What is Brexit?

“Brexit” – the British exit – refers to the United Kingdom (UK) leaving the European Union (EU).

According to BBC, “The EU is an economic and political union involving 28 European countries. It allows free trade and free movement of people to live and work in whichever country they choose.” Back in 2016 the UK decided by the way of public vote that they would leave the EU. Originally, Brexit was due to happen in March of 2019 but was delayed. Most recently, the UK was due to leave the EU on October 31, 2019.

Update: the EU has extended Brexit deadline until January 31, 2020.

How Will Brexit Affect My Domains?

As Brexit approaches, customers who live or work in the UK and have domains in EU nations are wondering how this will affect them. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Brexit and your domains. Although not every Registry has announced how they will be handling Brexit, here’s what we know so far.

There will be a grace period

If you live or work in the UK you probably have a lot going on right now. Take moment to catch your breath! We want you to know that there is nothing you need to do right this moment to prepare for Brexit. Once Brexit happens, whether it is at the end of this month or if it is delayed again, you will have time to get everything in order.

Trustee service is available

Many people are worried that they will no longer be eligible for their EU domains once Brexit happens and they are no longer part of the EU. If this is the case, you can use our Trustee Service. For a fee in addition to your domain registration, we will supply a local presence on your behalf. But don’t worry, you still you maintain full ownership of your domain.

Not every TLD is changing requirements

Many of the TLDs affected by Brexit are country code domains (ccTLDs) that reside in the EU. The thing about ccTLDs is that they are not all governed by a centralized party. Generic TLDs like .com and .net on the other hand, are controlled by ICANN and therefore follow the same policies and procedures. ccTLDs are governed locally by the individual country they pertain to. Some countries may decide not to update requirements in regards to Brexit, while others may make some changes. It will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Which TLDs are Affected?

There are 28 countries that belong to the EU, and 8 TLDs that could potentially be affected by Brexit.

Click on each domain below to learn more.

.eu domain - European Union

As of the withdrawal date (October 31st), undertakings and organizations that are established in the United Kingdom and natural persons who reside in the United Kingdom will no longer be eligible to register or renew .eu domain names.

However, any organization or person in the UK can use a Trustee Service to register new .eu domains and maintain existing .eu registrations.

.fr domain - France

Afnic who operates .fr domain has not made any decision regarding UK registrants. For now, UK registrants remain eligible, and no domain name belonging to UK registrants will be deleted. If there are to be any changes in the future, 101domain will notify registrants with plenty of time.

.pm domain - Saint Pierre

Afnic who operates .pm domain has not made any decision regarding UK registrants. For now, UK registrants remain eligible, and no domain name belonging to UK registrants will be deleted. If there are to be any changes in the future, 101domain will notify registrants with plenty of time.

.re domain - Reunion Island

Afnic who operates .re domain has not made any decision regarding UK registrants. For now, UK registrants remain eligible, and no domain name belonging to UK registrants will be deleted. If there are to be any changes in the future, 101domain will notify registrants with plenty of time.

.tf domain - French Southern Territories

Afnic who operates .tf domain has not made any decision regarding UK registrants. For now, UK registrants remain eligible, and no domain name belonging to UK registrants will be deleted. If there are to be any changes in the future, 101domain will notify registrants with plenty of time.

.wf domain - Wallis and Futuna

Afnic who operates .wf domain has not made any decision regarding UK registrants. For now, UK registrants remain eligible, and no domain name belonging to UK registrants will be deleted. If there are to be any changes in the future, 101domain will notify registrants with plenty of time.

.yt domain - Mayotte

Afnic who operates .yt domain has not made any decision regarding UK registrants. For now, UK registrants remain eligible, and no domain name belonging to UK registrants will be deleted. If there are to be any changes in the future, 101domain will notify registrants with plenty of time.

.it domain - Italy

Registro.it who operates .it domain has not made any decision regarding UK registrants. For now, domain names registered before Brexit will be continue to be assigned. If there are to be any changes in the future, 101domain will notify registrants with plenty of time.

If Brexit Happens, What’s Next?

If Brexit happens on January 31, 2020 as planned, here’s how it will work at 101domain. Only customers with .eu domains will be affected immediately. On February 1, 2020, UK registrants will be treated as any other registrant outside of the EU. What this means is that UK registrants will need to provide a contact address in the EU for all new .eu domain registrations starting on February 1st. If you do not have a local contact, you can use our Trustee Services.

UK registrants that have existing .eu domains will be given a grace period to meet the new .eu requirements. If you do not provide 101domain with a new address in that time we will add our Trustee Service to your .eu domains for free. Once your .eu domains come up for their next renewal you will need to provide an EU address, or pay for our Trustee Service in order to keep your .eu domains.