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Films and computer games exempt from classification

Some films and computer games are exempt from needing to be classified.

These exemptions are outlined in section 6B of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.

Is it exempt?

For a film or computer game to be exempt from classification, it must:

  • meet one of the exemptions listed below
  • likely result in a G or PG classification
  • contain no advertisements that:
    • have been refused classification
    • promote a film or computer game classified, or likely to be, M or higher.

Types of exempt films

Item

Type

Description

1

Business

A film of a promotional, technical or similar nature for use in the course of a business or trade.

2

Accounting

A film for use in the keeping or verification of accounts.

3

Professional

A film of a promotional, technical or similar nature for use in the course of a profession.

4

Scientific

A film for use pursuant to a branch of knowledge conducted on objective principles involving the systemised observation of, and experiment with, phenomena.

5

Educational

A film whose main purpose is for training, instruction or reference, as a manual, a lesson, an encyclopaedia or a guide.

6

Current affairs

A film wholly or mainly comprising news reports or information about, or analysis of, current issues or events of public interest or importance.

7

Hobbyist

A film wholly or mainly comprising a documentary record of a hobby or activity.

8

Sporting

A film wholly or mainly comprising a documentary record of a sporting event.

9

Family

A film wholly or mainly comprising a documentary record of a family event or activity.

10

Live performance

A film wholly or mainly comprising a documentary record of a live artistic performance or that is used within such a performance.

11

Musical presentation

A film wholly or mainly comprising a musical presentation.

12

Religious

A film wholly or mainly comprising a documentary record of a religious event or activity.

13

Community or cultural

A film wholly or mainly comprising a documentary record of a community or cultural activity or event.

14

Social sciences (economics, geography, anthropology or linguistics)

A film wholly or mainly comprising information about, or analysis of, subjects referring to the social sciences.

15

Natural history

A natural history film, or any film depicting wholly or mainly natural scenery.

16

Language other than English

A physical film wholly in a language other than English (not including infrequent uses of English or English captioning/subtitles) where fewer than 500 copies have been imported into Australia for inclusion in a public or tertiary institution library collection.

Types of exempt computer games

Item

Type

Description

1

Business

Software for use in the course of a business or trade.

2

Accounting

Software for use in the keeping or verification of accounts.

3

Professional

Software for use in the course of a profession.

4

Scientific

Software for use pursuant to a branch of knowledge conducted on objective principles involving the systemised observation of, and experiment with, phenomena.

5

Educational

Software whose main purpose is for training, instruction or reference, as a manual, a lesson, an encyclopaedia or a guide.

Assessing a film or computer game as exempt

You can self-assess if your film or computer game is exempt from classification, by using the information in the above tables.

The Classification Board does not assess content as being exempt.

Contact us if you have any questions.

Labelling an exempt film or computer game

If you have self-assessed your film or computer game as exempt from classification there is no official exempt marking you must use for your product. However, you may display the below markings:

Films

This film is exempt from classification

Computer games

This computer game is exempt from classification