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Motion picture content rating system

A motion picture content rating system classifies films based on their suitability for audiences due to their treatment of issues such as sex, violence, or substance abuse; their use of profanity; or other matters typically deemed unsuitable for children or adolescents. Most countries have some form of rating system that issues determinations variously known as certifications, classifications, certificates, or ratings. Age recommendations, of either an advisory or restrictive capacity, are often applied in lieu of censorship; in some jurisdictions movie theaters may have a legal obligation to enforce restrictive ratings.

In countries such as Australia and Singapore, an official government body decides on ratings; in other countries such as the United States, it is done by industry committees with little if any official government status. In most countries, however, films that are considered morally offensive have been censored, restricted, or banned. Even if the film rating system has no legal consequences, and a film has not explicitly been restricted or banned, there are usually laws forbidding certain films, or forbidding minors to view them. The influence of specific factors in deciding a rating varies from country to country.

Other factors may or may not influence the classification process, such as being set within a non-fictional historical context, whether the film glorifies violence or drug use, whether said violence or drug use is carried out by the protagonist, with whom the viewer should empathize, or by the antagonist. In Germany, for example, films depicting explicit war violence in a real war context (such as the Second World War) are handled more leniently than films with purely fictional settings.

A film may be produced with a particular rating in mind. It may be re-edited if the desired rating is not obtained, especially to avoid a higher rating than intended. A film may also be re-edited to produce a different version for other countries.

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.
Table guide
Country 0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other
Example G (suitable for all ages) PG-13 (advised for ages 13 and over) NC-17 (prohibited for under 18s) Exempt
PG (parental guidance) 12A (adult supervision mandated for under 12s) 18A (prohibited for under 14s) 18A (adult supervision mandated for under 18s) Banned
Where the highlighting starts for a particular rating indicates the lower age threshold for which the film is suitable, and any associated restrictions.
Some ratings have two components: for example, Canada's 18A rating requires audiences aged between 14 and 18 to be accompanied by an adult in some provinces.
In such instances the rating is represented by two highlights to indicate the two restrictions.
Country 0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other
  Argentina ATP +13 +16 +18 N/A
C
  Australia G M R 18+ RC
PG MA 15+ X 18+ Exempt
  Austria Unrestricted 6 10 12 14 16 N/A
  Bahamas A T B D
C
  Barbados GA PG-13 R N/A
PG A
  Belgium AL/TOUS 6 9 12 14 16 18 N/A
  Brazil L 10 12 14 16 N/A
18 18
  Bulgaria B C D X N/A
A
  Canada
  (outside Québec)
G 14A R E
A
PG PG (Not recommended for young children) 18A 18A Prohibited
  (Quebec) G G (Not suitable for young children) 13 16 18 Exempt
18 (Explicit sexuality) Refused classification
  Chile TE 7 14 18 Educational
Excessive violence
Pornography
  China Suitable for all ages Banned
  Colombia T 7 12 15 18 Prohibited
X
  Cook Islands G MA R18 N/A
PG
Country 0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other
  Denmark A 7 F
11 / 15 11 15
  Estonia L MS-6 MS-12 K-14 K-16 N/A
PERE K-12
  Fiji G Y A N/A
R
  Finland S/T 7 7 12 12 16 16 18 N/A
  France TP -12 -16 -18 Prohibited
  Germany 0 6/12 12 16 18/Unrated Educational
  Greece Unrestricted 13 17 18 N/A
  Hong Kong I III Exempt
IIA/IIB
  Hungary KN 6 12 16 18 N/A
X
  Iceland L 6 9 12 14 N/A
16/18 16 18
  India U UA A S
  Indonesia SU 13+ 17+ 21+ N/A
  Iraq G PG 13 15+ 18+ N/A
PG 15 18TC
  Ireland N/A G PG 12A 15A 16 18 N/A
12 15
  Italy T 6+ 14+ 14+ 18+ 18+ N/A
  Jamaica G PG-13 T-16 T-16 A-18 N/A
PG
  Japan G PG12 R15+ R18+ N/A
  Kazakhstan 6- 6+ 12+/14+/16+ 14+ 16+ 18+ 21+ N/A
  Kenya GE 16 18 Restricted/Banned
PG N/A
  Kuwait E PG 18+ N/A
T
  Latvia U 7+ 12+ 16+ 18+ N/A
  Lebanon G PG13 PG16 18+ N/A
PG
  Lithuania V N-7 / N-13 N-13 N-16 N-18 N/A
Country 0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other
  Malaysia U P12 13 16 18 Banned
  Maldives G 12+ 15+ 18+ PU
PG 18+R
  Malta U 12A 15 18 Not fit for exhibition
PG 12
  Mauritius U PG 15 18 Rejected
18R
  Mexico A B B-15 C N/A
AA N/A D
  Netherlands AL 6 9 12 14 16 18 N/A
  New Zealand G R13 R15 R16 R18 R
Objectionable
PG RP13 RP16 RP18 Exempt
M
  Nigeria G 12 15 18 RE
PG 12A
  Norway A 6 12 12 18 Not approved
9 9 15 15
  Philippines G R-13 R-16 R-18 X
PG
  Portugal A M/ 3/6/12/14/16/18 M/6 M/12 M/14 M/16 M/18 N/A
M/3 M/6 M/12 M/14 M/16 M/18
M/18-P
  Romania AG N-15 IM-18 IC
AP-12 N/A IM-18-XXX
  Russia 0+ 6+ 12+ 16+ 18+ Refused classification
Country 0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other
  Saudi Arabia G R12 R15 R18 N/A
PG PG12 PG15
  Singapore G PG13 NC16 M18 R21 Exempt
PG Refused classification
  Slovakia "Teddy bear's head" 12 15 18 N/A
U 7
-7 7+ 12+ 15+
  South Africa A 7–9PG 7–9PG 10–12PG 10–12PG 13 16 18 XX
PG X18
  South Korea 전체 (ALL) 12 15 청불 (18) 제한 (Restricted) N/A
  Spain A 7 12 16 18 N/A
X
  Sweden Btl 7 15 15 N/A
11 11
  Switzerland 0 6 6 12 12 16 16 Unrated N/A
N/A 18 18
  Taiwan 0+ 6+ 6+ 15+ 18+ N/A
N/A 12+
  Thailand G 13 15 18 20 Banned
P
  Turkey General Audience 6+ 10+ 13+ 16+ 18+ Refused classification
6A 10A 13A Educational purposes
  Ukraine ЗА 12 16 18 Denied
ДА
  United Arab Emirates G PG13 PG15 18+ 21+ N/A
PG 15+
  United Kingdom Uc U PG 12A 15 18 Unsuitable for classification
12 R18 Exempt
  United States G PG-13 R NC-17 Not rated
PG
  Venezuela
  (San Cristóbal and the Baruta municipalities)
A B C D N/A
AA
  (Maracaibo municipality) N/A A B C
  Vietnam P C13 C16 C18 N/A
Country 0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other

Argentina

Through its Advisory Commission of Cinematographic Exhibition (Comisión Asesora de Exhibición Cinematográfica) the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) issues ratings for films based on the following categories:[1]

 
 
 
 
 
Categories of the Argentinian classification system
  • ATP: For all public.
  • +13: Suitable for 13-year-olds and over. Children under the age of 13 are admitted if accompanied by an adult.
  • +16: Suitable for 16-year-olds and over.
  • +18: Suitable for 18-year-olds and over.
  • C: Suitable for 18-year-olds and over. Restricted to specially licensed venues.

Australia

The Classification Board and Classification Review Board are government-funded organisations which classify all films that are released for public exhibition.[2][3]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Australian classifications
  • 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.[4]
  • 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.[5]

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.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8]

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:[9]

  • 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 15 and over, persons under 15 years are not admitted whether accompanied by an adult or not.
  • 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):[10]

  • 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.[11] Belgium had previously used a basic two-tier system, in place since 1 September 1920.[12] Until January 2020, classifications for films publicly exhibited in Belgium were issued by the Inter-Community Commission for Film Rating (Dutch: 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.[13] 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.[14] In the French and German-speaking communities, the system is known as Cinecheck.[15][16]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The rating labels used in the Belgium for feature films.

The age categories are as follows:[17]

  • AL/TOUS: All ages.
  • 6: From 6 years.
  • 9: From 9 years.
  • 12: From 12 years.
  • 14: From 14 years.
  • 16: From 16 years.
  • 18: From 18 years.

Brazil

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 Brazilian Ministry of Justice (Ministério da Justiça).[18][19] Under 10 must always be accompanied by an adult guard. Anyone below the film's minimum age can watch it if accompanied or allowed by the parent or guardian who is at least 18 years old, except for those rated 18, which can only be allowed for teenagers aged 16.[20] Unlike many countries, the ClassInd does not have any legal right to ban, demand cuts or refuse to rate any film.[21]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Film classification symbols used in Brazil.

The ClassInd uses the following system:

  • ER: Especialmente recomendado para crianças (Especially recommended for children)
  • L: Livre (General)
  • 10: Não recomendado para menores de 10 anos (Not recommended for minors under 10)
  • 12: Não recomendado para menores de 12 anos (Not recommended for minors under 12)
  • 14: Não recomendado para menores de 14 anos (Not recommended for minors under 14)
  • 16: Não recomendado para menores de 16 anos (Not recommended for minors under 16)
  • 18: Não recomendado para menores de 18 anos (Not recommended for minors under 18)

There are also operational descriptions of attenuating and aggravating elements that can interfere on the final rating.

Bulgaria

The Bulgarian film rating system is defined in the Film Industry Act of 2003 and administered by the National Film Rating Committee.[22][23]

  • 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.[24] 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 the Canadian Home Video Rating System (CHVRS).[25]

Classifications used outside Quebec

 
Canadian cinema ratings used outside Quebec
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian home video ratings 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.[24] In the case of theatre exhibition, children are admitted to 14A if accompanied by an adult. In British Columbia,[26] Saskatchewan (administered by the British Columbia Film Classification Office),[25] Alberta and Ontario children are also admitted to 18A films if accompanied.[27][28] Children over the age of 14 are admitted to 18A films in the Manitoba and Maritime provinces if accompanied by an adult.[29][30] The Maritimes and British Columbia (along with Saskatchewan) also provide an "A" classification for adult content.[30][26] Some provinces, such as Nova Scotia, reserve the right to prohibit films altogether.[30]

In general, the categories are:[24]

  • G – Suitable for viewing by all ages.
  • PG – Parental guidance advised.
    • Not Recommended For Young Children – The film may be inappropriate for young children. “Young Children” would be persons age 8 and under.
  • 14A – Suitable for people 14 years of age or older. Those under 14 should view with an adult. No rental or purchase by those under 14. Parents cautioned. (Formerly "Adult Accompaniment (14)" in the Maritimes)[30][31]
    • Not Recommended For Children – “Children” would be persons age 13 and under. Films with this advisory may include scenes that reflect a more mature situation, such as drug use or abuse.
  • 18A – Suitable for people 18 years of age or older. Those under 18 should view with an adult. Additionally, in certain provinces there is a mandatory age restriction of 14 years. No rental or purchase by those under 18. Parents strongly cautioned.
  • R – Restricted to 18 years and over. No rental or purchase by those under 18. Content not suitable for minors.
  • A – Adult. Film is not suitable for viewers under 18 years of age. (Formerly "Explicit Material (XXX)" in the Maritimes)[30][31]
  • E – Exempt.

Classifications used in Quebec

 
The rating labels used in Quebec.

In Quebec, the provincial Ministry of Culture and Communications (and until 2017 the Régie du cinéma) rates all films and videos;[32] its purview devolves from the Cinema Act (chapter C-18.1).[33] In some cases the Ministry may refuse to provide a classification, effectively banning the film. Educational and sports films are exempt from classification.[34]

  • G: Visa général (General Rating) – May be viewed, rented or purchased by persons of all ages. If a film carrying a "G" rating might offend the sensibilities of a child under 8 years of age, "Not suitable for young children" is appended to the classification.
  • 13+: 13 ans et plus (13 years and over) – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 13 years of age or over. Children under 13 may be admitted only if accompanied by an adult.
  • 16+: 16 ans et plus (16 years and over) – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 16 years of age or over.
  • 18+: 18 ans et plus (18 years and over) – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 18 years of age or over. If a film contains real and explicit sexual activity "Explicit sexuality" is appended to the classification, and in the retail video industry storeowners are required to place the film in a room reserved for adults.

Chile

Films are classified by the Council of Cinematographic Classification (Consejo de Calificación Cinematográfica) which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education.[35] In 2002 legislation was enacted which reversed the ban on all 1,090 films that had previously been banned in Chile.[36]

The current age ratings (enacted in 1993) are:[35]

  • 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 – 14 years old and over.
  • Mayores de 18 años – 18 years old and over.

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.[35]

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.[37][38] 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.[39] 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.[40][41]

Colombia

As of 22 June 2005, the Ministry of Culture issued its new rating system.[42][43][44] 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 the Cook Islands, publications such as films, TV shows and video games are classified by the Cook Islands Censorship Office in accordance with the Film and Censorship Act 1985.[45] The following four classifications are used:[46]

  • G (general)
  • PG (parental guidance)
  • MA (mature audiences)
  • R18 (restricted to adults)

The Censorship Office does not define the age for a "mature audience", but its television code—which uses the same ratings—defines a child as "15 years and under".[47]

Denmark

In Denmark, the Media Council for Children and Young People currently rates films.[48] 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).[49] Children aged 7 and above may attend any performance—including those restricted to older audiences—if they are accompanied by an adult.[50]

 
 
 
 
 
The Danish ratings
  • 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.[51]

  • 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:[52]

  • G - approved for general exhibition
  • Y - approved for exhibition to viewers of the age of 13 and over
  • A - approved for exhibition to adults only (18 and over)
  • R - approved for restricted public exhibition subject to conditions imposed by the censor

Finland

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sex
The age ratings and content descriptors used in Finland

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.[53] Films with an age rating may contain an additional marker for violence, sex, fear, or substance abuse. The ratings are as follows:[54]

  • S (Finnish) or T (Swedish) – For all ages.
  • 7 – For 7 years and over.
  • 12 – For 12 years and over.
  • 16 – For 16 years and over.
  • 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 the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC). In some cases, films may be classified as "pornographic films or those containing an incitement to violence" or completely prohibited from screening.[55] A certificate will be granted from the following:

  • TP (Tous publics) – Certificate authorising the screening of the film to all members of the public.
  • -12 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 12.
  • -16 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 16.
  • -18 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 18.
  • Interdiction (prohibition) – Certificate totally prohibiting the screening of the film.

Germany

The Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry, FSK) has a film ratings system under which films are classified. All the ratings contain the phrase "gemäß §14 JuSchG" (in accordance with §14 of the Youth Protection Law), signifying that they are legally binding for minors. Cinemas may legally exhibit films without a classification but minors are prohibited from such screenings.[56]

 
 
 
 
 
  • Ohne Altersbeschränkung (FSK 0): no age restriction (white sign).
  • Freigegeben ab 6 Jahren (FSK 6): released to ages 6 and older, nobody under this age admitted (yellow sign).
  • Freigegeben ab 12 Jahren (FSK 12): released to ages 12 and older; children who are at least age 6 may be admitted with adult accompaniment (green sign).
  • Freigegeben ab 16 Jahren (FSK 16): released to ages 16 and older, nobody under this age admitted (blue sign).
  • Keine Jugendfreigabe (FSK 18): "no youth admitted", adults only. (red sign).
  • Infoprogramm or Lehrprogramm: "educational programming". This rating is not issued by the FSK, but may be self-applied to films seeking to educate their audience (e.g. documentaries, instructional films, etc.). Films with this rating may be sold without any age restriction provided they do not contain any material "evidently harmful to the development of children and youths".[57]

The FSK rating also limits the time of the day in which the movie may be aired on free-to-air TV stations to a time frame between 22:00 (FSK 16) or 23:00 (FSK 18) and 6:00. Stations are permitted to broadcast films not approved for audiences under 12 at their own discretion.[58]

Greece

All publicly released films must be submitted to the Youth Committee for classification.[13] 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.[59][60]

 
 
 
 
 
Hong Kong ratings administered by the Film Censorship Authority
  • I – Suitable for all ages. (circle sign).
  • IIA – Not suitable for children. (square sign).
  • IIB – Not suitable for young persons and children.
  • III – Persons aged 18 or above only. (triangle sign).

Of the four levels, Categories I, IIA, and IIB are unrestricted. Only Category III is a restricted category and regulated by the government.

Hungary

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Hungarian ratings administered by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority

Hungarian ratings are decided by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH):[61][62]

  • 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".[63]

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.[64] The Icelandic ratings system also provides an "18" rating in addition to the Kijkwijzer ratings.[65] 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.[66] The ratings are as follows:[67]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The ratings and descriptors used in Iceland since 2017
  • 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

 
The Indian ratings administered by the Central Board of Film Certification

In India, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is responsible for certifying films meant for public exhibition.[68]

  • U – Unrestricted public exhibition.
  • U/A – Unrestricted public exhibition, but with parental guidance for children below the age of 12 years.
  • A – Restricted to adults.
  • S – Restricted to any special class of persons.

Indonesia

Motion pictures shown in Indonesia must undergo reviewing by the Film Censorship Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Lembaga Sensor Film, LSF). Other than issuing certificates, the LSF 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:[69]

  • 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.[70]

  • 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 the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO).[71][72]

 
Cinema ratings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Video ratings
  • G (General) – Suitable for children of school going age (note: children can be enrolled in school from the age of 4).
  • PG (Parental Guidance) – Suitable for children over the age of 8. Parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.
  • 12A, 12 – Suitable for viewers of 12 and over. Younger children may be admitted to the film at cinemas if accompanied by an adult; on home video younger viewers are not permitted to purchase/rent the video.
  • 15A, 15 – Suitable for viewers of 15 and over. Younger viewers may be admitted to the film at cinemas if accompanied by an adult; on home video younger viewers are not permitted to purchase/rent the video.
  • 16 (cinema only) – Suitable for viewers of 16 and over. Younger viewers are not admitted.
  • 18 – Suitable only for adults. Viewers under 18 are not admitted at cinemas or permitted to purchase/rent the video.

Italy

In Italy the rating system of the films is currently disciplined by the Decreto legislativo n° 203 of 7 December 2017.[73] 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.[74] Since 2021 the commission is no longer allowed to ban a film or demand edits.[75] Films are classified into one of the following categories:[76]

 
 
 
 
  • T (film per tutti): no age restriction.
  • 6+ (sconsigliato ai minori di anni 6): not suitable for children under 6.
  • 14+ (vietato ai minori di 14 anni): released to ages 14 and older; children who are at least 12 may be admitted with adult accompaniment.
  • 18+ (vietato ai minori di 18 anni): 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.[77] 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.[78]

  • 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 Eirin (映倫) [full-name: Eiga Rinri Kanri Iinkai (映画倫理管理委員会)] 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.[79][80]

 
 
 
 
Eirin ratings
  • 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.[81]

  • 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.[nb 1]
  • 16+: 16 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 16.[nb 1]
  • 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 10 pm and 6 am local time.

Kenya

In Kenya, films are rated by the Kenya Film Classification Board.[83]

 
 
 
 
  • 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/Banned

Kuwait

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+).[84] 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.[85] Therefore, as of May 2016, films in Kuwait are rated under the following:

 
 
 
 
2016 Kuwaiti film age rating symbols
  • 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.[86]

  • 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.[87]

  • 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:[88]

  • 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.[89] 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 (which were amalgamated back into a single classification in 2010). In 2008, the "PG13" classification was introduced, which admitted children under the age of 13 if accompanied by an adult ("PG13" underwent a cosmetic change to "P13" in 2012).[90] In February 2023, the "P13" classification was split in two—a "P12" classification (effectively the same as "P13" but with a slightly lower age threshold) and a prohibitive "13" classification, which bars admission to children under the age of 13. A prohibitive "16" classification was also introduced, barring audiences under the age of 16.[91]

Upon viewing the board will assign one of three categories to the film:[92]

  • Lulus Bersih (Passed Clean [i.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 2023 the ratings are:[91]

  • U (Umum) - Suitable for all ages.
  • P12 (Penjaga) – Parental guidance required for audiences under the age of 12.
  • 13 – For audiences aged 13 years old and above.
  • 16 – For audiences aged 16 years old and above.
  • 18 – For audiences aged 18 years old and above.

Maldives

Film in the Maldives are classified by the National Bureau of Classification. Certificates issued are based on the following categories:[93]

 
Maldive film classifications
  • G – Suitable for all ages.
  • PG – Parental guidance.
  • 12+ – For ages 12 and above.
  • 15+ – Suitable for ages 15 and above.
  • 18+ – Suitable for ages 18 and above.
  • 18+R – Suitable for ages 18 and above. Restricted.
  • PU – For professional use only.

Malta

As of 2012, films in Malta are classified by the Film Board in accordance with the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts Act.[94] 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.[95]

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.[96]

  • 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 the Secretariat of the Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación). It has its own classification system, as follows:[97][98]

  • AA Informative-only rating: Understandable for children under 7 years.
  • A Information-only rating: For all age groups.
  • B Information-only rating: For adolescents 12 years and older.
  • B-15 Information-only rating: Not recommended for children under 15.
  • C Restrictive rating: For adults 18 and older.
  • D Restrictive rating: Adult movies (legally prohibited to those under 18 years of age).

Netherlands

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.[99][100][101]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Kijkwijzer ratings and descriptors used in the Netherlands since January 2020
  • 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.
  • 14: Potentially harmful to children under 14 years.
  • 16: Potentially harmful to and not allowed for children under 16 years.
  • 18: Potentially harmful to and not allowed for children under 18 years.

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 under license issued in the Netherlands (independent from country for which the channel are dedicated).

New 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).[102][103] 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.[104][105]

In 2017 the Office of Film and Literature Classification created a special RP18 rating for online content in response to the Netflix television series, 13 Reasons Why. The new classification reflects concerns raised with 17 and 18 year olds in New Zealand being at a higher risk of suicide.[106][107][108] The current ratings are:[109]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand Ratings
  • G: Anyone can be shown or sold this.
  • PG: Films and games with a PG label can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. The PG label means guidance from a parent or guardian is recommended for younger viewers.
  • M: Films and games with an M label can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. Films with an M label are more suitable for mature audiences 16 years and over.[110][111]
  • RP13: Restricted to persons 13 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
  • RP16: Restricted to persons 16 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
  • RP18: Restricted to persons 18 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian (online content only).
  • R13: Restricted to persons 13 years and over.
  • R15: Restricted to persons 15 years and over.
  • R16: Restricted to persons 16 years and over.
  • R18: Restricted to persons 18 years and over.
  • R: Restricted exclusively to a certain audience.

In order for a film or video game to be released in New Zealand, they must:

  • Be classified by either the Australian Classification Board in Australia or the BBFC in the United Kingdom before being given with a New Zealand classification rating for public release. If they are being given a classification rating of unrestricted G, PG or M in Australia or the equivalent one in the United Kingdom, it will be cross-rated. However this may not be easy as it seems. New Zealand's treatment of violence is stricter than that of Australia compared to offensive language and sex.
  • For Video Games that have been classified as unrestricted G, PG or M from Australia are exempt from being classified in New Zealand. If they have a restricted classification from Australia or the United Kingdom, they'll need to be classified with a New Zealand classification rating before releasing it to the public.

Nigeria

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.[112] The categories are:

  • G: Suitable for viewing by persons of all ages.
  • PG: Parental Guidance is advised.
  • 12: Not permitted for people under the age of 12.
  • 12A: Not permitted for people under the age of 12. A child must be accompanied by an adult to view the film.
  • 15: Not permitted for persons under the age of 15.
  • 18: Not permitted 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

In Norway, all films—whether they are exhibited in cinemas, distributed on video, shown on television or streamed through on-demand services—are required by law to be classified. Films shown in cinemas must be classified by the distributor, and films made available by other means must be classified by whoever who has the rights to make them available in Norway. Classifications are mandated to follow the guidelines and age limits set by the Norwegian Media Authority (Medietilsynet).[113] The law previously required films to be classified by the Norwegian Media Authority, but this was repealed in 2022.[114]

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Norwegian Media Authority ratings

The following age limits apply to films:[113]

  • A – Suitable for all.
  • 6 – 6 years (no restriction for children accompanied by an adult).
  • 9 – 9 years (children down to 6 years accompanied by an adult).
  • 12 – 12 years (children down to 9 years accompanied by an adult).
  • 15 – 15 years (children down to 12 years accompanied by an adult).
  • 18 – 18 years (no one under this age admitted).

Philippines

 
The rating labels used in the Philippines

In the Philippines, motion pictures, along with television programs, are rated by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, a special agency of the Office of the President. As of 2012, the Board uses six classification ratings.[115]

  • G (General Audiences) – Viewers of all ages are admitted.
  • PG (Parental Guidance) – Viewers below 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
  • R-13 (Restricted-13) – Only viewers who are 13 years old and above can be admitted.
  • R-16 (Restricted-16) – Only viewers who are 16 years old and above can be admitted.
  • R-18 (Restricted-18) – Only viewers who are 18 years old and above can be admitted.
  • X (Not For Public Exhibition) – "X-rated" films are not suitable for public exhibition.

Independent, foreign-language and art-house films released in the Philippines are not rated by the MTRCB themselves but are instead rated through the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Nevertheless, the same rating system applies.[116]

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.[117]

Portugal

Movies are rated in Portugal by the Comissão de Classificação de Espectáculos of the Ministry of Culture. In cinemas the ratings are mandatory (subject to parental guidance) whereas for video releases they are merely advisory, except in the case of pornographic content.[118] Children under the age of 3 were previously prohibited from public film performances, but a special category was introduced for this age group when the classification system was overhauled in 2014. A category for 14-year-olds was also introduced, and the lowest age rating was dropped from 4 years of age to 3.[119][120] The categories are the following:[120]

  • Para todos os públicos – For all the public (especially designed for children under 3 years of age).
  • M/3 Passed for viewers aged 3 and older.
  • M/6 Passed for viewers aged 6 and older.
  • M/12 Passed for viewers aged 12 and older.
  • M/14 Passed for viewers aged 14 and older.
  • M/16 Passed for viewers aged 16 and older.
  • M/18 Passed for viewers aged 18 and older.
  • P Special rating supplementary to the M/18 age rating denoting "pornography".

Romania

Ratings in Romania are set by the National Center of Cinematography (Romanian: Centrul Național al Cinematografiei) (CNC).[121]

  • AG (audiență generală) – General audience.
  • AP-12 (acordul părinților pentru copiii sub 12 ani) – Parental guidance for children under 12.
  • N-15 (nerecomandat tinerilor sub 15 ani) – Not recommended for children under 15.
  • IM-18 (interzis minorilor) – Prohibited to minors under 18.
  • IM-18-XXX (interzis minorilor și proiecției cu public) – Prohibited to minors under 18 and projection in public.
  • IC (interdicție de comunicare) – 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.[122][123]

 
Russian rating system

The indication shown:

  • 0+ – All ages are admitted.
  • 6+ для детей старше 6 лет (For children over 6 years) – Unsuitable for children under 6.
  • 12+ для детей старше 12 лет (For children over 12 years) – Unsuitable for children under 12.
  • 16+ для детей старше 16 лет (For children over 16 years) – Unsuitable for children under 16.
  • 18+ запрещено для детей (Prohibited for children) – Prohibited for children under 18.
  • Фильмы, которым отказано в классификации (Refused classification) – Banned.

Saudi Arabia

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GCAM classification symbols

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,[124] and revised it in 2022 to incorporate a "PG15" rating.[125] The classifications are:[126]

  • 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 replace 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.[127] 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.[128][129]

 
The revised Singapore film rating system which took effect 15 July 2011

The categories are:

  • G: General – Suitable for all ages.
  • PG: Parental Guidance – Suitable for all but parents should guide their young.
  • PG13: Parental Guidance 13 – Suitable for persons aged 13 and above but parental guidance is advised for children below 13.
  • NC16: No Children Under 16 – Suitable for persons aged 16 and above.
  • M18: Mature 18 – Suitable for persons aged 18 and above.
  • R21: Restricted 21 – Suitable for adults aged 21 and above (restricted to licensed cinemas).

In exceptional cases, a film may be refused classification if it either exceeds the permissible limits of the R21 classification, contains any material that undermines or is likely to undermine public order, or is likely to be prejudicial to national interest.

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, television programs and video games in Slovakia. [130]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The age ratings are:

  • "Teddy bear's head" – Content suitable for children younger than 12 years.
  • U – General audience
  • 7 – Not recommended for children younger than 7 years.
  • 12 – Not recommended for people younger than 12 years.
  • 15 – Not recommended for people younger than 15 years.
  • 18 – Prohibited for minors under 18 years of age.

In addition, educational movie ratings are:

  • -7 – Targeted at children younger than 7 years.
  • 7+ – Appropriate for children older than 7 years.
  • 12+ – Appropriate for people 12 years and over.
  • 15+ – Appropriate for people 15 years and over.

South Africa

In South Africa, films are classified by the Film and Publication Board.[131] Distributors and exhibitors are legally compelled to comply with the age ratings.[132] All broadcasters, cinemas and distributors of DVD/video and computer games must comply with the following:[133][134]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The FPB's rating categories
  • 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:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The FPB's rating descriptors
  • 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

 
 
 
 
 
KMRB rating logos

The Korea Media Rating Board (영상물등급위원회) in Busan divides licensed films into the following categories:[135][136]

  • ALL (전체관람가) – Film suitable for all ages.
  • 12 (12세이상관람가) – Film intended for audiences 12 and over. Underage audiences accompanied by a parent or guardian are allowed.
  • 15 (15세이상관람가) – Film intended for audiences 15 and over. Underage audiences accompanied by a parent or guardian are allowed.
  • 18 (청소년관람불가) – No one under 18 is allowed to watch this film.
  • Restricted Screening (제한상영가) – Film needs a certain restriction in screening or advertisement as it is considered a highly bad influence to universal human dignity, social value, good customs or national emotion due to excessive expression of nudity, violence, social behavior, etc. (technically not an age restriction but films with this rating may only be screened at "adults only" theatres, with the age of majority set at 19).

Spain

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.[137] 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.[138]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spanish classifications
  • 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.[139] 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.[140] The councils classification only applies to public exhibition, and the law does not require classification of home media.[141]

The following categories are used:[142][143]

  • 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.[144]

Switzerland

 
 
 
 
 

Switzerland has adopted Germany's Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry, FSK). Under Swiss law, however, children up to two years younger than the age recommendations will be admitted if accompanied by a person invested with parental authority.[145]

Taiwan

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):[146] 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.[147][148][149]

 
 
 
 
 
The revised Taiwan motion picture rating system which took effect from 16 October 2015.
  • 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".[150]

The ratings were put into effect in August 2009.[151] 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.[152][153]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The rating labels used in Turkey.
  • Genel İzleyici Kitlesi – General audience.
  • 6A – Viewers under the age of 6 may watch with accompanying family members.
  • 6+ – Restricted to viewers aged 6 and over.
  • 10A – Viewers under the age of 10 may watch with accompanying family members.
  • 10+ – Restricted to viewers aged 10 and over.
  • 13A – Viewers under the age of 13 may watch with accompanying family members.
  • 13+ – Restricted to viewers aged 13 and over.
  • 16+ – Restricted to viewers aged 16 and over.
  • 18+ – Restricted to 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:[154]

  • 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

 
The NMC film and video rating system which took effect on 19 February 2018

A film and video rating system was introduced in November 2017, and was established commercially as of February 2018 by the National Media Council.[155][156]

  • G – For public viewing, suitable for all age groups.
  • PG – For public viewing, with adult supervision.
  • PG13 – Persons below 13 allowed with adult supervisions.
  • PG15 – Persons below 15 allowed with adult supervisions.
  • 15+ – Ages 15 and above only.
  • 18+ – Ages 18 and above only.
  • 21+ – Uncensored films for ages 21 and above only.[157][158]

United Kingdom

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) classifies films to be publicly exhibited in the United Kingdom, although statutory powers remain with local councils which can overrule any of the BBFC's decisions. Since 1984, the BBFC also classifies films made commercially available through a home video format. If the BBFC refuses a classification this effectively amounts to a ban (although local councils retain the legal right to overturn it in the case of cinema exhibition). The BBFC's regulatory powers do not extend to the Internet, so a film they have banned on physical media can still be made available via streaming media/video on demand. Videos designed to inform, educate or instruct or concerned with sport, religion or music are exempt from classification; exempt films may be marked as "E", but this is not an official label.[159][160]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BBFC classification symbols (from 2019)

The current BBFC system is:[161]

  • U (Universal – Suitable for all) – A U-rated film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over.
  • PG (Parental Guidance) – General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG-rated film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older.
  • 12A / 12 (Suitable for 12 years and over) – Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A-rated film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work.
  • 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and older) – No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15-rated film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15-rated video.
  • 18 (Suitable only for adults) – No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18-rated film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18-rated video.
  • R18 (To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults only) – The R18 category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. R18-rated video works may not be supplied by mail order.

Older video works still in circulation may still carry the deprecated Uc label, classifying the work as "Especially suitable for pre-school children".[160]

United States

In the United States, film classification is a voluntary process with the ratings issued by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) via the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA).[162][163] The system was established in 1968, but the version listed below is the most recent revision, having been in effect since 1990.[164] An unrated film is often informally denoted by "NR" in newspapers and so forth.[165]

 
 
 
 
 
Current American film ratings, since 1990
  • G (General Audiences) – All ages admitted.
  • PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) – Some material may not be suitable for children.
  • PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
  • R (Restricted) – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
  • NC-17 (Adults Only) – No one 17 and under admitted.

Venezuela

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:[166]

  • 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 the Baruta municipality the following ratings apply:[167]

  • 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 adults.

In the Maracaibo municipality children under the age of two are not admitted to performances and the ratings are enforced:[168]

  • A – Suitable for all ages.
  • B – Suitable for audiences aged 14 years or older.
  • C – Suitable for audiences aged 18 years or older.

Vietnam

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.[169]

 
 
 
 
Vietnamese classifications
  • P (Vietnamese: Phổ cập, meaning Universal) – Suitable for all ages.
  • C13 – Persons under age 13 are not admitted.
  • C16 – Persons under age 16 are not admitted.
  • C18 – Persons under age 18 are 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

  1. ^ a b Under the previous system in Kazahkstan, children over the age of 12 were admitted to "14" and "16" rated films if accompanied by an adult.[82] It is unclear if this remains the case, as the revised law no longer distinguishes between the different age classifications.

References

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  50. ^ . Denmark: Danish Film Institute. Archived from
motion, picture, content, rating, system, motion, picture, content, rating, system, classifies, films, based, their, suitability, audiences, their, treatment, issues, such, violence, substance, abuse, their, profanity, other, matters, typically, deemed, unsuit. A motion picture content rating system classifies films based on their suitability for audiences due to their treatment of issues such as sex violence or substance abuse their use of profanity or other matters typically deemed unsuitable for children or adolescents Most countries have some form of rating system that issues determinations variously known as certifications classifications certificates or ratings Age recommendations of either an advisory or restrictive capacity are often applied in lieu of censorship in some jurisdictions movie theaters may have a legal obligation to enforce restrictive ratings In countries such as Australia and Singapore an official government body decides on ratings in other countries such as the United States it is done by industry committees with little if any official government status In most countries however films that are considered morally offensive have been censored restricted or banned Even if the film rating system has no legal consequences and a film has not explicitly been restricted or banned there are usually laws forbidding certain films or forbidding minors to view them The influence of specific factors in deciding a rating varies from country to country Other factors may or may not influence the classification process such as being set within a non fictional historical context whether the film glorifies violence or drug use whether said violence or drug use is carried out by the protagonist with whom the viewer should empathize or by the antagonist In Germany for example films depicting explicit war violence in a real war context such as the Second World War are handled more leniently than films with purely fictional settings A film may be produced with a particular rating in mind It may be re edited if the desired rating is not obtained especially to avoid a higher rating than intended A film may also be re edited to produce a different version for other countries Contents 1 Comparison table 2 Argentina 3 Australia 4 Austria 5 Bahamas 6 Barbados 7 Belgium 8 Brazil 9 Bulgaria 10 Canada 10 1 Classifications used outside Quebec 10 2 Classifications used in Quebec 11 Chile 12 China 13 Colombia 14 Cook Islands 15 Denmark 16 Estonia 17 Fiji 18 Finland 19 France 20 Germany 21 Greece 22 Hong Kong 23 Hungary 24 Iceland 25 India 26 Indonesia 27 Iraq 28 Ireland 29 Italy 30 Jamaica 31 Japan 32 Kazakhstan 33 Kenya 34 Kuwait 35 Latvia 36 Lebanon 37 Lithuania 38 Malaysia 39 Maldives 40 Malta 41 Mauritius 42 Mexico 43 Netherlands 44 New Zealand 45 Nigeria 46 Norway 47 Philippines 48 Poland 49 Portugal 50 Romania 51 Russia 52 Saudi Arabia 53 Singapore 54 Slovakia 55 South Africa 56 South Korea 57 Spain 58 Sweden 59 Switzerland 60 Taiwan 61 Thailand 62 Turkey 63 Ukraine 64 United Arab Emirates 65 United Kingdom 66 United States 67 Venezuela 68 Vietnam 69 See also 70 Notes 71 References 72 External linksComparison table EditA 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 Table guide Country 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 OtherExample G suitable for all ages PG 13 advised for ages 13 and over NC 17 prohibited for under 18s ExemptPG parental guidance 12A adult supervision mandated for under 12s 18A prohibited for under 14s 18A adult supervision mandated for under 18s BannedWhere the highlighting starts for a particular rating indicates the lower age threshold for which the film is suitable and any associated restrictions Some ratings have two components for example Canada s 18A rating requires audiences aged between 14 and 18 to be accompanied by an adult in some provinces In such instances the rating is represented by two highlights to indicate the two restrictions Country 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Argentina ATP 13 16 18 N AC Australia G M R 18 RCPG MA 15 X 18 Exempt Austria Unrestricted 6 10 12 14 16 N A Bahamas A T B DC Barbados GA PG 13 R N APG A Belgium AL TOUS 6 9 12 14 16 18 N A Brazil L 10 12 14 16 N A18 18 Bulgaria B C D X N AA Canada outside Quebec G 14A R EAPG PG Not recommended for young children 18A 18A Prohibited Quebec G G Not suitable for young children 13 16 18 Exempt18 Explicit sexuality Refused classification Chile TE 7 14 18 EducationalExcessive violencePornography China Suitable for all ages Banned Colombia T 7 12 15 18 ProhibitedX Cook Islands G MA R18 N APGCountry 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Denmark A 7 F11 15 11 15 Estonia L MS 6 MS 12 K 14 K 16 N APERE K 12 Fiji G Y A N AR Finland S T 7 7 12 12 16 16 18 N A France TP 12 16 18 Prohibited Germany 0 6 12 12 16 18 Unrated Educational Greece Unrestricted 13 17 18 N A Hong Kong I III ExemptIIA IIB Hungary KN 6 12 16 18 N AX Iceland L 6 9 12 14 N A16 18 16 18 India U UA A S Indonesia SU 13 17 21 N A Iraq G PG 13 15 18 N APG 15 18TC Ireland N A G PG 12A 15A 16 18 N A12 15 Italy T 6 14 14 18 18 N A Jamaica G PG 13 T 16 T 16 A 18 N APG Japan G PG12 R15 R18 N A Kazakhstan 6 6 12 14 16 14 16 18 21 N A Kenya GE 16 18 Restricted BannedPG N A Kuwait E PG 18 N AT Latvia U 7 12 16 18 N A Lebanon G PG13 PG16 18 N APG Lithuania V N 7 N 13 N 13 N 16 N 18 N ACountry 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Malaysia U P12 13 16 18 Banned Maldives G 12 15 18 PUPG 18 R Malta U 12A 15 18 Not fit for exhibitionPG 12 Mauritius U PG 15 18 Rejected18R Mexico A B B 15 C N AAA N A D Netherlands AL 6 9 12 14 16 18 N A New Zealand G R13 R15 R16 R18 RObjectionablePG RP13 RP16 RP18 ExemptM Nigeria G 12 15 18 REPG 12A Norway A 6 12 12 18 Not approved9 9 15 15 Philippines G R 13 R 16 R 18 XPG Portugal A M 3 6 12 14 16 18 M 6 M 12 M 14 M 16 M 18 N AM 3 M 6 M 12 M 14 M 16 M 18M 18 P Romania AG N 15 IM 18 ICAP 12 N A IM 18 XXX Russia 0 6 12 16 18 Refused classificationCountry 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Saudi Arabia G R12 R15 R18 N APG PG12 PG15 Singapore G PG13 NC16 M18 R21 ExemptPG Refused classification Slovakia Teddy bear s head 12 15 18 N AU 7 7 7 12 15 South Africa A 7 9PG 7 9PG 10 12PG 10 12PG 13 16 18 XXPG X18 South Korea 전체 ALL 12 15 청불 18 제한 Restricted N A Spain A 7 12 16 18 N AX Sweden Btl 7 15 15 N A11 11 Switzerland 0 6 6 12 12 16 16 Unrated N AN A 18 18 Taiwan 0 6 6 15 18 N AN A 12 Thailand G 13 15 18 20 BannedP Turkey General Audience 6 10 13 16 18 Refused classification6A 10A 13A Educational purposes Ukraine ZA 12 16 18 DeniedDA United Arab Emirates G PG13 PG15 18 21 N APG 15 United Kingdom Uc U PG 12A 15 18 Unsuitable for classification12 R18 Exempt United States G PG 13 R NC 17 Not ratedPG Venezuela San Cristobal and the Baruta municipalities A B C D N AAA Maracaibo municipality N A A B C Vietnam P C13 C16 C18 N ACountry 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 OtherArgentina EditThrough its Advisory Commission of Cinematographic Exhibition Comision Asesora de Exhibicion Cinematografica the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts INCAA issues ratings for films based on the following categories 1 Categories of the Argentinian classification system ATP For all public 13 Suitable for 13 year olds and over Children under the age of 13 are admitted if accompanied by an adult 16 Suitable for 16 year olds and over 18 Suitable for 18 year olds and over C Suitable for 18 year olds and over Restricted to specially licensed venues Australia EditMain article Australian Classification Board The Classification Board and Classification Review Board are government funded organisations which classify all films that are released for public exhibition 2 3 The Australian classifications 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 4 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 5 Austria EditMotion pictures are rated by the Austrian Board of Media Classification ABMC for the Federal Ministry of Education Arts and Culture Bundesministerium fur 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 EditThe 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 9 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 15 and over persons under 15 years are not admitted whether accompanied by an adult or not 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 EditIn Barbados films are classified by the Film Censorship Board FCB 10 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 EditOn 8 January 2020 Belgium adopted the Dutch Kijkwijzer classification system 11 Belgium had previously used a basic two tier system in place since 1 September 1920 12 Until January 2020 classifications for films publicly exhibited in Belgium were issued by the Inter Community Commission for Film Rating Dutch Intergemeenschapscommissie voor de Filmkeuring French Commission Intercommunautaire de Controle 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 13 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 14 In the French and German speaking communities the system is known as Cinecheck 15 16 The rating labels used in the Belgium for feature films The age categories are as follows 17 AL TOUS All ages 6 From 6 years 9 From 9 years 12 From 12 years 14 From 14 years 16 From 16 years 18 From 18 years Brazil EditMain article Brazilian advisory rating system 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 Classificacao Indicativa abbreviated ClassInd which is run by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice Ministerio da Justica 18 19 Under 10 must always be accompanied by an adult guard Anyone below the film s minimum age can watch it if accompanied or allowed by the parent or guardian who is at least 18 years old except for those rated 18 which can only be allowed for teenagers aged 16 20 Unlike many countries the ClassInd does not have any legal right to ban demand cuts or refuse to rate any film 21 Film classification symbols used in Brazil The ClassInd uses the following system ER Especialmente recomendado para criancas Especially recommended for children L Livre General 10 Nao recomendado para menores de 10 anos Not recommended for minors under 10 12 Nao recomendado para menores de 12 anos Not recommended for minors under 12 14 Nao recomendado para menores de 14 anos Not recommended for minors under 14 16 Nao recomendado para menores de 16 anos Not recommended for minors under 16 18 Nao recomendado para menores de 18 anos Not recommended for minors under 18 There are also operational descriptions of attenuating and aggravating elements that can interfere on the final rating Bulgaria EditThe Bulgarian film rating system is defined in the Film Industry Act of 2003 and administered by the National Film Rating Committee 22 23 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 EditMain articles Canadian motion picture rating system and Canadian Home Video Rating System 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 24 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 the Canadian Home Video Rating System CHVRS 25 Classifications used outside Quebec Edit Canadian cinema ratings used outside Quebec Canadian home video ratings 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 24 In the case of theatre exhibition children are admitted to 14A if accompanied by an adult In British Columbia 26 Saskatchewan administered by the British Columbia Film Classification Office 25 Alberta and Ontario children are also admitted to 18A films if accompanied 27 28 Children over the age of 14 are admitted to 18A films in the Manitoba and Maritime provinces if accompanied by an adult 29 30 The Maritimes and British Columbia along with Saskatchewan also provide an A classification for adult content 30 26 Some provinces such as Nova Scotia reserve the right to prohibit films altogether 30 In general the categories are 24 G Suitable for viewing by all ages PG Parental guidance advised Not Recommended For Young Children The film may be inappropriate for young children Young Children would be persons age 8 and under 14A Suitable for people 14 years of age or older Those under 14 should view with an adult No rental or purchase by those under 14 Parents cautioned Formerly Adult Accompaniment 14 in the Maritimes 30 31 Not Recommended For Children Children would be persons age 13 and under Films with this advisory may include scenes that reflect a more mature situation such as drug use or abuse 18A Suitable for people 18 years of age or older Those under 18 should view with an adult Additionally in certain provinces there is a mandatory age restriction of 14 years No rental or purchase by those under 18 Parents strongly cautioned R Restricted to 18 years and over No rental or purchase by those under 18 Content not suitable for minors A Adult Film is not suitable for viewers under 18 years of age Formerly Explicit Material XXX in the Maritimes 30 31 E Exempt Classifications used in Quebec Edit Further information Ministry of Culture and Communications Quebec and Regie du cinema Quebec The rating labels used in Quebec In Quebec the provincial Ministry of Culture and Communications and until 2017 the Regie du cinema rates all films and videos 32 its purview devolves from the Cinema Act chapter C 18 1 33 In some cases the Ministry may refuse to provide a classification effectively banning the film Educational and sports films are exempt from classification 34 G Visa general General Rating May be viewed rented or purchased by persons of all ages If a film carrying a G rating might offend the sensibilities of a child under 8 years of age Not suitable for young children is appended to the classification 13 13 ans et plus 13 years and over May be viewed rented or purchased only by persons 13 years of age or over Children under 13 may be admitted only if accompanied by an adult 16 16 ans et plus 16 years and over May be viewed rented or purchased only by persons 16 years of age or over 18 18 ans et plus 18 years and over May be viewed rented or purchased only by persons 18 years of age or over If a film contains real and explicit sexual activity Explicit sexuality is appended to the classification and in the retail video industry storeowners are required to place the film in a room reserved for adults Chile EditFilms are classified by the Council of Cinematographic Classification Consejo de Calificacion Cinematografica which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education 35 In 2002 legislation was enacted which reversed the ban on all 1 090 films that had previously been banned in Chile 36 The current age ratings enacted in 1993 are 35 TE Todo Espectador General audience TE 7 Inconveniente para menores de 7 anos Not suitable for children younger than 7 years Mayores de 14 anos 14 years old and over Mayores de 18 anos 18 years old and over The age ratings may also be supplemented by the following content categories Contenido educativo Educational content Contenido pornografico 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 35 China EditFurther information Film censorship in 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 37 38 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 39 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 40 41 Colombia EditAs of 22 June 2005 the Ministry of Culture issued its new rating system 42 43 44 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 EditIn the Cook Islands publications such as films TV shows and video games are classified by the Cook Islands Censorship Office in accordance with the Film and Censorship Act 1985 45 The following four classifications are used 46 G general PG parental guidance MA mature audiences R18 restricted to adults The Censorship Office does not define the age for a mature audience but its television code which uses the same ratings defines a child as 15 years and under 47 Denmark EditIn Denmark the Media Council for Children and Young People currently rates films 48 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 49 Children aged 7 and above may attend any performance including those restricted to older audiences if they are accompanied by an adult 50 The Danish ratings 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 EditFilm classification in Estonia is regulated by the Child Welfare Act 51 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 EditIn Fiji films are classified by the Fijian Censors Board 52 G approved for general exhibition Y approved for exhibition to viewers of the age of 13 and over A approved for exhibition to adults only 18 and over R approved for restricted public exhibition subject to conditions imposed by the censorFinland Edit SexThe age ratings and content descriptors used in Finland 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 53 Films with an age rating may contain an additional marker for violence sex fear or substance abuse The ratings are as follows 54 S Finnish or T Swedish For all ages 7 For 7 years and over 12 For 12 years and over 16 For 16 years and over 18 Prohibited for children under 18 years of age France EditFurther information Censorship in France Cinema 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 the Centre national du cinema et de l image animee CNC In some cases films may be classified as pornographic films or those containing an incitement to violence or completely prohibited from screening 55 A certificate will be granted from the following TP Tous publics Certificate authorising the screening of the film to all members of the public 12 Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 12 16 Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 16 18 Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 18 Interdiction prohibition Certificate totally prohibiting the screening of the film Germany EditThe Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft Voluntary Self Regulation of the Film Industry FSK has a film ratings system under which films are classified All the ratings contain the phrase gemass 14 JuSchG in accordance with 14 of the Youth Protection Law signifying that they are legally binding for minors Cinemas may legally exhibit films without a classification but minors are prohibited from such screenings 56 Ohne Altersbeschrankung FSK 0 no age restriction white sign Freigegeben ab 6 Jahren FSK 6 released to ages 6 and older nobody under this age admitted yellow sign Freigegeben ab 12 Jahren FSK 12 released to ages 12 and older children who are at least age 6 may be admitted with adult accompaniment green sign Freigegeben ab 16 Jahren FSK 16 released to ages 16 and older nobody under this age admitted blue sign Keine Jugendfreigabe FSK 18 no youth admitted adults only red sign Infoprogramm or Lehrprogramm educational programming This rating is not issued by the FSK but may be self applied to films seeking to educate their audience e g documentaries instructional films etc Films with this rating may be sold without any age restriction provided they do not contain any material evidently harmful to the development of children and youths 57 The FSK rating also limits the time of the day in which the movie may be aired on free to air TV stations to a time frame between 22 00 FSK 16 or 23 00 FSK 18 and 6 00 Stations are permitted to broadcast films not approved for audiences under 12 at their own discretion 58 Greece EditAll publicly released films must be submitted to the Youth Committee for classification 13 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 EditMain article Hong Kong motion picture rating system 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 59 60 Hong Kong ratings administered by the Film Censorship Authority I Suitable for all ages circle sign IIA Not suitable for children square sign IIB Not suitable for young persons and children III Persons aged 18 or above only triangle sign Of the four levels Categories I IIA and IIB are unrestricted Only Category III is a restricted category and regulated by the government Hungary Edit The Hungarian ratings administered by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority Hungarian ratings are decided by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority NMHH 61 62 KN korhatar nelkul 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 63 Iceland EditSince 1 July 2006 FRISK short for Felag retthafa i sjonvarps og kvikmyndaidnadi has replaced the Kvikmyndaskodun system in Iceland In October 2013 FRISK announced that it was adopting a new system similar to the Netherlands Kijkwijzer at least through 2016 64 The Icelandic ratings system also provides an 18 rating in addition to the Kijkwijzer ratings 65 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 66 The ratings are as follows 67 The ratings and descriptors used in Iceland since 2017 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 EditFurther information Central Board of Film Certification Certificates and guidelines The Indian ratings administered by the Central Board of Film Certification In India Central Board of Film Certification CBFC is responsible for certifying films meant for public exhibition 68 U Unrestricted public exhibition U A Unrestricted public exhibition but with parental guidance for children below the age of 12 years A Restricted to adults S Restricted to any special class of persons Indonesia EditMotion pictures shown in Indonesia must undergo reviewing by the Film Censorship Agency of the Republic of Indonesia Indonesian Lembaga Sensor Film LSF Other than issuing certificates the LSF 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 69 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 EditThe 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 70 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 EditAll films that are exhibited in public or released on a home video format must be submitted for classification to the Irish Film Classification Office IFCO 71 72 Cinema ratings Video ratings G General Suitable for children of school going age note children can be enrolled in school from the age of 4 PG Parental Guidance Suitable for children over the age of 8 Parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12 12A 12 Suitable for viewers of 12 and over Younger children may be admitted to the film at cinemas if accompanied by an adult on home video younger viewers are not permitted to purchase rent the video 15A 15 Suitable for viewers of 15 and over Younger viewers may be admitted to the film at cinemas if accompanied by an adult on home video younger viewers are not permitted to purchase rent the video 16 cinema only Suitable for viewers of 16 and over Younger viewers are not admitted 18 Suitable only for adults Viewers under 18 are not admitted at cinemas or permitted to purchase rent the video Italy EditIn Italy the rating system of the films is currently disciplined by the Decreto legislativo n 203 of 7 December 2017 73 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 74 Since 2021 the commission is no longer allowed to ban a film or demand edits 75 Films are classified into one of the following categories 76 T film per tutti no age restriction 6 sconsigliato ai minori di anni 6 not suitable for children under 6 14 vietato ai minori di 14 anni released to ages 14 and older children who are at least 12 may be admitted with adult accompaniment 18 vietato ai minori di 18 anni 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 77 The Commission could also ask for some scenes to be cut or ban the distribution of the film Jamaica EditFilm classification in Jamaica is a requirement of the Cinematograph Act of 1913 which also established the Cinematograph Authority 78 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 amp 15 will be admitted in the company of an adult A 18 No one under the age of 18 years will be admitted Japan EditA Japanese film rating regulator known as Eirin 映倫 full name Eiga Rinri Kanri Iinkai 映画倫理管理委員会 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 79 80 Eirin ratings 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 EditIn Kazakhstan films are rated by the Committee for Culture of the Ministry for Culture and Information 81 6 6 zhaska tolmagan balalarga arnalgan filmder Films intended for children under the age of 6 6 6 zhaska tolgan balalarga arnalgan filmder Films intended for children over the age of 6 12 12 zhaska tolgan balalarga arnalgan filmder Films intended for children over the age of 12 14 14 zhaska tolgan balalarga arnalgan filmder Films intended for children over the age of 14 nb 1 16 16 zhaska tolgan adamdarga arnalgan filmder Films intended for viewers over the age of 16 nb 1 18 18 zhaska tolgan adamdarga arnalgan filmder Films intended for viewers over the age of 18 21 21 zhaska tolgan adamdarga arnalgan filmder Films intended for viewers over the age of 21 Restricted to licensed venues between 10 pm and 6 am local time Kenya EditIn Kenya films are rated by the Kenya Film Classification Board 83 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 EditIn 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 84 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 85 Therefore as of May 2016 films in Kuwait are rated under the following 2016 Kuwaiti film age rating symbols 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 EditIn 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 86 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 EditFilms released in Lebanon are rated by the Lebanese Censorship Board 87 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 EditThe 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 88 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 EditFurther information Censorship in 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 89 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 which were amalgamated back into a single classification in 2010 In 2008 the PG13 classification was introduced which admitted children under the age of 13 if accompanied by an adult PG13 underwent a cosmetic change to P13 in 2012 90 In February 2023 the P13 classification was split in two a P12 classification effectively the same as P13 but with a slightly lower age threshold and a prohibitive 13 classification which bars admission to children under the age of 13 A prohibitive 16 classification was also introduced barring audiences under the age of 16 91 Upon viewing the board will assign one of three categories to the film 92 Lulus Bersih Passed Clean i 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 2023 the ratings are 91 U Umum Suitable for all ages P12 Penjaga Parental guidance required for audiences under the age of 12 13 For audiences aged 13 years old and above 16 For audiences aged 16 years old and above 18 For audiences aged 18 years old and above Maldives EditFilm in the Maldives are classified by the National Bureau of Classification Certificates issued are based on the following categories 93 Maldive film classifications G Suitable for all ages PG Parental guidance 12 For ages 12 and above 15 Suitable for ages 15 and above 18 Suitable for ages 18 and above 18 R Suitable for ages 18 and above Restricted PU For professional use only Malta EditAs of 2012 films in Malta are classified by the Film Board in accordance with the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts Act 94 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 95 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 EditThe 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 96 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 EditThe General Directorate of Radio Television and Cinematography in Spanish Direccion General de Radio Television y Cinematografia is the issuer of ratings for motion pictures The RTC is an agency of the Secretariat of the Interior Secretaria de Gobernacion It has its own classification system as follows 97 98 AA Informative only rating Understandable for children under 7 years A Information only rating For all age groups B Information only rating For adolescents 12 years and older B 15 Information only rating Not recommended for children under 15 C Restrictive rating For adults 18 and older D Restrictive rating Adult movies legally prohibited to those under 18 years of age Netherlands EditIn 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 99 100 101 The Kijkwijzer ratings and descriptors used in the Netherlands since January 2020 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 14 Potentially harmful to children under 14 years 16 Potentially harmful to and not allowed for children under 16 years 18 Potentially harmful to and not allowed for children under 18 years 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 under license issued in the Netherlands independent from country for which the channel are dedicated New Zealand EditThe 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 102 103 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 104 105 In 2017 the Office of Film and Literature Classification created a special RP18 rating for online content in response to the Netflix television series 13 Reasons Why The new classification reflects concerns raised with 17 and 18 year olds in New Zealand being at a higher risk of suicide 106 107 108 The current ratings are 109 New Zealand Ratings G Anyone can be shown or sold this PG Films and games with a PG label can be sold hired or shown to anyone The PG label means guidance from a parent or guardian is recommended for younger viewers M Films and games with an M label can be sold hired or shown to anyone Films with an M label are more suitable for mature audiences 16 years and over 110 111 RP13 Restricted to persons 13 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent Guardian RP16 Restricted to persons 16 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent Guardian RP18 Restricted to persons 18 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent Guardian online content only R13 Restricted to persons 13 years and over R15 Restricted to persons 15 years and over R16 Restricted to persons 16 years and over R18 Restricted to persons 18 years and over R Restricted exclusively to a certain audience In order for a film or video game to be released in New Zealand they must Be classified by either the Australian Classification Board in Australia or the BBFC in the United Kingdom before being given with a New Zealand classification rating for public release If they are being given a classification rating of unrestricted G PG or M in Australia or the equivalent one in the United Kingdom it will be cross rated However this may not be easy as it seems New Zealand s treatment of violence is stricter than that of Australia compared to offensive language and sex For Video Games that have been classified as unrestricted G PG or M from Australia are exempt from being classified in New Zealand If they have a restricted classification from Australia or the United Kingdom they ll need to be classified with a New Zealand classification rating before releasing it to the public Nigeria EditThe 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 112 The categories are G Suitable for viewing by persons of all ages PG Parental Guidance is advised 12 Not permitted for people under the age of 12 12A Not permitted for people under the age of 12 A child must be accompanied by an adult to view the film 15 Not permitted for persons under the age of 15 18 Not permitted 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 EditIn Norway all films whether they are exhibited in cinemas distributed on video shown on television or streamed through on demand services are required by law to be classified Films shown in cinemas must be classified by the distributor and films made available by other means must be classified by whoever who has the rights to make them available in Norway Classifications are mandated to follow the guidelines and age limits set by the Norwegian Media Authority Medietilsynet 113 The law previously required films to be classified by the Norwegian Media Authority but this was repealed in 2022 114 The Norwegian Media Authority ratings The following age limits apply to films 113 A Suitable for all 6 6 years no restriction for children accompanied by an adult 9 9 years children down to 6 years accompanied by an adult 12 12 years children down to 9 years accompanied by an adult 15 15 years children down to 12 years accompanied by an adult 18 18 years no one under this age admitted Philippines Edit The rating labels used in the Philippines In the Philippines motion pictures along with television programs are rated by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board a special agency of the Office of the President As of 2012 the Board uses six classification ratings 115 G General Audiences Viewers of all ages are admitted PG Parental Guidance Viewers below 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult R 13 Restricted 13 Only viewers who are 13 years old and above can be admitted R 16 Restricted 16 Only viewers who are 16 years old and above can be admitted R 18 Restricted 18 Only viewers who are 18 years old and above can be admitted X Not For Public Exhibition X rated films are not suitable for public exhibition Independent foreign language and art house films released in the Philippines are not rated by the MTRCB themselves but are instead rated through the Film Development Council of the Philippines Nevertheless the same rating system applies 116 Poland EditRatings 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 117 Portugal EditMovies are rated in Portugal by the Comissao de Classificacao de Espectaculos of the Ministry of Culture In cinemas the ratings are mandatory subject to parental guidance whereas for video releases they are merely advisory except in the case of pornographic content 118 Children under the age of 3 were previously prohibited from public film performances but a special category was introduced for this age group when the classification system was overhauled in 2014 A category for 14 year olds was also introduced and the lowest age rating was dropped from 4 years of age to 3 119 120 The categories are the following 120 Para todos os publicos For all the public especially designed for children under 3 years of age M 3 Passed for viewers aged 3 and older M 6 Passed for viewers aged 6 and older M 12 Passed for viewers aged 12 and older M 14 Passed for viewers aged 14 and older M 16 Passed for viewers aged 16 and older M 18 Passed for viewers aged 18 and older P Special rating supplementary to the M 18 age rating denoting pornography Romania EditRatings in Romania are set by the National Center of Cinematography Romanian Centrul Național al Cinematografiei CNC 121 AG audiență generală General audience AP 12 acordul părinților pentru copiii sub 12 ani Parental guidance for children under 12 N 15 nerecomandat tinerilor sub 15 ani Not recommended for children under 15 IM 18 interzis minorilor Prohibited to minors under 18 IM 18 XXX interzis minorilor și proiecției cu public Prohibited to minors under 18 and projection in public IC interdicție de comunicare Prohibition of communication Russia EditFurther information On Protecting Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development 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 122 123 Russian rating system The indication shown 0 All ages are admitted 6 dlya detej starshe 6 let For children over 6 years Unsuitable for children under 6 12 dlya detej starshe 12 let For children over 12 years Unsuitable for children under 12 16 dlya detej starshe 16 let For children over 16 years Unsuitable for children under 16 18 zapresheno dlya detej Prohibited for children Prohibited for children under 18 Filmy kotorym otkazano v klassifikacii Refused classification Banned Saudi Arabia Edit GCAM classification symbols 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 124 and revised it in 2022 to incorporate a PG15 rating 125 The classifications are 126 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 EditFilm 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 replace 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 127 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 128 129 The revised Singapore film rating system which took effect 15 July 2011 The categories are G General Suitable for all ages PG Parental Guidance Suitable for all but parents should guide their young PG13 Parental Guidance 13 Suitable for persons aged 13 and above but parental guidance is advised for children below 13 NC16 No Children Under 16 Suitable for persons aged 16 and above M18 Mature 18 Suitable for persons aged 18 and above R21 Restricted 21 Suitable for adults aged 21 and above restricted to licensed cinemas In exceptional cases a film may be refused classification if it either exceeds the permissible limits of the R21 classification contains any material that undermines or is likely to undermine public order or is likely to be prejudicial to national interest Slovakia EditJednotny system oznacovania 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 television programs and video games in Slovakia 130 The age ratings are Teddy bear s head Content suitable for children younger than 12 years U General audience 7 Not recommended for children younger than 7 years 12 Not recommended for people younger than 12 years 15 Not recommended for people younger than 15 years 18 Prohibited for minors under 18 years of age In addition educational movie ratings are 7 Targeted at children younger than 7 years 7 Appropriate for children older than 7 years 12 Appropriate for people 12 years and over 15 Appropriate for people 15 years and over South Africa EditIn South Africa films are classified by the Film and Publication Board 131 Distributors and exhibitors are legally compelled to comply with the age ratings 132 All broadcasters cinemas and distributors of DVD video and computer games must comply with the following 133 134 The FPB s rating categories 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 The FPB s rating descriptors 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 Edit KMRB rating logos The Korea Media Rating Board 영상물등급위원회 in Busan divides licensed films into the following categories 135 136 ALL 전체관람가 Film suitable for all ages 12 12세이상관람가 Film intended for audiences 12 and over Underage audiences accompanied by a parent or guardian are allowed 15 15세이상관람가 Film intended for audiences 15 and over Underage audiences accompanied by a parent or guardian are allowed 18 청소년관람불가 No one under 18 is allowed to watch this film Restricted Screening 제한상영가 Film needs a certain restriction in screening or advertisement as it is considered a highly bad influence to universal human dignity social value good customs or national emotion due to excessive expression of nudity violence social behavior etc technically not an age restriction but films with this rating may only be screened at adults only theatres with the age of majority set at 19 Spain EditAll films to be commercially released in Spain in any medium must be submitted to the ICAA Instituto de Cinematografia 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 137 Another supplementary classification Especialmente recomendada para el fomento de la igualdad de genero Especially recommended for the promotion of gender equality is sometimes appended to any of the classifications except the last one 138 Spanish classifications 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 EditThe Swedish Media Council Statens medierad 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 139 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 140 The councils classification only applies to public exhibition and the law does not require classification of home media 141 The following categories are used 142 143 Btl Barntillaten 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 144 Switzerland Edit Further information Germany Switzerland has adopted Germany s Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft Voluntary Self Regulation of the Film Industry FSK Under Swiss law however children up to two years younger than the age recommendations will be admitted if accompanied by a person invested with parental authority 145 Taiwan EditFurther information Film censorship in China 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 146 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 15 147 148 149 The revised Taiwan motion picture rating system which took effect from 16 October 2015 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 EditA 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 150 The ratings were put into effect in August 2009 151 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 EditIn 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 152 153 The rating labels used in Turkey Genel Izleyici Kitlesi General audience 6A Viewers under the age of 6 may watch with accompanying family members 6 Restricted to viewers aged 6 and over 10A Viewers under the age of 10 may watch with accompanying family members 10 Restricted to viewers aged 10 and over 13A Viewers under the age of 13 may watch with accompanying family members 13 Restricted to viewers aged 13 and over 16 Restricted to viewers aged 16 and over 18 Restricted to 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 EditThe Ukrainian State Film Agency is the central executive body of cinematography in Ukraine The Ratings issued by the Derzhkino are 154 DA DA Dityacha auditoriya Film aimed for children They contain no violence or obscenity ZA ZA Zagalna auditoriya 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 Vidmovleno 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 Edit The NMC film and video rating system which took effect on 19 February 2018 A film and video rating system was introduced in November 2017 and was established commercially as of February 2018 by the National Media Council 155 156 G For public viewing suitable for all age groups PG For public viewing with adult supervision PG13 Persons below 13 allowed with adult supervisions PG15 Persons below 15 allowed with adult supervisions 15 Ages 15 and above only 18 Ages 18 and above only 21 Uncensored films for ages 21 and above only 157 158 United Kingdom EditFurther information British Board of Film Classification History of British film certificates and Video Recordings Act 1984 The British Board of Film Classification BBFC classifies films to be publicly exhibited in the United Kingdom although statutory powers remain with local councils which can overrule any of the BBFC s decisions Since 1984 the BBFC also classifies films made commercially available through a home video format If the BBFC refuses a classification this effectively amounts to a ban although local councils retain the legal right to overturn it in the case of cinema exhibition The BBFC s regulatory powers do not extend to the Internet so a film they have banned on physical media can still be made available via streaming media video on demand Videos designed to inform educate or instruct or concerned with sport religion or music are exempt from classification exempt films may be marked as E but this is not an official label 159 160 BBFC classification symbols from 2019 The current BBFC system is 161 U Universal Suitable for all A U rated film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over PG Parental Guidance General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children A PG rated film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older 12A 12 Suitable for 12 years and over Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12 No one younger than 12 may see a 12A rated film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work 15 Suitable only for 15 years and older No one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 rated film at the cinema or buy rent a 15 rated video 18 Suitable only for adults No one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 rated film at the cinema or buy rent an 18 rated video R18 To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas or supplied only in licensed sex shops and to adults only The R18 category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops R18 rated video works may not be supplied by mail order Older video works still in circulation may still carry the deprecated Uc label classifying the work as Especially suitable for pre school children 160 United States EditMain article Motion Picture Association film rating system In the United States film classification is a voluntary process with the ratings issued by the Motion Picture Association MPA via the Classification and Rating Administration CARA 162 163 The system was established in 1968 but the version listed below is the most recent revision having been in effect since 1990 164 An unrated film is often informally denoted by NR in newspapers and so forth 165 Current American film ratings since 1990 G General Audiences All ages admitted PG Parental Guidance Suggested Some material may not be suitable for children PG 13 Parents Strongly Cautioned Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 R Restricted Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian NC 17 Adults Only No one 17 and under admitted Venezuela EditAge 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 Cristobal municipality the following ratings apply 166 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 the Baruta municipality the following ratings apply 167 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 adults In the Maracaibo municipality children under the age of two are not admitted to performances and the ratings are enforced 168 A Suitable for all ages B Suitable for audiences aged 14 years or older C Suitable for audiences aged 18 years or older Vietnam EditAll 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 169 Vietnamese classifications P Vietnamese Phổ cập meaning Universal Suitable for all ages C13 Persons under age 13 are not admitted C16 Persons under age 16 are not admitted C18 Persons under age 18 are 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 Edit Film portalTelevision content rating system Video game content rating systemNotes Edit a b Under the previous system in Kazahkstan children over the age of 12 were admitted to 14 and 16 rated films if accompanied by an adult 82 It is unclear if this remains the case as the revised law no longer distinguishes between the different age classifications References Edit Cinematographia Decreto Nº 3 899 Decree No 3 899 InfoLEG in Spanish Buenos Aires Minister of Economy of Argentina 14 December 1984 Archived from the original on 25 May 2014 Retrieved 24 May 2014 What do the ratings mean Australian Classification Australian Classification Archived from the original on 11 August 2022 Retrieved 10 May 2015 Clare Jason Minister for Justice 10 December 2012 Guidelines for the Classification of Films 2012 Commonwealth of Australia Archived from the original on 4 March 2016 Retrieved 10 May 2015 CLS Cinema Managers Factsheet December 12 update PDF Australia Australian Classification Board December 2012 Archived from the original PDF on 2019 03 13 Is it exempt Australian Classification Board Archived from the original on 27 October 2019 Retrieved 10 May 2015 Austrian Board of Media Classification PDF Vienna Federal Ministry of Education Arts and Culture Archived from the original PDF on 28 May 2014 Age Rating of Movies and Similar Image Carriers by the Austrian Youth Media Commission PDF Jugend Medien Kommission Vienna Federal Ministry of Education Arts and Culture Archived from the original PDF on 28 May 2014 University of Oxford PCMLP 1997 Annex 2 Comparative Analysis of Rating System Cinema Rating Systems Study on Parental Control of Television Broadcasting PDF European Commission p 113 Archived PDF from the original on 5 March 2016 Retrieved 28 June 2014 Chapter 384 Theaters and Cinemas Censorship Regulations section 6 PDF Bahamas Office of the Attorney General amp Ministry of Legal Affairs 7 October 1976 Archived PDF from the original on 9 June 2021 Retrieved 9 June 2021 McClean Eyvette 31 July 2019 Film Board Know Your Movie Ratings Barbados Government Information Service Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 24 June 2021 McCullough Evie 10 December 2019 Belgium gets a new movie classification system from 2020 The Brussels Times Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 23 February 2020 Desmytere Wout 10 December 2019 Kinderen niet toegelaten verdwijnt uit Belgische bioscopen Children not allowed disappears from Belgian cinemas in Dutch Nieuwsblad Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 23 February 2020 a b Olsberg SPI KEA European Affairs KPMG May 2003 Appendix 1 Country Profiles Empirical Study on the Practice of the Rating of Films Distributed in Cinemas Television DVD and Videocassettes in the EU and EEA Member States PDF European Commission p 125 Archived PDF from the original on 16 July 2007 Retrieved 28 May 2014 Aers Kathleen 10 December 2019 Seks of geweld in film Vanaf 8 januari krijgen films in Belgische bioscopen duidelijke pictogrammen Sex or violence in film From January 8 films in Belgian cinemas will get clear icons in Dutch Vlaamse Radio en Televisieomroeporganisatie Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 23 February 2020 Accueil Home in French Brussels Cinecheck Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 23 February 2020 Einstufungssystem Home in German Brussels Cinecheck Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 23 February 2020 Nieuw classificatiesysteem voor films Kijkwijzer gidst je door de bioscoopfilms New classification system for films Kijkwijzer guides you through the cinema films in Dutch Brussels Kijkwijzer 10 December 2019 Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 23 February 2020 National Secretariat of Justice Portal Online Classificacao Indicativa Portal Online Rating System in Portuguese Brazil Ministry of Justice Archived from the original on 26 May 2014 Retrieved 6 June 2014 Brazilian National Secretariat of Justice 2012 Content Rating Practical Guide 2 ed Brazil Ministry of Justice Archived from the original on 29 September 2014 Informacoes para os pais Information for parents in Portuguese Brazil Ministry of Justice Brazil Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 18 June 2021 Ministerio da Justica classifica A Serbian Film Ministry of Justice classifies A Serbian Film in Portuguese Brazil Ministry of Justice 5 August 2011 Archived from the original on 15 May 2014 Film Industry Act DOC Bulgarian National Film Center 2 December 2003 Retrieved 14 May 2017 Film Industry Act Union of Bulgarian Film Makers 2004 Archived from the original on 24 September 2015 Retrieved 16 August 2015 a b c Film Ratings Motion Picture Association Canada Archived from the original on 7 April 2019 Retrieved 15 October 2020 a b Film Classification Boards Motion Picture Association Canada Archived from the original on 23 May 2014 a b Categories and Advisories Consumer Protection BC British Columbia Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 23 May 2014 Retrieved 23 May 2014 Ratings Explained Alberta Film Ratings Archived from the original on 15 July 2014 Classification Categories Ontario Film Review Board Archived from the original on 27 October 2007 Retrieved 23 May 2014 Film and Video Ratings Manitoba Film Classification Board Archived from the original on 23 May 2014 a b c d e Theatres and Amusements Regulations Theatres and Amusements Act Nova Scotia Department of Justice 28 March 2013 Archived from the original on 26 August 2014 a b Theatre amp Amusements History Nova Scotia Maritime Film Classification Board Archived from the original on 23 May 2014 Retrieved 23 May 2014 Home Who Are We Regie du cinema Archived from the original on 7 May 2013 Chapter C 18 1 Cinema Act Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications 1 June 2014 Archived from the original on 14 July 2014 Film Classification in Quebec Regie du cinema Archived from the original on 12 December 2007 a b c Constitucion del Consejo de Calificacion Cinematografica El Sistema de Calificacion Cinematografica Constitution of the Board of Film Classification Film Rating System in Spanish Chile Consejo de Calificacion Cinematografica Archived from the original on 14 July 2014 Gobierno promulga ley que pone fin a la censura previa cinematografica Government enacts law that ends the film censorship El Mercurio in Spanish 9 December 2002 Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 24 February 2015 Coonan Clifford 26 August 2013 Chinese Cinemagoers Keen on Film Ratings System The Hollywood Reporter Archived from the original on 27 August 2013 Retrieved 6 June 2013 Child Ben 12 August 2014 Chinese cinema manager invents his own ratings system The Guardian Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 20 August 2014 Film Industry Promotion Law 2016 Chinalawtranslate com Archived from the original on 21 March 2019 Retrieved 11 June 2017 Ryan Fergus China s Censors Briefly Lift Veil on Film Review Process China Film Insider Archived from the original on 5 July 2017 Retrieved 15 July 2017 Walk Down Chang an Avenue Interviewing Film Chief Zhang Hongsen 行走长安街 探访电影局 对话局长张宏森 CCTV in Chinese Archived from the original on 9 July 2017 Retrieved 15 July 2017 Comite de Clasificacion de Peliculas Committee of Film Classification in Spanish Bogota Ministry of Culture 4 April 2006 Archived from the original on 5 October 2007 Las peliculas en Colombia tienen dos nuevas clasificaciones Movies in Colombia have two new classifications Caracol Radio 22 June 2005 Retrieved 22 June 2005 David Melo Torres Director de Cinematografia 2005 Por la cual se adopta el Sistema de Clasificacion de Peliculas Whereby the Movie Rating System is adopted Press release in Spanish Bogota Ministry of Culture Archived from the original DOC on 5 October 2007 Censorship Cook Islands Ministry of Internal Affairs Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 5 May 2022 Intaffci 20 March 2017 7 21pm Cook Islands Ministry of Internal Affairs Archived from the original on 3 February 2023 Retrieved 5 May 2022 via Facebook Media Commission Television Code of Media Practice Accountable Journalism Archived from the original on 2 July 2022 Retrieved 5 May 2022 Children amp Youth The Media Council for Children and Young People Film Classification Film Classification System and Criteria Denmark Danish Film Institute Archived from the original on 2017 01 04 Retrieved 4 January 2017 Children amp Youth The Media Council for Children and Young People Film Classification FAQ Denmark Danish Film Institute Archived from the original on 2017 01 04 Retrieved 4 January 2017 Children amp Youth The Media Council for Children and Young People Film Classification Parental Guidance Denmark Danish Film Institute Archived from a, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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