On this page
This section is for anyone applying for classifying a film to be released online as on-demand content or in formats such as DVD, 4K UHD and Blu-ray.
How to classify
You can classify a film for on-demand or home entertainment using one of these methods:
- applying to the Classification Board
- submitting an Additional Content Assessor (ACA) application (for additional content only)
- using an approved classification tool
- using an accredited classifier, or
- applying the broadcaster’s decision.
Classification Board applications
You can apply to the Classification Board if you want them to watch the film and give it a classification (rating) and consumer advice.
Applications are either:
- Standard – made within 20 days
- Priority – made within 5 days.
Submit your application
You must submit applications via the Classification Portal. In your application, please provide:
- an exact copy of the film to be classified
- a detailed synopsis of the film or television series (including each episode)
- a contentious material statement, and
- a classifiable time worksheet.
You can provide a copy of the film to be classified:
- as a digital asset via Box
- via digital delivery
- via a link to an online version
- a physical copy of the film delivered to our office.
DVD copies must be Region 4 and Blu-ray copies must be Region B. There are no region codes for 4K UHD.
For more information on submitting applications in the Classification Portal, go to Frequently Asked Questions and Guides.
Pay the fee
The fee for a standard application is based on the length of the film, rounded up to the nearest minute. Refer to the table below.
Priority applications cost an additional $420.
|
Running time |
Fee |
|---|---|
| 0–60 minutes | $550 |
| 61–120 minutes | $730 |
| 121–180 minutes | $900 |
| 181–240 minutes | $1,090 |
| 241–300 minutes | $1,290 |
| 301–400 minutes | $1,690 |
| 401–500 minutes | $2,010 |
| 501–600 minutes | $2,530 |
| 601–700 minutes | $2,830 |
| 701–800 minutes | $3,300 |
| 801–900 minutes | $3,620 |
| 901–1000 minutes | $4,100 |
| 1001–1100 minutes | $4,420 |
| 1101–1200 minutes | $4,900 |
| 1201–300 minutes | $5,220 |
| 1301–1400 minutes | $5,700 |
| 1401–1500 minutes | $6,020 |
| 1501–1600 minutes | $6,490 |
| 1601–1700 minutes | $6,970 |
| 1701–1800 minutes | $7,290 |
| 1801–1900 minutes | $7,770 |
| 1901–2000 minutes | $8,090 |
Additional Content Assessor (ACA) applications
When to use the ACA scheme
You can submit an ACA application if you want to classify any additional content (e.g. bonus material, alternate endings, commentary) related to an already classified film.
An ACA application involves a content assessor:
- watching the additional content, and
- preparing an assessor report for the Classification Board, which recommends a rating and consumer advice.
A content assessor must submit the application in the Classification Portal.
The Classification Board will use the assessor report to make a classification decision.
When the ACA scheme does not apply
You cannot use the ACA scheme if the additional content is:
- not related to a film that has already been classified
- a TV program
- a computer game
- is likely to be classified X 18+ or RC (Refused Classification).
You must use another classification method to classify this content.
Pay the fee
The fee for an ACA application is $480.
ACA applications have a lower fee because the assessor report helps the Classification Board make its decision.
Other ways to classify
Instead of applying to the Classification Board or using the ACA scheme, you can classify the film using one of these methods: