance of expiration to avoid additional redemption fees. Current redemption rates are $160 and are subject to change without notice.
NOTE: You cannot update DNS servers or contact information on .cn domain names using SuperbRegistrar's Domain Manager. Please send us your domain name and name server information and we will manually process the changes for you.
.cn domain names are available for registration worldwide
Under recently announced policy, .cn domain names will be available for registration worldwide. Previously, only registrants located in China were able to register a .cn name. CNNIC is also moving to a real-time registration system. Previously, .cn sales agents accepted .cn registrations, but CNNIC acted as the exclusive Registrar and Registry.
Registrants do not need Nexus requirements to register a .cn domain name.
After launch, any business or organization, worldwide, can register a .cn name under a new liberalized policy that no longer restricts .cn registrations to Chinese entities. Registrars and resellers of .cn domain names are able to offer .cn domain names to registrants worldwide.
