The BBFC views the provision of Consumer Advice (CA) on packaging as very important. Our public opinion polling shows that the public wants CA in particular to help decide which films to allow their children to watch. CA is provided for every theatrical feature, video feature and video game which receives a classification. It is, however, not provided for trailers, adverts or additional material (extras). In addition, we provide, on request, CA for any work which did not receive it at the time of submission (usually because it was submitted before we started it on a regular basis in 1997) as well as any combined CA required for multiple/box set releases.
To receive CA for a work(s) or multiple/box set release a request must be sent to consumeradvice@bbfc.co.uk. Each request must include the registration number of the work(s) requiring CA and the type of request (individual or combined, CA). For multiple/box set releases all registration numbers must be included in the email. Requests received by 9.00am each working day will receive a response by the end of the next working day.
There is no legal requirement to show CA on packaging. It is, however, widely used by the industry and the BBFC actively encourages its use.
Occasionally, video recordings (including DVDs, Blu-rays,video games, etc) may contain additional material which raises significant classification issues which did not arise in the main feature. This is particularly likely in circumstances where additional material is classified at a category higher than the feature. For instance, a director’s commentary or blooper reel may contain use of strong language which attracts a ‘15’ category even though the main feature is a ‘PG’ film with no strong language. In such circumstances the Consumer Advice (CA) written for the main feature will not accurately reflect the content of the video recording as a whole.
To avoid customer confusion, if planning to release a DVD/Blu-ray containing additional material which raises significant classification issues which did not arise in the main feature and which are not referred to in the CA, it is recommended that distributors take one of the two courses of action set out below:
Request consolidated CA to cover all the content on the DVD/Blu-ray. A request should be sent to consumeradvice@bbfc.co.uk listing the registration numbers of the individual video works to be contained on the DVD/Blu-ray; or
Qualify the CA as shown below
NB In circumstances where additional material has been classified at a higher category than the main feature, distributors should continue to make this clear through the use of text such as ‘main feature classified PG – added value material classified 15’
Should you have any questions regarding this information please contact the customer helpline on 020 7440 0299 or email helpline@bbfc.co.uk
