Film not for public exhibition
On this page, you can find information about how to apply for classification of DVD/Video (film other than for Public Exhibition).
- Do I need to get my film classified?
- Downloadable, online and mobile phone film product
- What do I have to do?
- Essential requirements of an application
- How long will it take?
- What if I don't agree with the Classification Board's decision?
- Where can I get more information?
- Where do I send my application?
Do I need to get my film classified?
Most films, whether local or imported, have to be classified before they can be sold, hired or distributed in Australia. There are some exceptions:
- Identical versions of a previously classified film do not require classification. You may sell, hire or distribute an identical version of a previously classified film using its prior classification and consumer advice.
For example: If a film has been classified for cinema or video and you want to release the same version of the film on DVD no further classification is required. The film in its new format will retain the original classification and consumer advice, as applicable. - To determine if a version of a film has a previous classification, please check the classification database. This database displays the production details (title, producer, director and production company), duration, classification and consumer advice of films that have been previously classified. Please contact us if you have any problems using the database.
- If the details of a previously classified film vary from the version you want to sell, hire or distribute, you must submit the film for classification. A variation may include either the addition or deletion of any content.
- Certain films may be exempt from classification if their content can be accommodated under specific descriptions in the Classification Act. The conditions for exempt films are relatively specific and relate to both subject matter and classifiable elements within the film. Refer to the Exempt films page for more information.
Downloadable, online and mobile phone film product
Downloadable film content may be submitted for classification.
Online film product may be classified by the Classification Board if submitted for classification. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) may also refer content prohibited under the Broadcasting Services Act to the Classification Board. If you are unsure about whether online product should be submitted for classification please seek independent legal advice.
Mobile phone content may also be classified by the Classification Board if submitted for classification. For more information about whether mobile phone film product requires classification, please contact the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on telephone (02) 6271 1000.
What do I have to do?
If you are a new applicant you will first need to set up an account in our records database by completing and submitting a New Account Setup Request Form to the Business Support Unit (contact details are on the form). It is preferable for you to do this before you submit any applications or payments for classification. If you are an existing client and your business name, ABN or contact details have changed please use the new account or account update forms in the application forms section of our website.
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.
You must identify what sort of film you are submitting for classification. There are two broad groups - interactive and non-interactive. It's important to understand the distinction between the two, because it affects what documentation you need to provide with your application.
Interactive and non-interactive films are different depending on whether their menus affect the way a film and any additional material might be viewed. For example, films that:
- have no menu or a menu option limited to Play Movie are non-interactive, and
- have feature menu options in addition to Play Movie (eg Scene Selection, Deleted Scenes, Bios, Trailers, or Commentaries) are interactive.
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.
In order to satisfy the requirements of the Classification Act and Film - Other 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
- an attached document containing an adequate synopsis that is a summary of the plot, or of any incidents depicted or intended to be depicted by the film.
If the film is interactive then you must also complete Attachment One of the Film other than for Public Exhibition application form. This details particulars of any contentious material in the film and the means by which access to that material may be gained. Contentious material is any content or incidents within the film that might attract a classification of M or above. The Guidelines for the classification of films and computer Games provide a summary of the type of material that might result in a decision of M or above. If you do not completg Attachment One your application may be delayed. Please refer to the user notes and examples [PDF 348KB] supplied. These provide additional information on how to assess contentious material and indicate the level of information required. If you consider that the film contains no contentious material then you need to declare in Attachment One that the film contains no contentious material.
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
New 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. From 1 July 2007, 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 a Classification Board decision 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