Additional Content Assessor (ACA) Scheme
On this page, you can find information about how to apply for classification of DVDs and videos using the Additional Content Assessor (ACA) scheme.
- What is the Additional Content Assessor Scheme?
- What is the additional content?
- What do I have to do?
- Essential requirements of an application
- How long will it take?
- What if I don't agree awith the Classification Board's decision?
- Where can I get more information?
- Where do I send my application?
What is the Additional Content Assessor Scheme?
The Additional Content Assessor (ACA) scheme is a new approach to the classification of DVDs, videos or other media storage devices that contain previously classified (or exempt) films with additional content. It allows for appropriately trained and authorised persons known as Additional Content Assessors (ACAs) to recommend a classification and consumer advice for the additional content to the Classification Board. While the Board will still be responsible for the classification of the product, its decision may be informed by the ACA assessment and classification recommendation.
What is additional content?
Additional content is material such as 'making of' documentaries, out-takes and commentaries or interviews with the director or actors. Under the scheme, additional content does not, however, include television programs or series or computer games.
The ACA scheme does not apply in instances where the feature film has not yet been classified (unless it is exempt from classification requirements). Products likely to be classified X18+ or RC (Refused Classification) are also not eligible under the scheme.
What do I have to do?
It is essential that you submit the correct documentation, materials and classification fee with any application for classification. If you do not supply all the correct information your application may be delayed.
Essential requirements of an application
The application form is provided for in the Classification Act and approved by the Director. You must fill in the form correctly or there will be delays in your application. The form can be found on the Application forms – Films not for public exhibition page. Please make sure that you sign the form as an unsigned application does not satisfy the requirements of the Classification Act and will delay your application. You also need to make sure that you have provided the correct fee for classification – the application is not valid until the fee has been received. A flat fee applies for ACA applications, unless it includes a film certified as exempt – please refer to the fees section for more information.
In order to satisfy the requirements of the Classification Act and Film - Other ACA scheme application form approved by the Director, you need to supply:
- a copy of the film that includes only content intended for sale, hire or distribution (advertisements or trailers for previously classified films do not need to be included). The copy you submit must be of good quality. The content must not be obscured by time coding or any other image not intended for the films release. Black and white versions of colour films are not acceptable. You may submit a copy in a format not intended for sale (VHS for DVD release). Applications may be delayed or rejected if the material supplied is not clearly ordered, labelled or is contained on an excessive number of devices.
- the prescribed classification fee calculated using the Classifiable Time Worksheet
- a completed Additional Content Assessor recommendation report, which includes the required synopsis and an ACA recommendation report form. This must be signed by a certified Additional Content Assessor, trained by the Branch.
Please Note: Once your film has been classified, you may add advertisements for films and computer games previously classified at the same or lower classification level without requiring your film to be reclassified. If you intend to sell or hire your product with a trailer for a film or computer game that has not been classified by the Classification Board, you will need to declare the trailer as classifiable content in the Classifiable Time Worksheet and provide a declaration that your finished product will be imported into Australia in a form that cannot be modified.
How long will it take?
For standard classification applications, please allow 20 working days once the Classification Board has received a valid application.
For priority classification applications, please allow 5 working days once the Classification Board has received a valid application. An additional fee of $420.00 applies to each priority application.
Information about how the turnaround times are calculated is listed in the ‘Changes to turnaround times’ section below.
Changes to turnaround times
Regulations, effective from 1 July 2007, allow the Classification Board a maximum of 20 working days in which to process a standard application. The commencement of the 20 day period begins when the Classification Board receives a valid application.
View the new Regulations determining the calculation of the period within which the Classification Board is to make a decision.
Before the 20 day period begins, Applications staff must undertake a series of administrative and validity checking tasks in relation to each application to ensure the Classification Board has the information it requires to make a classification decision. This administration work must occur before the Classification Board accepts an application, rather than occurring concurrently and as part of the 20 day period.
In the case of a standard application, the administration period will not exceed 5 working days. In the case of a priority application, the administration period will not exceed two days.
While Applications staff will always endeavour to keep processing time to a minimum, applicants will need to consider the maximum administration periods noted above and the impact these may have on applicants with tight time-frames for receiving a classification decision.
Applicants can help reduce processing time by supplying accurate and complete documentation with all applications.
What if I disagree with the Classification Board's decision?
You can ask a Classification Applications Officer for a copy of the Classification Board's reasons for decision. You can also apply for a review to the Classification Review Board, an independent review body.
Refer to how to apply for review of Classification Board decisions for information on applying for a review, application forms and the review fee.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any further enquiries you can contact the appropriate officer on one of the telephone numbers below
If you require additional information you can submit an enquiry or contact an appropriate officer on one of the telephone numbers below.
Enquiries relating to:
An application for classification of a film for public exhibition
Senior Applications Officer
Telephone: (02) 9289 7100
A review of a classification decision
Secretary of the Classification Review Board
Telephone: (02) 9289 7100
Where do I send my application?
By post
The Director
Classification Board
Locked Bag 3
HAYMARKET NSW 1240
By courier
The Director
Classification Board
Level 5, 23 – 33 Mary St
SURRY HILLS NSW 2010