British Board of Film Classification

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is the organisation responsible for film, DVD and some video game classification within the United Kingdom. Local authorities do have the power to decide under what circumstances films are shown in cinemas, but they nearly always choose to follow the advice of the BBFC.

Under the Video Recordings Act 1984, all video releases under the Act must be classified, it being illegal to supply any recording that has not been certified. Certificates can restrict release to any age of 18 or under, or to only licensed sex-shops. The Act requires the certificate to be displayed on the packaging and media labels of the movie, only UK releases can be legally sold or hired in the UK, even if a foreign release has identical content.

Universal Children- Suitable for all, but especially made for children under 7 years of age.

Universal- All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.

Parental Guidance- All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 13

12 Accompanied- Suitable for those aged 12 and over. Those aged under 12 are only admitted if accompanied by an adult at all times during the performance (replaced the standard 12 certificate for cinema releases in 2002)

12- Suitable for those aged 12 and over. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated VHS, DVD or game (home media only since 2002)

15- Suitable for those aged 15 and over. Nobody younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated VHS, DVD or game.

18- Suitable for those aged 18 and over. Nobody younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated VHS, DVD or game.

Restricted 18- Suitable for those aged 18 and over. May only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops, and only to people aged 18 or over.

The BBFC can also advise cuts for a less-restrictive rating. This generally occurs in borderline cases where distributors have requested a certificate and the BBFC has rated the work at a more-restrictive level. This is increasingly rare, with comparatively few cuts made nowadays. The final certificate then depends on the distributor's decision on whether or not to make the suggested cuts.

All videos and games rated by the BBFC receive a certificate, along with "consumer advice" detailing references to sex, violence and coarse language.