Compliance for advertising classified music recordings

Most classification requirements are similar in each of the States and Territories. However, there are some differences. Therefore, information in this section is provided as a general guide only. You should refer to the relevant State or Territory classification legislation for detailed information.

Links to State and Territory classification legislation are available on the State and Territory Classification legislation page.

Advertising music recordings with film or computer game content

The only music recordings with visual or computer game content that can be advertised in Australia are those that have been classified by the Classification Board.

An exemption to this is a music recording that may be exempt from classification depending upon its content - see is it Exempt from Classification.

Music recordings that are Refused Classification (RC) cannot be advertised.

Requirements for including trailers for a classified music recording on a DVD, computer game or music recording

Film advertising (trailers) for a classified music recording included on a DVD or video can only be included with a feature film or classified music recording of the same or higher classification.

That is:

• Film advertising for G music recordings can be included with all films, computer games or classified music recordings.
• Film advertising for PG music recordings can only be included with PG, M, MA 15+ or R 18+ films, computer games or classified music recordings.
• Film advertising for M music recordings can only be included with M, MA 15+ or R 18+ films, computer games or classified music recordings.
• Film advertising for MA 15+ music recordings can only be included with MA 15+ or R 18+ films or classified music recordings.
• Film advertising for R 18+ music recordings can only be included with R 18+ films or classified music recordings.

Advertising for unclassified or Refused Classification music recordings cannot be included on a DVD, video, computer game or music recording.

There are restrictions on screening trailers for MA 15+ and R 18+ music recordings in a public place in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Northern Territory (NT).

Requirements for marking different types of advertising for a classified music recording

The requirements are summarised on the Classification Markings page.

The Classification (Markings for Films and Computer Games) Determination 2007 prescribes the classification markings and how they are to be displayed on advertising matter such as TVCs, print and Internet advertising.