Publications
On this page, you can find information about how to apply for classification of a publication.
- Do I need to get my publication classified?
- How to apply for a classification
- Essential requirements of an application
- How long will it take?
- Serialised publication
- 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 publication classified?
Under the national classification scheme, only a 'submittable' publication requires classification. A 'submittable' publication is one that is likely to be restricted to adults because it:
- contains depictions or descriptions likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult,
- is unsuitable for a minor to see or read, or
- is likely to be refused classification.
A 'submittable publication', whether local or imported, must be classified before it can be displayed for sale.
However, an identical version of a previously classified publication does not have to be classified. You may display and sell an identical version of a previously classified publication using its prior classification and conditions for display and sale.
To determine if a version of a publication has a previous classification, check the classification database. This database displays the production details (title, volume, number, publisher and production company), duration, classification and conditions of publications that have been previously classified. Please contact us if you have any problems using the database.
If the details of a previously classified publication vary from the version you want to sell, you must submit the publication for classification. A variation may include either the addition or deletion (either by removal or masking) of any content.
How to apply for a classification
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.
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 - Publications 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. The fee is based upon the number of pages in a publication, so make sure that covers, fold out spreads, centrefolds, sealed sections or attached booklets are included in the final page count.
For a revised publication, please make sure that you supply the details of the previous classification. You also need to detail all revisions to the previously classified version to be eligible for the reduced classification fee. Please detail these revisions at Attachment One to the Publications application form.
In order to satisfy the requirements of the Classification Act and Publications application form approved by the Director, you need to supply:
- a copy of the publication, ensuring that:
- you include all content intended for display and sale
- the publication you submit must be of good quality
- all the images are well defined
- if the material is submitted in proof-print form, all detail of photos, text and advertisements must appear exactly as they will in the final printed version
- a publication must be submitted in colour if that is how it will appear in its final format.
- the classification fee, and
- for a revised publication, details of all revisions to the previously classified version at Attachment One to the Publications application form.
How long will it take?
For all publication and serial classifications, please allow 20 working days once the Classification Board has received a valid application. Information about how the turnaround times are calculated is listed below.
Changes to turnaround times
Regulations 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.
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.
Serialised publications
If you are a publisher or distributor of a periodical publication you may apply for a Serial Classification Declaration. The Classification Board may declare that the classification granted for a periodical publication (the original issue) applies to some or all future issues for a specified period. For more information about classification of periodical publications refer to apply for serial classification.
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 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 publication
Senior Applications Officer
Telephone: (02) 9289 7100
An application for serial classification of a publication
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