Classifications - films, videos, DVDs

• Who does the classification?
• How are films and videos classified?
• How can I find out the classification of a film or video?
• What are the classifications?

Who does the classification?

Films, videos and DVDs are classified by the Classification Board which is part of the federal Attorney General's Department. The Board members are employed for the purpose and are broadly representative of the Australian community.

How are films and videos classified?

A group of classifiers drawn from the Classification Board classify each item, by matching the item against the criteria included in the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games (as approved by the State and territory Ministers responsible for censorship).

The classifiers determine the appropriate classification category (e.g. M15+), and also provide consumer advice lines, which give more information as to the content which led to the decision. (for eg "medium level violence").

If there are disputes about the classification of a particular item, then the Classification Review Board (a group of individuals drawn from across Australia) meets to review the classification and make a fresh binding decision under the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.

How can I find out the classification of a film or video?

The classification symbol (e.g. M) must be shown in all advertisements for the film or video item. All videos must carry the classification on the cover. Posters of the classifications must be displayed where videos are on sale or for hire.

You can check the classification for any film or video by searching the online database.

What are the classifications?

There are six classifications for films and videos:

• General (G)
• Parental Guidance (PG)
• Mature (M)
• Mature Accompanied (MA15+)
• Restricted (R18+)
• Restricted (X18+) Contains consensual sexually explicit activity
• Refused classification (RC)

Films and videos which do not meet the requirements of any of these classification are refused classification (RC).

The detailed classification criteria for each classification category can be found at the Classification Board web site but the intent of each classification can be summarised as follows:

General (G)

The G classification is for a general audience. However, it does not necessarily indicate that children will enjoy the film or computer game. Some G films and games contain themes, story-lines or game play that do not interest children.

Parental Guidance (PG)

Material classified PG may contain material which some children find confusing or upsetting, and may require the guidance of parents or guardians. It is not recommended for viewing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians.

Mature (M)

Material classified M is not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. There are no legal restrictions on access.

Mature Accompanied (MA15+)

Material classified MA15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category.

Restricted (R18+)

This classification category applies only to films. Material classified R is legally restricted to adults. Some material classified R may be offensive to sections of the adult community.

Restricted (X 18+) Contains consensual sexually explicit activity
(restricted to adults 18 years and over)

Films with this classification are available only on video and only in the ACT and Northern Territory. In all States, sale or hire of X classified videos is illegal.

This classification category applies only to films. This classification is a special and legally restricted category which contains only sexually explicit material. That is material which contains real depictions of actual sexual intercourse and other sexual activity between consenting adults.

No depiction of violence, sexual violence, sexualised violence or coercion is allowed in the category. It does not allow sexually assaultive language. Nor does it allow consensual depictions which purposefully demean anyone involved in that activity for the enjoyment of viewers.

Fetishes, such as body piercing, application of substances, such as candle wax, "golden showers". Bondage, spanking, or fisting are not permitted.

As the category is restricted to activity between consenting adults, it does not permit any depictions of non-adult persons, including those aged 16 or 17, nor of adult persons who look like they are under 18 years. Nor does it permit persons 18 years of age or over to be portrayed as minors.

Refused Classification (RC)

Films that exceed the R and X classification categories will be Refused Classification. Material so classified may not be sold, hired, exhibited, displayed, demonstrated or advertised.