The top-level domain (TLD) is the highest-level in the structure of the internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). Examples include .com, .org, .gov, .edu, among others. The domain ending .SX is a country code top-level domain, or ccTLD, which represents Sint Maarten.
The .SX domain was officially released on November 15th, 2012. It is managed by the registry SX Registry SA B.V. This decision was made following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, when the island of Sint Maarten became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Its administration as a TLD was conducted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The creation of this domain allows entities connected with this country to register a domain that has a clear link to the region, showing local consumers that they are operating in the area.
For example, a business located in Sint Maarten might use a .SX domain to appeal to local customers, or a non-profit organization might use it to demonstrate its commitment to the region. Other inhabitants or companies, including those who are situated offshore, can absolutely register this domain. This can be compared to other TLDs like the .CA for Canada or .UK for the United Kingdom. The registration procedure for a .SX domain is simplistic and is not restricted to locals only.
Sources:
- SX Registry. (2022). The Company — SX Registry. Retrieved from http://www.registry.sx/fr/company
- ICANN. (2022). ICANN. Retrieved from https://www.icann.org/
- Bollyky, T. J., & Gostin, L. O. (2020). The United States of Sint Maarten? The Influence Trade, Taxes, and Travel Have on Obesity. JAMA
However, it’s important to note that every ccTLD has a different set of policies and registration requirements determined by their respective registries or the local internet community. For instance, .DE (Germany) requires a local administrative contact, .FR (France) requires EU residency, and .CA (Canada) requires Canadian presence as an individual or organization. But as previously stated, .SX domain does not require local presence as registration is open to all.
Sources:
- Registry, .SX. (n.d.). Policies & Documents — SX Registry. [online] Registry.sx. Available at:
- DENIC eG. (n.d.). DENIC eG: General Information. [online] Available at:
- AFNIC. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions | Afnic. [online] Available at:
- CIRA. (n.d.). Who can register a .CA | CIRA – The Canadian Internet Registration Authority. [online] Available at:
All in all, the top-level domain .SX offers businesses and entities associated with Sint Maarten an opportunity to connect with local consumers and demonstrate their allegiance to the region. While there are no restrictions for its registration, it’s important to review local laws and regulations for conducting business in the region.
