What we do
- What does the Classification Board do?
- Film
- Computer games
- Publications
- Consumer advice
- Referrals from law enforcement agencies
What does the Classification Board do?
Every film and computer game, whether produced locally or overseas, has to be classified before it can be made legally available to the public. Some publications also need to be classified. There are limited exceptions to this rule.
The Classification Board classifies these films, computer games and publications, and also provides classifications to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on Internet content, advice to enforcement agencies such as the police and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
Film
There are six classification categories for films.
Advisory categories
G, PG and M are advisory categories. Advisory categories are not restricted to anyone. These classifications are recommendations only.
Restricted categories
MA 15+, R 18+ and X 18+ are legally restricted categories – in other words, there are laws regarding who can watch material classified MA 15+ and over.
Refused classification
It is also possible for a film to be classified 'RC' (Refused Classification) – in other words, banned. The Classification Board is required to apply the law and classification guidelines in order to make its decisions. This occasionally results in material being refused a classification, which means that it cannot legally be shown, sold or hired in Australia.
Computer games
There are four classification categories for computer games (G, PG, M, MA 15+) and RC. There is no R 18+ rating for computer games.
Publications
There are three classification categories for publications (Unrestricted, Category 1 – Restricted, Category 2 – Restricted) and RC.
Consumer advice
The Classification Board also decides what consumer advice should be provided. Consumer advice is designed to let consumers know which classifiable elements (for example violence, sex, coarse language, themes, drug use and/or nudity) have led to the classification. Consumer advice helps you make an informed choice about the material you, or those in your care, choose to read, view or play.
Referrals from law enforcement agencies
The Classification Board also deals with referrals from the police, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The Board classifies Internet sites referred by the ACMA and video content developed by for distribution over mobile phone networks.
The Board does not classify TV programs or films for TV.