Compliance for sale or hire of films
Most classification requirements are similar in each of the States and Territories. However, there are some differences. The 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.
- Films that can be sold or hired
- How should classification markings appear on sale or hire films?
- Age recommendations and restrictions for sale or hire of films
- Restrictions for screening films (eg. in store)
- Displaying the correct classification notice
Films that can be sold or hired
Generally, films (in any format) for sale or hire must be classified by the Classification Board or Classification Review Board before they can be sold or hired in Australia. The film can only be sold or hired in the form and under the same title that it was classified.
Some films may be exempt from classification depending upon their content - see is it exempt from classification.
Foreign classifications are not applicable in Australia so imported films need to be classified before being offered for sale or hire (whether retail or wholesale).
Films classified G, PG, M, MA 15+ or R 18+ may be sold or hired in all States and Territories and X18+ films in the ACT and NT.
Films that have been Refused Classification (RC) cannot be sold or hired in Australia.
For further information about classifying films for sale or hire, refer to the apply for classification – how to Apply of the apply for classification section.
How should classification markings appear on sale or hire films?
Films that are sold or hired must display the classification markings and consumer advice relevant to the film on the container, wrapping or casing.
It is an offence to sell or hire a film with a marking that indicates or suggests the film has been classified when it has not, or with a marking that indicates or suggests it has a different classification to that determined by the Classification Board.
The requirements are summarised on the classification markings section of this website.
The Classification (Markings for Films and Computer Games) Determination 2007 prescribes the classification markings and how they are to be displayed on product and advertising. The current markings came into effect on 26 May 2005 and apply to films classified after this date.
Films classified before 26 May 2005 can continue to use the old classification markings however the new markings can be used if these are preferred.
Age recommendations and restrictions for sale or hire of films
G: There are no legal restrictions on the sale or hire of films classified G.
PG: There are no legal restrictions on the sale or hire of films classified PG. It should be remembered however, that films classified PG are not recommended for people under 15 without guidance from a parent or guardian.
M: There are no legal restrictions on the sale or hire of films classified M. It should be remembered however, that films classified M are not recommended for people under 15 years as these contain content that is recommended for a mature audience.
MA15+: Films classified MA15+ can only be sold or hired to people aged 15 years or older, unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian, or in Queensland by an adult.
R18+: Films classified R18+ can only be sold or hired to adults aged 18 years and over.
For a factsheet for retailers selling or hiring G to R18+ films, see – fact sheets.
X18+: Films classified X 18+ can only be sold or hired in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory provided certain conditions are met. For example, the film must be sold or hired in a restricted publications area to which only people aged 18 and over are permitted to enter. There are conditions applicable to the construction and management of a restricted publications area.
Downloads of classification markings for use by industry in complying with display requirements are available from the computer games and DVD films artwork page on this website.
Restrictions for screening films (for example - in store)
Only classified films (apart from those exempt) can be screened in a public place. The G, PG and M classifications are advisory only and there are no legal age restrictions on the screening of these films. It should be remembered however, that parental guidance is recommended for PG films and M films are not recommended for people under 15 years.
MA15+ and R18+ are legally restricted classifications. It is an offence to screen an MA15+ film in a public place unless the place is restricted to persons over 15 years or if persons under 15 years are present they are accompanied by their parent or adult guardian, or in Queensland by an adult.
An R18+ film cannot be screened in a public place in the presence of a person who is under 18 years.
For a factsheet for retailers selling or hiring G to R18+ films, see – fact sheets.
Displaying the correct classification notice
A notice, in a form approved by the Director of the Classification Board, which lists the film and computer game classifications must be displayed in a prominent place where films are being sold or hired.
Classification notices for films are available from the approved notices page.