BBFC - British Board of Film Classification

The BBFC is an independent, non-governmental body. The BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003.

The BBFC endeacors to classify submitted works in one of the following categories:

U Universal - Suitable for all ages.

PG Parental Guidance - General viewing, but some senses may be unsuitable for young children.

12A - The 12A category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult.

12 - This category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated film.

15 - Suitable only for 15 years and older. No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema or allowed to rent or buy a 15 rated film.

18 - Suitable only for adults.

R18 - To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and adults of no less than 18 years.

The BBFC take into consideration different aspects the film to come up with a final classification. These consist of the following:

• Discrimination - Potentially offensive content, relating to matter such as race, gender, religion, disability, region, or sexuality.
• Drugs - No work taken s a whole may promote the misuse of drugs or to promote or glamorise them.
• Horror - The use of frightening elements which might scare or unsettle an audience.
• Imitable Behaviour - The account of any detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techniques.
• Languages - Bad language may offend people, maybe including the use of expletives with a sexual, religious or racial association.