Comparison table
A comparison of current film rating systems, showing age on the horizontal axis. Note however that the specific ''criteria'' used in assigning a classification can vary widely from one country to another. Therefore, the color codes and age ranges are not directly comparable from one country to another. Key: * White – ''No restrictions: Suitable for all ages / Aimed at young audiences / Exempt / Not rated / No applicable rating''. * Yellow – ''No restrictions: Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range''. * Purple – ''No restrictions: Not recommended for a younger audience but not restricted''. * Red – ''Restricted: Parental accompaniment required for younger audiences''. * Black – ''Prohibitive: Exclusively for older audience / Restricted to licensed premises / Purchase age-restricted / Banned''.Argentina
Through its Advisory Commission of Cinematographic Exhibition (''Comisión Asesora de Exhibición Cinematográfica'') theAustralia
The Classification Board and Classification Review Board are government-funded organisations which classify all films that are released for public exhibition. * Advisory categories ** Check the Classification (CTC) - ''Message for unclassified films and computer games'' The film or computer game has been assessed and approved for advertising. You should check the classification closer to the release date. Advertising relating to unclassified films and games must display the CTC message - this includes posters, trailers, internet posts, and any other type of advertising. Once the content is classified, the classification marking should replace the CTC marking on all advertising material. ** General (G) – ''General''. The content is very mild in impact. The G classification is suitable for everyone. ** Parental Guidance (PG) – ''Parental guidance recommended''. The content is mild in impact. It is not recommended for viewing or playing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians. ** Mature (M) – ''Recommended for mature audiences''. The content is moderate in impact. Children under 15 may legally access this material because it is an advisory category. However, M classified films and computer games may include classifiable elements such as violence and nudity of moderate impact that are not recommended for children under 15 years. * Restricted categories ** Mature Accompanied (MA 15+) – ''Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian''. The content is strong in impact. ** Restricted (R 18+) – ''Restricted to 18 years and over''. The content is high in impact. Despite this category being legally restricted, in Queensland the restriction is not applicable to persons under 2. * Adult film categories ** Restricted (X 18+) – ''Restricted to 18 years and over''. This classification is a special and legally restricted category which contains only sexually explicit content. That is, material which shows actual sexual intercourse and other sexual activity between consenting adults. X 18+ films are only available for sale or hire in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. ** Refused Classification (RC) – ''Refused Classification''. Banned from sale or hire in the country and cannot be legally imported. Films are rated RC if their content is very high in impact and exceeds the guidelines. Films intended to inform, educate or instruct or concerned with sport, religion or music are exempt from classification provided they do not contain material that would result in an "M" rating or higher if submitted for classification.Austria
Motion pictures are rated by the Austrian Board of Media Classification (ABMC) for the Federal Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (Bundesministerium für Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur). The recommendations made by the ABMC are generally not legally binding and there are nine sets of state laws on the cinema sector with different age provisions. The only exception is in the case of "16" rated films, since under Austrian law there is a legal age restriction on certain types of content i.e. discrimination, sexual abuse, glorification of violence etc. In addition to the ABMC's age recommendations, in the state of Vienna children under the age of 6 are only permitted to attend public film performances if they are accompanied. The AMBC issues age recommendation from the following categories: *Unrestricted – Released for all age groups. *6+ – Released for children from age 6. *10+ – Released for children from age 10. *12+ – Released for children from age 12. *14+ – Released from age 14. *16+ – Released from age 16. Restricted classification.Bahamas
The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board classifies films in the Bahamas. Upon completion of the examination the Board will classify the film in accordance with the following ratings: * A - Suitable for all ages. * B - Suitable for adults; persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. * T - Suitable for persons above the age of 15 * C - Suitable for adults only, persons under 18 years are not admitted whether accompanied by an adult or not. * D - Unsuitable for public viewing.Barbados
In Barbados, films are classified by the Film Censorship Board (FCB): * GA – General Audience; Suitable for all ages. * PG – Parental Guidance. * PG13 – Parental Guidance 13; suitable for 13 years and older. * R – Suitable for 18 years and older. * A – Adult Only; No-one under 18 admitted.Belgium
On 8 January 2020, Belgium adopted the Dutch Kijkwijzer classification system. Belgium had previously used a basic two-tier system, in place since 1 September 1920. Until January 2020, classifications for films publicly exhibited in Belgium were issued by the Inter-Community Commission for Film Rating ( nl, Intergemeenschapscommissie voor de Filmkeuring; french: Commission Intercommunautaire de Contrôle des Films). Films were prohibited to minors under the age of 16 unless passed by the commission. There is no mandatory rating system for video formats but 90% of video distribution abides by the voluntary Belgium Video Federation. It was basically the same as the system for theatrical exhibition, but also provided a "12" rating. Under Kijkwijzer, the distributor fills out a questionnaire about the content of the film and an age category is automatically assigned. The new system is fully advisory, and carries no mandatory restrictions. In theBrazil
All films that are exhibited in public or released on a home video format in Brazil must be submitted for classification to the advisory rating (''Classificação Indicativa'', abbreviated ClassInd), which is run by the BrazilianBulgaria
The Bulgarian film rating system is defined in the Film Industry Act of 2003 and administered by the National Film Rating Committee. * A – Recommended for children. * B – No age restrictions. * C – Not recommended for children under 12. No persons under 12 shall be admitted unless accompanied by an adult. * D – Prohibited for persons under 16. * X – Prohibited for persons under 18, for licensed venues only.Canada
Film ratings in Canada are a provincial responsibility, and each province has its own legislation, rules and regulations regarding rating, exhibition and admission. Ratings are required for theatrical exhibition, but not all provinces require classification for home video. In the past there was a wide range of rating categories and practices in the various provinces; however, the seven rating systems—with the exception of Quebec—now all use categories and logos derived from theClassifications used outside Quebec
The categories are mostly identical to the CHVRS with a few minor variations. In the provinces that require classification of video formats, supply of 14A and 18A films is restricted to customers above those ages. In the case of theatre exhibition, children are admitted to 14A if accompanied by an adult. InClassifications used in Quebec
Chile
Films are classified by the Council of Cinematographic Classification (''Consejo de Calificación Cinematográfica'') which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education. In 2002 legislation was enacted which reversed the ban on all 1,090 films that had previously been banned in Chile. The current age ratings (enacted in 1993) are: *TE (Todo Espectador) – General audience. *TE+7 (Inconveniente para menores de 7 años) – Not suitable for children younger than 7 years. *Mayores de 14 años – Over 14 years old. *Mayores de 18 años – Over 18 years old. The age ratings may also be supplemented by the following content categories: *Contenido educativo – Educational content. *Contenido pornográfico – Pornographic content. *Contenido excesivamente violento – Excessively violent content. Pornographic films may only be exhibited at venues licensed for that purpose. Minors are not admitted to films with pornographic or excessively violent content.China
China does not have a rating system. Only films that are passed as "suitable for all ages" are released although some exhibitors have introduced informal ratings. A March 2017 effective law on film does require non-violations of the lawful rights and interests of minors (Chinese: 未成年人) or harming the physical and psychological health of minors. However, in an interview with China Central Television in the same month, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television's film chief Mr. Zhang Hongsen said it was inaccurate for the media to label the guideline for minors as manual/euphemistic classification and it was a misinterpretation or over-interpretation of the new law.Colombia
As of 22 June 2005, the Ministry of Culture issued its new rating system. The classifications are: * T: For general audiences. * 7: Advisory. * 12: Advisory. * 15: Restricted. * 18: Restricted. * X: Pornographic content. * Prohibited: Contains elements that incite or advocate crime.Cook Islands
In theDenmark
In Denmark, the Media Council for Children and Young People currently rates films. Films do not have to be submitted for a rating and in such instances must be labelled a "15" (restricted to people aged 15 and above). Children aged 7 and above may attend any performance—including those restricted to older audiences—if they are accompanied by an adult. * A – Suitable for a general audience. * 7 – Not recommended for children under 7. * 11 – For ages 11 and up. * 15 – For ages 15 and up. * F – Exempt from classification.Estonia
Film classification in Estonia is regulated by the Child Welfare Act. * PERE – Family Film. * L – Allowed to all. * MS-6 – Not recommended for under 6. * MS-12 – Not recommended for under 12. * K-12 – Prohibited for under 12 unless accompanied by an adult. * K-14 – Prohibited for under 14 unless accompanied by an adult. * K-16 – Prohibited for under 16 unless accompanied by an adult.Fiji
In Fiji, films are classified by the Fijian Censors Board: * G - approved for general exhibition * Y - approved for exhibition to viewers over the age of 13 * A - approved for exhibition to adults only (over 18) * R - approved for restricted public exhibition subject to conditions imposed by the censorFinland
Films in Finland are classified by the National Audiovisual Institute. A minor up to 3 years younger than the age limit is permitted to see a film in a cinema when accompanied by an adult, except for 18-rated films. Films with an age rating may contain an additional marker for violence, sex, fear, or substance abuse. The ratings are as follows: * S (Finnish) or T (Swedish) – For all ages. * 7 – Over 7 years. * 12 – Over 12 years. * 16 – Over 16 years. * 18 – Prohibited for children under 18 years of age.France
Prior to showing in theatres, a distribution certificate must be obtained from the Ministry of Culture. The Minister will decide which certificate to issue based on a recommendation by the classification of theGermany
TheGreece
All publicly released films must be submitted to the Youth Committee for classification. There are four categories: * Unrestricted – No restrictions (The film does not contain violence, drug abuse, or sexual content). * 13 – The film may contain mild violence and adult themes. Suitable for people aged 13 and above. * 17 – The film may contain violence, drug abuse, and softcore pornographic scenes. An ID card certifying the age is required in all Greek cinemas and video rental shops in order to get a cinema ticket or rent a video of a "17" rated film. Not permitted to young people under the age of 17. * 18 – Not permitted to people under the age of 18.Hong Kong
Films intended for public exhibition have to be submitted to the Director of Film, Newspaper and Article Administration, who is the Film Censorship Authority (FCA) under the Ordinance, for approval. Films approved for public exhibition are then either classified or exempted from classification. *I – Suitable for all ages. (circle sign). *II – Not suitable for children. (square sign). *II – Not suitable for young persons and children. *III – Persons aged 18 or above only. (triangle sign). Of the four levels, Categories I, II, and II are unrestricted. Only Category III is a restricted category and regulated by the government.Hungary
Hungarian ratings are decided by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH): * KN ''(korhatár nélkül)'' – All audiences. * 6 – Not recommended below age of 6. * 12 – Not recommended below age of 12. * 16 – Not recommended below age of 16. * 18 – Not recommended below age of 18. * X – Restricted below 18, for adults only. Excessively violent scenes. All ratings are advisory except the "X" classification. The current one is the third motion picture rating system in Hungary. The first system existed between 1965 and 2004, and was administered by the Ministry for National Cultural Heritage and its predecessors. Its categories were "Without age restriction", "Not recommended below age of 14", "Above age of 16 only", and "Above age of 18 only". A second system was introduced in 2004 which was overhauled in 2011 in favour of the current system. Its categories—given by the National Film Office—were "Without age restriction", "Parental guidance suggested below age of 12", "Not recommended below age of 16", "Not recommended below age of 18", and "For adults only".Iceland
Since 1 July 2006, FRÍSK (short for Félag rétthafa í sjónvarps- og kvikmyndaiðnaði) has replaced the Kvikmyndaskoðun system in Iceland. In October 2013, FRÍSK announced that it was adopting a new system similar to the Netherlands' Kijkwijzer at least through 2016. The Icelandic ratings system also provides an "18" rating in addition to the Kijkwijzer ratings. Under Icelandic law, minors aged 14-years-old and over may be admitted to a film carrying a higher age rating if accompanied by an adult. The ratings are as follows: * L: All ages. * 6: Not suitable for children under 6 years. * 9: Not suitable for children under 9 years. * 12: Not suitable for children under 12 years. * 14: Not suitable for children under 14 years. * 16: Not suitable for children under 16 years. * 18: Not suitable for children under 18 years.India
Indonesia
Motion pictures shown in Indonesia must undergo reviewing by the Indonesian Film Censorship Board. Other than issuing certificates, the LSF/IFCB also reviews and issues permits for film-related advertising, such as movie trailers and posters. LSF has the authority to cut scenes from films. Films passed for exhibition are awarded one of the following classifications: *SU (''Semua Umur''): All ages. *13+: Suitable for ages 13 and above. *17+: Suitable for ages 17 and above. *21+: Suitable for ages 21 and above.Iraq
The Iraqi film rating system is declared by the ''Ministry of Information and Culture''. It is against the law for an underage person to enter restricted films at the cinemas, even with their parents, where a proof of identity may be required. * G: General Exhibition - open for all ages. * PG 13: Customer may be aged 13 years and under, but must be accompanied by someone 13 years old or older. Please note content may not be appropriate for 13 years and below, booking to be at the discretion of guardians and parents. * PG 15: Customer may be aged 15 years and under, but must be accompanied by someone 15 years old or older. Please note content may not be appropriate for 15 years and below, booking to be at the discretion of guardians and parents. * 15+: No persons under 15 years of age will be admitted. Babies not allowed. * 18+: No persons under 18 years of age will be admitted. Babies not allowed. * 18TC: Rated 18+ until confirmed by the National Media Council. Entry to the cinema must comply with the age restriction of final confirmed rating. Booking prior to confirmed rating, is at customers discretion.Ireland
All films that are exhibited in public or released on a home video format must be submitted for classification to theItaly
In Italy the rating system of the films is currently disciplined by the Decreto legislativo n° 203 of 7 December 2017. For commercial release, distributors are requested to classify their films based on the age of the audience. Their decision is verified by a commission of the Ministry of Culture, composed of members of the film industry and experts in education and animal rights. Since 2021 the commission is no longer allowed to ban a film or demand edits. Films are classified into one of the following categories: *T ('): no age restriction. *6+ ('): not suitable for children under 6. *14+ ('): released to ages 14 and older; children who are at least 12 may be admitted with adult accompaniment. *18+ ('): released to ages 18 and older; children who are at least 16 may be admitted with adult accompaniment. The classification only applies to commercial releases in theaters, and the law does not require classification of home media. Before 2021, films aimed to be shown in theatres were classified for all ages (T) or prohibited for children under 14 or 18 by the Commission for Film Review. The Commission could also ask for some scenes to be cut or ban the distribution of the film.Jamaica
Film classification in Jamaica is a requirement of the Cinematograph Act of 1913, which also established the Cinematograph Authority. *G (General Audiences): Appropriate for all ages. *PG (only applied occasionally). *PG-13: Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by parent/guardian. *T-16: Teenagers 14 & 15 will be admitted in the company of an adult. *A-18: No one under the age of 18 years will be admitted.Japan
A Japanese film rating regulator known as ull-name: has a film classification system under which films are classified into one of four categories. The categories have been in use since 1 May 1998. *G: General, suitable for all ages. *PG12: Parental guidance requested for young people under 12 years. *R15+: No one under 15 admitted. *R18+: No one under 18 admitted.Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, films are rated by the Committee for Culture of the Ministry for Culture and Information. * 6-: 6 жасқа толмаған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children under the age of 6. * 6+: 6 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 6. * 12+: 12 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 12. * 14+: 14 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 14. * 16+: 16 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 16. * 18+: 18 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 18. * 21+: 21 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 21. Restricted to licensed venues between 10pm and 6am local time.Kenya
In Kenya, films are rated by the Kenya Film Classification Board. *GE (General Exhibition) – Suitable for all ages. *PG (Parental Guidance Recommended) – May contain scenes unsuitable for children under the age of 10. While the content may be suitable for children, parents are advised to monitor the content. *16 (Unsuitable for persons under age of 16) – Restricted to persons aged 16 years and above. *18 (Adults Only) – Restricted to persons aged 18 years and above. *Restricted/BannedKuwait
In Kuwait, films are rated by the Censor Board Committee (لجنة الرقابة) under authority of the Ministry of Information (وزارة الإعلام). The Committee may sanction edits of or outright ban certain films in order to comply with cultural laws and values of Kuwait. The Ministry of Information originally established an age classifications system for films under decision number #73, article #10 of year 2012. The 2012 system rated films as either for "general audiences" (G) or for "persons aged 16 and above" (16+). Circa 2015, two additional classifications were introduced for films rated as "under 13 need to be accompanied with adults" (PG) or "adults only" (18+). However, by May 2016, the Ministry of Information established a new age classifications system for films under decision number #30 of year 2016. Therefore, as of May 2016, films in Kuwait are rated under the following: *E – Film content is suitable for everyone. *PG – Under 13 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. *T (13+) – Under 13s are not permitted. *18+ – Under 18s are not permitted. Cinemas are legally obligated to refuse entry to any minor under the required age of any film's established age classification.Latvia
In Latvia it is the duty of the producer of a film or distributor to assign a rating according to a pre-determined set of criteria. All publicly exhibited films, visual recordings and films broadcast over television and electronic networks must be classified. *U (universal audience) – Suitable for persons of all age groups. *7+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 7 years of age. *12+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 12 years of age. *16+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 16 years of age. *18+: Not suitable for a minor (prohibited to people under 18).Lebanon
Films released in Lebanon are rated by the ''Lebanese Censorship Board''. * G: Intended for General Audiences. All ages are admitted. * PG: Parental Guidance is suggested. * PG13: Children under 13 years of age will not be admitted. * PG16: Persons under 16 years of age will not be admitted. * 18+: Persons under 18 years of age will not be admitted.Lithuania
The Lithuanian Film Centre is a state institution under the Ministry of Culture of Lithuania. A film approved for public exhibition receives one of the ratings below based on its content: *V: Released for all ages. The full name for the classification is visi, which means "all" *N-7: Released from age 7 and above. Children aged under 7 may be admitted with adult supervision. *N-13: Released from age 13 and above. Children aged between 7 and 12 may be admitted with adult supervision. *N-16: Released from age 16 and above. No one under 16 is admitted. *N-18: Released from age 18 and above. No one under 18 is admitted.Malaysia
Historically, film censorship in Malaysia was carried out by police under the Theatre Ordinance 1908. In 1954 the Film Censorship Board (LPF) was created to censor films distributed across Malaysia in accordance with the Cinematograph Films Act 1952, and later the Film Censorship Act 2002. Malaysia's motion picture rating system was introduced in 1953, initially classifying films either for General Audiences (''Tontonan Umum'') or For Adults Only (''Untuk Orang Dewasa Sahaja''), and in 1996 these classifications were changed to U and four different 18 categories. In mid-April 2010, the four 18 categories were deprecated, and were simplified to just 18. In late 2008, the PG13 classification was introduced, which was changed to P13 in 2012. Upon viewing the board will assign one of three categories to the film: * ''Lulus Bersih'' (Passed Clean .e. without cuts * ''Lulus Dengan Pengubahan'' (Passed with Edits/Cuts) * ''Tidak Diluluskan Untuk Tayangan'' (Not Approved for Screening) Should a film be approved, the Board then assigns the film a classification. As of 2012 the ratings are: *U (''Umum'') - No age limit. *P13 (''Penjaga'') – Parental guidance required for audiences under the age of 13. *18 – For audiences aged 18 years old and above.Maldives
Film in the Maldives are classified by theMalta
As of 2012, films in Malta are classified by the Film Board in accordance with the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts Act. As part of an overhaul in 2013 the "14" and "16" age classifications were replaced by "12A" and "15"; the "PG" rating was redefined while "U", "12" and "18" were retained in their existing form. If the film is deemed "fit for exhibition" it will be awarded one of the following classifications: *U (Universal) – Suitable for all. *PG (Parental Guidance) – General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. *12A – Suitable for persons of 12 years and over: Provided that persons younger than 12 years may attend only when accompanied by an adult. *12 – Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over. *15 – Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. *18 – Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over.Mauritius
The Film Classification Board (FCB) classifies films and stage plays on behalf of the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage. Film will be awarded one of the following classifications in accordance with the Film Act 2002 or rejected. * U (Universal) – Suitable for all audiences. * PG – Parental Guidance is compulsory for children under the age of 12. * 15 – Suitable for persons of the age of 15 and above. * 18 – Suitable for all Adults. * 18R – Adult audiences only (subject to specified conditions) * Rejected – Not allowed.Mexico
The General Directorate of Radio, Television and Cinematography (in Spanish, '' Dirección General de Radio, Televisión y Cinematografía'') is the issuer of ratings for motion pictures. The RTC is an agency of theNetherlands
In the Netherlands, the Kijkwijzer system is used, which is executed by the Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM). Under Dutch law children are admitted to films carrying an age rating if accompanied by an adult except in the case of "16" and "18" rated films. * AL: All ages. * 6: Potentially harmful to children under 6 years. * 9: Potentially harmful to children under 9 years. * 12: Potentially harmful to children under 12 years; broadcasting is not allowed before 8:00 pm. * 14: Potentially harmful to children under 14 years; broadcasting is not allowed before 8:00 pm. * 16: Potentially harmful to (and not allowed for) children under 16 years; broadcasting is not allowed before 8:00 pm. * 18: Potentially harmful to (and not allowed for) children under 18 years; broadcasting is not allowed before midnight. There are also six descriptor icons used: * Violence (Geweld) * Fear (Angst) * Sexual Content (Seks) * Discrimination (Discriminatie) * Drug and/or Alcohol abuse (Drugs- en/of alcoholmisbruik) * Bad Language (Grof taalgebruik) Mostly, these icons are used along with other symbols, displaying if a film contains violence, sexual content, frightening scenes, drug or alcohol abuse, discrimination, or coarse language. These symbols are also used in television channels broadcasting underNew Zealand
The ''Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993'' gives the Office of Film and Literature Classification the power to classify publications into three categories: unrestricted, restricted, or "objectionable" (banned). With a few exceptions, films, videos, DVDs and restricted computer games must carry a label before being offered for supply or exhibited to the public. In 2017 the Office of Film and Literature Classification created a special RP18 rating for online content in response to theNigeria
The National Film and Video Censors Board classifies films, videos, DVDs, and VCDs. Classifications carrying an age rating are legally restricted, although the "15" and "18" classifications do not apply to people below 2 years of age. The categories are: * G: Suitable for viewing by persons of all ages. * PG: Parental Guidance advised. * 12: Not suitable for people under the age of 12. * 12A: Not suitable for people under the age of 12. A child must be accompanied by an adult to view the film. * 15: Not suitable for persons under the age of 15. * 18: Not suitable for people under the age of 18. * RE: Films which fall under this category are to be exhibited and distributed only in specially licensed premises.Norway
ThePhilippines
Poland
Ratings in Poland are not set by any board or advisory body. Prior to 1989 the applicable age ratings were "no age limit", "over 7", "over 12", "over 15" and "over 18" and were set by The General Committee of Cinematography. Since 1989 there is no official classification system, with age ratings being self-prescriptive and set by the distributors. In case of television, the supervisory body – Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji (KRRiT, The National Council of Radio Broadcasting and Television) can impose fines upon those responsible for improper rating of a broadcast, or lack of it.Portugal
Movies are rated inRomania
Ratings in Romania are set by the National Center of Cinematography ( ro, Centrul Național al Cinematografiei) (CNC). *AG (') – General audience. *AP-12 (') – Parental guidance for children under 12. *N-15 (') – Not recommended for children under 15. *IM-18 (') – Prohibited to minors under 18. *IM-18-XXX (') – Prohibited to minors under 18 and projection in public. *IC (') – Prohibition of communication.Russia
Since 2012, the rating appears inside circles, which indicate age restrictions followed by a plus(+), and appears in most shows, including TV and Internet shows in Russia.Saudi Arabia
Film classification in Saudi Arabia is administered by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM), after the reintroduction of film theatres in the country, as of 2017. GCAM officially approved a system in 2018, and revised it in 2022 to incorporate a "PG15" rating. The classifications are: *G: General – For the general public. *PG: Parental Guidance – Adult supervision recommended for children under the age of 12. *PG12: Parental Guidance 12 – Adult supervision required for children under the age of 12. *PG15: Parental Guidance 15 – Adult supervision required for children under the age of 15. *R12: Audiences under the age of 12 are prohibited. *R15: Audiences under the age of 15 are prohibited. *R18: Audiences under the age of 18 are prohibited.Singapore
Film classification in Singapore was introduced on 1 July 1991 and comes under the jurisdiction of the Board of Film Censors (BFC), currently part of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). There were three ratings originally: G (General), PG (Parental Guidance) and R (Restricted to 18 years and above). Prior to then films were either approved or effectively banned. Since then, there have been several alterations to the ratings over the years. In September 1991, a Restricted (Artistic) (R(A)) rating was introduced to replaced the previous R-rating so as to allow the screening of certain art-house films which would otherwise have been banned without said rating, with an increased age restriction set at 21 years of age. The R(A) rating has since been replaced by NC16 (No Children under 16), M18 (Mature 18) and R21 (Restricted 21). A PG13 (Parental Guidance 13) rating, introduced in 2011, is the latest rating to be introduced. The G, PG and PG13 ratings are advisory while NC16, M18 and R21 carry age restrictions. Video ratings are mostly the same as the cinema ratings, except only go up to M18. Some titles, such as documentaries, children's programmes and sports programmes may be exempt from classification on video, but all titles must be classified for public theatrical exhibition.Slovakia
Jednotný systém označovania (English: Unified System of Age Rating/Labeling) (JSO) is a statutory board of Ministry of Culture of Slovakia under act 589/2007, which regulates age restriction of films,South Africa
In South Africa, films are classified by the Film and Publication Board. Distributors and exhibitors are legally compelled to comply with the age ratings. All broadcasters, cinemas and distributors of DVD/video and computer games must comply with the following: * A: Suitable for all. * PG: Parental Guidance * 7–9PG: Not suitable for children under the age of 7. Children aged 7–9 years old may not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult. * 10–12PG: Not suitable for children under the age of 10. Children aged 10–12 years old may not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult. * 13: Not suitable for children under the age of 13. * 16: Not suitable for persons under the age of 16. * 18: Not suitable for persons under the age of 18. * X18: No one under 18 admitted; restricted to licensed adult premises. * XX: Must not be distributed or exhibited in public. There are also sub-descriptors used with some of the ratings: *S for sex. *L for language. *V for violence. *P for prejudice. *N for nudity. *H for horror. *D for substance abuse. *SV for sexual violence.South Korea
TheSpain
All films to be commercially released in Spain in any medium must be submitted to the ICAA (Instituto de Cinematografía y Artes Audiovisuales - Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts Institute). Classifications are advisory except for X-rated films, which are restricted to specially licensed venues. A supplementary classification, "Especialmente Recomendada para la Infancia" (Especially recommended for children), is sometimes appended to the lowest two classifications. Another supplementary classification, "Especialmente recomendada para el fomento de la igualdad de género" (Especially recommended for the promotion of gender equality), is sometimes appended to any of the classifications except the last one. * A(i) – General admission. * 7(i) – Not recommended for audiences under 7. * 12 – Not recommended for audiences under 12. * 16 – Not recommended for audiences under 16. * 18 – Not recommended for audiences under 18. * X – Prohibited for audiences under 18 (may only be shown in premises where adult films are screened).Sweden
The Swedish Media Council ("Statens medieråd") is a government agency with the aims to reduce the risk of harmful media influences among minors and to empower minors as conscious media users. The classification bestowed on a film should not be viewed as recommendations on the suitability for children, as the law the council operates under ( SFS 2010:1882) only mandates them to assess the relative risk to children's well-being. It is not a legal requirement to submit a film to the Media Council. The councils classification only applies to public exhibition, and the law does not require classification of home media. The following categories are used: * Btl (''Barntillåten'') – All ages. * 7 – Children under the age of 7, who are accompanied by an adult, are admitted to films that have been passed for children from the age of 7. * 11 – Children over the age of 7, who are accompanied by an adult, are admitted to films that have been passed for children from the age of 11. * Not Approved/15 – Children over the age of 11, who are accompanied by an adult, are admitted to films with a 15-year limit.Switzerland
Switzerland has adopted Germany'sTaiwan
From 1994 until 2015, the Government Information Office (GIO) classified films into four categories (General Audience/Protected/Parental Guidance/Restricted) pursuant to its issued Regulations Governing the Classification of Motion Pictures of the Republic of China ( 電影片分級處理辦法 in traditional Chinese): The "Parental Guidance" rating previously prohibited viewing by children under the age of 12 and required adolescents aged 12–17 to be accompanied by an adult. In 2015, the "Parental Guidance" rating was further divided into two categories: one that prohibits children under the age of 12 and one that prohibits adolescents under the age of 15. *0+: 普遍級(普) (General Audience) – Viewing is permitted for audiences of all ages. *6+: 保護級(護) (Protected) – Viewing is not permitted for children under 6; children between 6 and 11 shall be accompanied and given guidance by parents, teachers, seniors, or adult relatives or friends. *12+: 輔導十二歲級(輔12) (Parental Guidance 12) – Viewing is not permitted for children under 12. *15+: 輔導十五歲級(輔15) (Parental Guidance 15) – Viewing is not permitted for those under 15. *18+: 限制級(限) (Restricted) – Viewing is not permitted for those under 18.Thailand
A motion picture rating system was proposed in the Film and Video Act of 2007, and was passed on December 20, 2007 by the Thai military-appointed National Legislative Assembly, replacing laws which had been in place since 1930. The draft law was met with resistance from the film industry and independent filmmakers. Activists had hoped for a less-restrictive approach; however, films are still subject to censorship, or can be banned from release altogether if the film is deemed to "undermine or disrupt social order and moral decency, or might impact national security or the pride of the nation". The ratings were put into effect in August 2009. They are as follows: * P – Educational. * G – General audience. * 13 – Suitable for viewers aged 13 years and over. * 15 – Suitable for viewers aged 15 years and over. * 18 – Suitable for viewers aged 18 years and over. * 20 – Content is unsuitable for viewers aged under 20. * Banned – Films that are not allowed to screen publicly in Thailand.Turkey
In Turkey, movies to be shown in cinemas are rated by the Evaluation and Classification Board of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. All films to be made commercially available must be classified, except in the case of educational films which are labeled as "for educational purposes" instead. The board also has the power to refuse classification in extreme cases (producers and distributors can submit an edited version of a movie to the board but edited versions may also be rejected if still deemed inappropriate); in this case, the movie will be banned with the exception of special artistic activities like fairs, festivals, feasts and carnivals. * Genel İzleyici Kitlesi – General audience. * 6A – Viewers under the age of 6 may watch with accompanying family members. * 6+ – Suitable for viewers aged 6 and over. * 10A – Viewers under the age of 10 may watch with accompanying family members. * 10+ – Suitable for viewers aged 10 and over. * 13A – Viewers under the age of 13 may watch with accompanying family members. * 13+ – Suitable for viewers aged 13 and over. * 16+ – Suitable for viewers aged 16 and over. * 18+ – Suitable for viewers aged 18 and over. In addition to the age ratings, content is also assessed for violence/horror, sexuality and negative examples i.e. drugs, vulgar and slang language.Ukraine
The Ukrainian State Film Agency is the central executive body of cinematography in Ukraine. The Ratings issued by the Derzhkino are: *DA: ДА (Дитяча аудиторія): Film aimed for children. They contain no violence or obscenity. *ZA: ЗА (Загальна аудиторія): Suitable for all. *12: Suitable for children aged 12 and older; those under 12 may be admitted if accompanied by an adult as parents may find upsetting to them. *16: Not allowed for viewing by persons under 16 years of age. *18: Not allowed for viewing by persons under 18 years of age. Additionally, "18" rated features may only be screened in theatres after 18:00, and they may be broadcast on television only after 22:00. *Denied: Відмовлено: Refused a classification by the Derzhkino. Content may not be shown, advertised, or distributed anywhere in Ukraine. **Films can be rejected if they promote war, violence, cruelty, and fascism aimed at eliminating Ukraine's independence.United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
TheUnited States
In the United States, film classification is a voluntary process with the ratings issued by theVenezuela
Age ratings are divided into several categories. The age that corresponds to the category and the level of enforcement is defined by municipality ordinances. In the San Cristóbal municipality the following ratings apply: * AA – Aimed at children under 12 years of age. * A – Suitable for all ages. * B – Suitable for audiences aged 12 years or older. * C – Suitable for audiences aged 16 years or older. * D – Suitable for audiences aged 18 years or older. In theVietnam
All theatrical releases are screened by the Cinema Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Travel of Vietnam to ensure suitability for public viewing. Regardless of the rating, some scenes may be altered or removed to comply with regulations. The classification was revised in January 2017, replacing the previous rating system. * P ( vi, Phổ cập, meaning Universal) – Suitable for all ages. * C13 – Persons under age 13 not admitted. * C16 – Persons under age 16 not admitted. * C18 – Persons under age 18 not admitted. Unlike the previous rating system, the current rating system does not have parental guidance and ratings other than P are considered to be restricted.See also
*Notes
References
External links