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.EU domain name – UK public sector validation guidance

The object of this note is to provide guidance to the UK public sector on the registration and validation of an .EU domain name that may be applied for during the .EU phased registration period (also known the Sunrise Period).

1 Introduction

Under the legal framework of European Commission Regulations 733/2002 and 874/2004 the EC has implemented a Top Level Domain (.EU) and published Public Policy Rules for the establishment and operation of this domain. These rules are available online at: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2002/l_113/l_11320020430en00010005.pdf [external website].

These Public Policy Rules make provision for public administration and businesses established within the EU to qualify to register a .EU domain name. Applications for registration will always be on a strictly first come basis. Names will be registered for one year and an automatic renewal will be established.

2 EURid

A non-profit organisation, incorporated under Belgian law, as been appointed, by the Commission, to run the .EU domain. EURid has established a network of Accredited Registrars and has responsibility for running an Alternative Disputes Resolutions procedure and the WHOIS database. The EURid website is www.eurid.eu/en/about [external website].

3 Phased registration (Sunrise period)

Before the domain is publicly available a phased registration (also known as ‘Sunrise Period’) will be established when prior rights owners, that is, public bodies and registered trademark owners may apply to register appropriate domain names. Applications for registration will be on strictly first come basis and validation is required. It is important to be understand that applications made during the Sunrise Period have to validated by EURid’s appointed validation agent – PricewaterhousCoopers. When an application from an organisation claiming ‘Public Body status’ comes up for registration then the application (including documentary evidence) will be referred to the appropriate Member State Government Validation Point (GVP) for validation of the eligibility of the application. (see contact information in paragraph 8).

4 Eligibility

Within the UK domain names and Internet addresses are not subject to current legislation (see endnote 1), so it has been established that during the Sunrise Period public body eligibility for a .EU domain will be based on the long established practice and rules applied to the .gov.uk second level domain.

These are rules are available on line at: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-government/resources/handbook/html/1-9-2.asp [paragraph 1.9.2.2. Your eligibility for a .gov.uk name].

Applicants that would not qualify as public bodies under the Sunrise Period registration:

• individuals (included elected representatives);
• associations representing public sector staff;
• public sector pension funds;
• stand alone ‘arms length organisations’ where staff are not public servants, eg, they are employees of a private or public company;
• charitable, voluntary and privately owned organisations;
• companies and organisations registered by Companies House (www.companies-house.gov.uk/index.shtml) under Companies Act 1985 in Great Britain or the Register of Companies at Northern Ireland Companies Registry (www.companiesregistry.detini.gov.uk) under the Companies (NI) Order 1986, that is, for example private companies (limited by shares or guarantee), private unlimited companies and public liability companies;
• public, privately owned or charitable organisations undertaking work or programmes within the public sector;
• public, privately owned or charitable organisations undertaking work or programmes targeting the public sector;

5 Step–by–step guide to make your .EU Sunrise application

• Step 1 – Determine your eligibility. If you are a UK public body seen as eligible to be considered for a .gov.uk name then you should be consider eligible or a .EU name. These names should be under your full name or the acronym by which your public body is ‘commonly’ known. [See endnote 2]
• Step 2 – Select your Registrar. Make your domain name application through a EURid Accedited Registrar (this is similar to making your application for a .gov.uk through an approved ISP). The list of current Accredited Registrars see available online at: www.eurid.eu/en/registrarInfo/listOfRegistrars.html [external website] (see paragraph 7 Fees charged).
• Step 3 – Prepare proof of your right to the name. All applications have to be validated for EURid and it is important that you comply accurately with steps 3A and 3B.
• Step 3A – Documentary evidence. When you make a .gov.uk application you have to provide a range of mandatory information. Under our .EU Sunrise procedure you have to provide similar information. However, this has to made in the form of legible hard copy, dated and signed.
• Step 3B – Use of official letterhead and format. Your application, for each individual .EU domain name will be scanned into a computer system and must be made on your official letterhead. Abbreviations where used must also be spelt out. It is essential to provide information in the format given at Annex A. Failure to follow this format will invalidate your application.

7 Fees charged

Domain name registration is a commercial operation and the fees charged are a matter between you and your chosen Accredited Registrar.

8 Points of Contact

Queries from public sector bodies can be referred

The Government Validation Point for the UK member State is

naming@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk

Regional advice and guidance is available:

• In Northern Ireland from: paul.mcneill@dfpni.gov.uk
• In Scotland to from: eudomain@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
• In Wales to from: stephen.boulcott@wales.gov.uk

9 Useful links

• EURid:
  www.eurid.eu/en/about [external website]
• List of EURid Accredited Registrars:
  www.eurid.eu/en/registrarInfo/listOfRegistrars.html [external website]
• Creating the .EU top level domain:
  europa.eu.int/comm/information_society/policy/internet/pdf/com2000421_en.pdf [external website]

Endnotes
Note 1 : Telephone Number Exclusion (Domain name and internet Addresses) Order 2003 No 3281

Note 2 : The Sunrise Period will consist of two consecutive phases lasting two months each. Phase one if for your full name, common acronym and registered trademarks. Phase two will in addition cover, rights such as company names, business identifiers, literary works, trademarks applied for and unregistered trademarks.