Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) policy for allocation of IPv6 blocks to regional internet registries

Summary

This document outlines the policy for allocating IPv6 address space from the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). The key principles include allocating a minimum of a /12 block of IPv6 addresses to each RIR, ensuring they have sufficient address space for at least 18 months. Initial allocations will be made to any RIR with less than a /12 unallocated space or any new RIR upon recognition by ICANN.

Additional allocations are triggered when an RIR’s available IPv6 space is less than 50% of a /12 or insufficient for the next 9 months. The IANA will then allocate enough space for the RIR’s needs for 18 months. Calculations for available and necessary space are based on free addresses, reservations, and projected allocation needs, with special needs requiring detailed justification. IANA, the NRO, and the RIRs will publicly announce any allocations made.