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National Internet Registries (NIRs)

As the RIR for the Asia Pacific, APNIC provides Internet number resource distribution, registration, and many other services to organizations in 56 economies across the region. In some cases APNIC provides services through approved NIR organizations to meet particular geographical needs. NIRs perform Internet number delegations and registrations in line with APNIC policies. There are seven NIRs that serve their respective Internet communities in local languages:

NIR map AP

The NIR Secretariats are APNIC Members, as outlined in the APNIC and NIR Member Relationship Agreement. NIRs are not run by APNIC. They are separate, non-profit entities, incorporated within the laws where they are based, and have their own memberships. In most cases organizations may choose between membership with APNIC and their local NIR, but it is not possible to obtain Internet number resources from both.

All Internet resource distribution and management policies are decided at a regional level, through participation in the APNIC Policy Development Process. Anyone may contribute to policy discussions or submit a policy proposal. NIRs adhere to regional policies, as they are APNIC Members. For more information, read the APNIC Operational policies for NIRs.

NIR hostmasters make resource requests on behalf of their own members. This way, NIR members can ensure they speak directly with native speakers of their own language.

NIR quick facts

  • Each economy may only have one NIR. There are seven NIRs in the APNIC region.
  • NIRs have their own fee schedules in local currency for their members, and they pay membership fees to APNIC.
  • NIRs can have their own policies that apply only to their members, but those policies must not conflict with regional and global policies.
  • The sig-nir mailing list is for NIR members and others interested in NIR issues and how the NIRs work with APNIC.

NIR moratorium permanent

In the EC meeting of 27 February 2012, the EC resolved to impose a moratorium on accepting any new NIR applications while the EC evaluated the future of the NIR program, without prejudice to existing NIRs. At the EC meeting of 26 February 2024, the EC resolved that this moratorium be made permanent with immediate effect. Existing NIRs are unaffected by this resolution.