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Make films and computer games available in-store or online

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Most films and computer games must be classified before they can be made available to the public.

General rules

Before films and computer games are made available, they must:

  • be classified
  • have the age restrictions applied
  • be marked with the correct classification marking and consumer advice
  • display a notice listing the classification categories in a prominent place where the film or computer game is being made available
  • not have been Refused Classification (RC). It’s prohibited to sell and rent films and computer games that are RC.

Requirements are similar in each of the states and territories, but there are some important differences, including:

  • X 18+ films can only be made available to the public in the Australian Capital Territory and certain parts of the Northern Territory.
  • Restrictions apply on the display of R 18+ content in South Australia and Western Australia.

Check the classification

Classification decisions are published on the National Classification Database (NCD).

When a film or computer game is classified in Australia, it applies to all formats of that film or game provided they are identical or have modifications exempt from classification. Learn more about classify once.

If the title is not listed in the NCD you can apply for a classification decision by applying to the Classification Board, using an approved classification tool or an accredited classifier. We recommend contacting the distributor prior to submitting an application.

Age restrictions

General (G), Parental Guidance (PG), and Mature (M)

Anyone can access G, PG and M content. There are no legal restrictions for viewing content with these ratings.

Parental guidance is recommended for PG content, and M content is not recommended for people under the age of 15.

Mature Accompanied (MA 15+) restricted

MA 15+ content is legally restricted and is not suitable for people under the age of 15.

Access to MA 15+ content can only be provided to people under 15 if they are with a parent or guardian.

Restricted (R 18+)

R 18+ content is legally restricted and is not suitable for people under the age of 18.

It is illegal to provide access to R 18+ content to people under the age of 18.

Enforcement of age restrictions

Proof of age

Check a person’s age before providing access to MA 15+ or R 18+ restricted content.

You must not provide access to:

  • MA 15+ content to anyone who looks under 15 and cannot provide proof of age, or who is not accompanied by a parent or guardian
  • R 18+ content to anyone who looks under 18 and cannot provide proof of age.

Showing films and computer games in public

Films and computer games must be classified before they can be screened in a public place.

There are no restrictions on showing G, PG and M classified films and games in public.

Be careful when screening PG and M content in-store as parental guidance is recommended for PG content, and M content is not recommended for people under the age of 15.

MA 15+ and R 18+ are legally restricted. If you show MA 15+ content in a public place, you must make sure people under the age of 15 cannot see it unless they are with a consenting parent or adult guardian.

You cannot show an R 18+ film or computer game in a public place where people under 18 years can see it.

Check the legislation

For detailed information about the rules on selling films and games, check the legislation for your state or territory.

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