Today’s world is connected through the internet; it is not just serving as a means of communication between people but also has become a backbone to multiple businesses.
Every business these days has a digital presence, and to make it in the best interest of business, every company must choose the right domain name. The addition of the .cn domain also plays a vital role for businesses operating in China.
Registering with a .cn domain is a legal requirement for businesses operating in China and also offers many benefits to businesses and customers.
If you wish to explore the reason for registering a .cn domain and the associated legal requirements, this article could greatly help you. So, let’s read below.
5 Main reasons to register a .CN domain
When it comes to registering a .cn domain, you must be thinking, why are this important, well many reasons justify this form of registration and proves to be beneficial for businesses, and some of these are shared below:
1. Higher ranking in search engine
The Chinese business community has a very strong impact in terms of businesses as well as clients. Hence, when reaching out to potential customers, you must rank your website in the top-most results over the search engines.
When you have your website registered with a .cn domain, you have a high chance of ranking at the top, and you will be able to gain Chinese clients by highlighting your business presence.
Your website will gain more traffic, and you will have more business from China. The .cn domain helps the search engine to keep your business highlighted and among the top rankings.
By appearing in the top search results, the chances of gaining more and more business increase.
2. Depicts seriousness to do business
Online business is prevailing like wildfire, but at the same time is a risky thing to do. Hence, many customers are vigilant about dealing with companies due to trust issues. When you have a registered .cn domain name, you can gain some trust from these customers.
It shows that you are serious about serving your clients because you have been charged with registering your domain, and your intention to conduct business in good faith is depicted.
The more serious you regard your business and the associated matters, the more your chances will be to gain popularity. The .cn domain could greatly help you conduct a successful business and cater to different clients.
3. Helps target Chinese customers
Doing business in China would be under an intent to target Chinese customers. Hence, when registering your domain with .cn, you will be able to target more and more Chinese customers.
It is essential to have a domain name that the Chinese clients remember because when setting up a business in China, your target market would be Chinese clients. By registering your business with a .cn domain name, you will be gearing up to have such business names that will be easier for Chinese clients to remember.
Hence, whenever they need any product, they will be in a solution to easily recall your business name and get in touch with you.
4. Creates an official image of business
Fraud cases are common worldwide; in the past years, many people have been scammed by businesses copying different brand names, damaging the business’s reputation and the client’s trust.
Hence, when registering your business with the .cn domain, you tend to create a positive image of your business. You can message your potential clients that your business is not fake and they can comfortably deal with you.
5. Gives exclusive domain name rights
When you have a .cn domain name registered, you are in a position to have exclusive rights. This will help prevent anyone else from copying your brand or products and selling under your name. If someone tries to do this, you will have the authority to take legal action against them.
What is a .CN domain?
A .cn domain name is specifically designed for websites that operate from China or are associated with China. It identifies China’s country code and hence helps to identify that the websites with .cn in their domain name originate from China.
CNNIC is an organization that looks after registering the .cn domain names. No matter whether individuals, organizations, or businesses are getting their websites registered with a .cn domain, they must follow the policies laid down by this organization.
The policies laid may comprise providing certain documents or meeting particular criteria according to the regulations imposed in China.
Hence, .cn is a website address linked to China and ensures that a particular website is connected to the digital landscape of China. It could be used by businesses, government organizations, individuals, and many more to create a presence on the web within China or to get in touch with Chinese audiences.
Registering with a .cn domain name offers a lot of rights and benefits to businesses; not only does it protect the digital presence of a business on the internet, but it also helps attract more customers.
A .cn name distinguishes a business operating in China from a business operating anywhere else in the world. It helps ensure that the business operates in China or is related to China and serves Chinese clients. Such a domain allows to create a distinguishing factor between the businesses that operate in China and the ones that do not operate in China.
How to register a .CN domain
Acquiring a .cn domain is a straightforward process, but certain steps need to be followed before you can actively use it. The registration process involves submitting your personal information for review by the CNNIC (China Internet Network Information Center). Once your information is verified, you’ll be able to start using your .cn domain.
Here’s a breakdown of the process and the documentation required for different registrants:
For Companies Outside China:
- Company’s official registration certificate
- Identity card copy of the company’s representative (national ID, passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- A signed letter of commitment
For Companies Located in China:
- Copy of the Chinese business license
- Copy of the Certificate of Organization Code
- Copy of the Chinese Citizen National ID of the company’s representative
For Individuals Not Located in China:
- Copy of personal identity card (national ID, driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Signed copy of a “Letter of Commitment”
One important document you might need to provide is the “Letter of Commitment.” This is specifically required for websites not hosted in China. The letter must be written in both Chinese and English and confirms that the domain owner’s website is not hosted on a Chinese server. It also commits the owner to apply for an ICP license if the website is transferred to a Chinese hosted server.
After submitting your documents, you’ll need to wait for verification from the CNNIC. This verification process typically takes around 15 days, although you might receive approval in as little as a few days. Once your identity is verified, you’ll be ready to start using your .cn domain for your online presence.
Insight into legal requirements of registering a .CN domain
When registering a .cn domain name, there are specific legal requirements that CNNIC sets. Being a regulatory authority, they are responsible for looking after these .cn domain names.
These requirements ensure that the registration process is secure, free of hindrance, and compliant with the regulations prevailing in China. Some of these legal requirements include the following:
Verification of entity
To register a .cn domain, the organization or individual must provide documents that are valid and can be identified. These documents consist of a business license to be registered; it helps to ensure that only such entities can register the .cn domain names that are legitimate.
By verifying your presence and your organization’s presence, the authorities tend to ensure that no fraud or scams would occur from that website.
Requirement to be present in China
The requirement to be physically present in China by the registrants of the .cn domain names must also be fulfilled. This requirement means the business entity must have a registered office in China.
Some exceptions could enjoy little relaxed requirements regarding being present in the country, but this depends on the registered domain type.
Regulations for a domain name
CNNIC always enforces some regulations regarding the registration of domain names keeping in view that it doesn’t violate ethical, public, or Chinese law. Any domain name that is misleading, inappropriate, or offensive could be rejected during registration.
The .cn domain name not only benefits businesses but also has benefits for customers. The .cn domain name because it helps function without any hindrances.
Complying with legal requirements
The registrants must abide by the laws prevailing in China when applying for a .cn domain. They should not be involved in any such activity that tends to harm China’s national interest or may violate its legal framework.
Submission of relevant documents
When you carry out the registration process, you must submit some relevant documents to prove that you are compliant and eligible for the registration process. This may consist of presenting copies of legal documents and required supporting material.
When submitting documents, it should be kept in mind that the data provided is up to date and accurate because if it is found inappropriate, there is a chance of rejection of the domain.
Keeping up to date with regulations
When registering with the .cn domain, you must stay updated with CNNIC’s regulations. They tend to change and update their rules, and by keeping in touch with them, you abide by the legal implications they offer.
Monitoring the keywords in the domain name
CNNIC consistently keeps an eye on the domain name and ensures that no such keyword is used in the domain of a business that has any chance of associating with politics or religion and may harm others.
Hence, businesses must avoid registering using such names as this could lead to a conflict or a potential rejection of the domain name.
Protection of trademark
If you have a registered trademark for your business, then registering a .cn domain may be easier. It helps protect unauthorized use of your businesses and also offers you priority when registering your domain name.
Conclusion
Operating a business in China is very common; many entities are successfully operating in China, but at the same time, another essential thing is to meet legal requirements.
Online presence needs to be secured and justified; therefore, registering with a.cn domain helps and secures the business and its customers. China takes numerous steps to protect the rights of its people, among which registration of the .cn domain is also prioritized.
Sources: https://www.ntia.gov/blog/china-s-internet-domain-name-measures-and-digital-economy
FAQ: about .CN domain
Yes, .cn is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for China. It represents China’s online presence on the internet.
Like any domain extension, the safety of a .cn domain depends on proper management, security measures, and adherence to best practices. Registering a .cn domain from reputable domain registrars and following security protocols can help ensure its safety.
.CN domains are owned by individuals, companies, or entities that have successfully registered and obtained them through accredited domain registrars.
.CN is a valid top-level domain (TLD) for websites and email addresses. You can use it in email addresses, similar to other TLDs like .com, .org, etc.
“com.cn” is a subdomain within the .cn domain extension. It is often used by commercial entities in China, similar to how “.com” is used in other top-level domains.
