[address-policy-wg] [policy-announce]2014-05 New Draft Document and ImpactAnalysis Published (Policy for Inter-RIR Transfers of InternetResources) (Erik Bais)

Hi Sandra,

> The model proposed in the policy is intended to mimic the existing
> policy between
> APNIC and ARIN whereby the arbitration topic is not needed. When two
> RIR's have like needs assessment, this topic goes away. 

I noticed that the existing policy proposal doesn't have the arbitration point and the fact is, that the policies between RIPE and APNIC and RIPE and ARIN aren't the same.  
That in combination with the remark in the current policy summary : 

> RIPE NCC should create an operational procedure that satisfies the requirements of both RIRs in order to allow transfers to and from its service region.

That is an issue in my view. 

That in combination with what is stated in the Impact Assessment that the ARIN staff does not see the policy to be compatible with theirs .. are the points that I wanted to address.  

By having the other RIR pre-approve the transfer (either receiving or sending transfers) based on their view and interpretation of their own policy, they can do the need justification. 
Adjustments in their policy won't affect compatibility of the inter-RIR policy. 

And when the transfer is then submitted for processing to RIPE, it will always be compatible, the RIPE staff doesn't have to cram up on all policy changes, arbitration isn't an issue and you will have a policy that will work.  
If one of the other RIR's is going to change to a no needs justification policy, they can just pre-approve the transfer, and the RIPE NCC can still just process the transfer ... 

Personally I think that having the other RIR (not RIPE NCC) do the local policy checking and need justification if they have it for the transfer, makes this a lot easier, without having the RIPE NCC to line up on both the ARIN and APNIC policies. 

As an example: 
What if Registration Services (RS) from RIPE NCC would approve a certain justification according to their policy interpretation and ARIN or APNIC RS would not approve the same logic ? 
Policy interpretation and the justification checking, should be done at the RIR who has the most strict policy. It doesn't make sense to me, to have RIPE IPRA's try to do a justification check based on interpretation of the APNIC or ARIN policy ... 

> This is the nature of negotiation in the global community. 

Perhaps, but a policy for the benefit of the global community, should have some kind of arbitration clauses in there or at least define where arbitration should be done.  
It is good stewardship to have a RIPE policy that wouldn't open up the doors for long international discussions without a clear view on who the 'problem-owner' is .. and for future customers it should be clear where they can take their complains if they are not happy with the outcome.  

Regards,
Erik Bais