The Categories
In classifying films, videos or video games, the BBFC also gives consideration to the following basic
principles
- adults should as far as possible be free
to
choose what they see, providing that it remains within the law and is
not potentially harmful to society
- works should be allowed to reach the
widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment
- the context in which something (eg sex or
violence) is presented is central to the question of its acceptability
- the BBFC’s Guidelines will be
reviewed
periodically. The Guidelines, and the Board's practice in applying
them, have particular regard to any changes in public taste, attitudes
and concerns; changes in the law; or new evidence from research or
expert sources.
The Classification categories are:
 
Universal - Suitable for all
Parental Guidance - General
viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children
 
Suitable for 12 years and
over. No-one younger than 12 may see a
‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an
adult.
No-one younger than 12 may
rent or buy a
‘12’ rated video or DVD. Responsibility for
allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising
adult.
Suitable only
for 15 years and over
No-one younger than 15 may see
a
‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may
rent or
buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.
Suitable only
for adults. No-one younger than 18 may see
an
‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may
rent or
buy an ‘18’ rated video.
To be shown only in
specially
licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults
of not less than 18 years.
Occasionally, a work lies on the margin
between
two categories. In applying the criteria in these Guidelines in such a
case, the BBFC takes into account the intentions of the film-maker, the
expectations of the public in general and the work’s audience
in
particular, and any special merits of the work.
Classification decisions may be stricter on
video,
DVD and video games than on film. This is because of the increased
possibility of under-age viewing recognised in the Video Recordings
Act, and of works being replayed or viewed out of context. Accordingly,
a work may occasionally receive a higher age classification than on
film, or require new or different cuts.
Classification decisions may be more
restrictive
with regard to trailers and advertisements. This is because difficult
content in such short works may have a greater impact on an unprepared
audience.
Consumer Advice
The BBFC provides Consumer Advice on all the
works
it classifies, and attaches importance to this. Consumer Advice enables
the public to make informed choices. It covers in particular violence,
sex, language, drugs and any other matters likely to be of concern to
the public. The information should appear on publicity for all cinema
works rated 'U' to '18', and on the packaging of all videos, DVDs and
video games rated 'U' to '18'. The display of this information in
publicity or on packaging is ultimately a matter for the film and video
industry. The Board's Consumer Advice is, however, available on its
website, www.bbfc.co.uk.
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