Afnic to manage all French overseas TLDs by end 2026

France has centralized the management of its overseas top-level domains (TLDs) under Afnic, the registry operator for .fr and other French internet extensions. The move follows a series of public tenders, resulting in Afnic being awarded responsibility for eight overseas TLDs, including .gf (French Guiana), .gp (Guadeloupe), and .mq (Martinique), which were previously managed by separate organizations. The remaining five extensions—.pm (Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon), .re (Réunion), .tf (French Southern and Antarctic Lands), .wf (Wallis and Futuna), and .yt (Mayotte)—have already been under Afnic’s purview and will continue to be managed by the registry without interruption. The decision was formalized through two ministerial decrees published on 22 June 2026, designating Afnic as the official registry operator for all eight TLDs under the French Electronic Communications and Postal Code (CPCE).

Transition timeline and operational changes

The transition process for .gf, .gp, and .mq is underway, with Afnic engaging in technical and legal discussions with the current operators to ensure a smooth handover. The goal is to complete the transition by the end of 2026 while preserving the existing rights of domain holders. In the interim, Afnic has implemented temporary naming rules for these three extensions, which were incorporated into a revised naming charter that took effect on 6 July 2026. These rules are designed to maintain stability during the transition period and prevent disruptions for registrants.

Afnic has emphasized its commitment to collaborating with local stakeholders in the overseas territories to promote the adoption of these TLDs. The registry plans to launch initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in establishing an online presence under their respective country-code TLDs (ccTLDs). These efforts align with Afnic’s broader mission to foster a trusted, "Made in France" internet ecosystem that serves both local and national interests.

Implications for domain registrants and the industry

The consolidation of these TLDs under a single registry operator is expected to streamline administrative processes and enhance operational consistency across the French overseas territories. Registrants of .gf, .gp, and .mq domains may experience changes in registration policies, renewal procedures, or support channels as the transition progresses. Afnic has not yet detailed specific changes to pricing or registration requirements, but domain holders are advised to monitor updates from the registry or their registrars for guidance.

For the broader domain industry, this move reflects a growing trend of governments seeking to assert greater control over their digital infrastructure. By centralizing the management of these TLDs, France aims to strengthen the sovereignty of its overseas territories in the digital space, ensuring that local communities have dedicated online identities. The decision also underscores the strategic importance of ccTLDs as tools for regional development and economic growth, particularly in smaller or remote territories.

What to watch

The transition for .gf, .gp, and .mq is the most immediate priority, with Afnic targeting completion by the end of 2026. Stakeholders should watch for announcements regarding any changes to registration policies, technical requirements, or support structures for these TLDs. Additionally, Afnic’s planned initiatives to boost local adoption of these extensions could serve as a model for other countries with overseas territories or decentralized digital governance structures. The success of this consolidation may influence similar efforts in other jurisdictions seeking to unify their digital infrastructure under a single registry operator.