Welcome to the Classification Website

This site contains information about the operations of the National Classification Scheme in Australia. The site includes information about the Classification Board, Classification Review Board and the Attorney-General's Department, which provides secretariat services to the Board and Review Board and supports the Censorship Ministers in their administration of the National Classification Scheme.

The Classification Board is an independent statutory body which makes classification decisions about films, computer games and publications. Principles for decision making are set out in the National Classification Code, agreed by the Australian Government and the States and Territories.

The Classification Review Board, also an independent statutory body, can review original classification decisions in certain circumstances and make a fresh classification decision.

Users can find information about particular classification decisions made by the Classification Board and Classification Review Board by searching the online database available on this site.

The classifications and consumer advice for film, publications and computer games guide consumers in their choices.

If you are an industry user looking for application and compliance information, including forms, you can access all this information in one place by clicking on the name of your industry in the main menu on the left hand side of this page.

Detailed information regarding the National Classification Scheme can be accessed by visiting the Attorney-General's Department website. By following the links on the AG website you will find reference information including research pages, policy information, relevant legislation, consumer information and consumer fact sheets.

Classification markings (ratings) artwork explains the classification markings and how they are to be displayed on products, packaging and advertising for classified films and computer games.

Requirements for advertising an unclassified film explains the requirements for advertising of unclassified films for public exhibition that have been granted approval to be advertised prior to classification.

Review of Fee Structure and Charges

In December 2005 a new fee structure was introduced that reflected the cost of providing classification services for the next three years. It is a Government requirement to periodically review cost-recovery charging regimes. The Department has now commenced a review with the intention of implementing revised fees in early 2009.

The review will include consideration of classification work processes, changes to workload and demand as a result of additional types of classification services, new products and emerging technology.

You may provide feedback to the review via this website. If you wish to comment, click on the "contact us" link and then the "e-Enquiry form" link. Please complete the details as requested and submit your views in the space provided.

Once they are available, the draft fees will also be posted on this website for comment. When the final fees are being implemented, notification will be made on the website.

Member, Classification Review Board

Applications are currently being sought from people interested in being appointed as a member of the Classification Review Board. Information on the position and how to apply is available at
Classification Appointments

The Classification Review Board is an independent statutory body established under the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995. The Classification Review Board meets, as required, to review decisions made by the Classification Board. As a merits review body, the Classification Review Board makes a fresh classification decision.

Applications close on 16 January 2009.