Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy
IRTP is the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy developed by ICANN for the safe straight forward transfer of domain names from one registrar to another.[1] The policy contains information about the method of transferring a domain name, dispute resolution mechanism and the method of undoing the transfer if it was done as a result of an error.[2]
Development
IRTP was developed through consensus process of ICANN. In early 2003, the Transfer Task Force presented a report to GNSO council. The report had 29 policy recommendations which were accepted by GNSO and were adopted by ICANN. ICANN coordinated with the Transfer Assistance Group - TAG and GNSO to implement the transfer procedure. This policy is required to be followed by all the registrars throughout the world since 12 November 2004.[3] The background documents and GNSO reviews on IRTP can be downloaded from ICANN Transfers here.
In November 2008, certain changes were made to the policy on the advice of ICANN board.[4][5]
GNSO is again reviewing the policy with respect to the issues of domain hijacking, the urgent return of an inappropriately transferred name and "lock status". On 31st May 2011, IRTP working group submitted a report about 9 changes that should be made to the policy.[6] The revised policy was open for comments from 8 July 2011 to 8 August 2011.[7]