History of British film certificates

{{short description|Film censorship rating list}} {{More citations needed|date=March 2014}} This article chronicles the '''history of British film certificates'''.<ref name="BBFC">{{Cite web |last=BBFC |date=2020-07-29 |title=BBFC age rating symbol history |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/education/university-students/bbfc-history/history-of-the-age-ratings-symbols |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=www.bbfc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

==Overview== The UK's film ratings are decided by the [[British Board of Film Classification]] and have been since 1912.<ref name="About">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20071020013154/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 20, 2007|title=About the BBFC|publisher=BBFC|access-date=2008-01-29}}</ref> Previously, there were no agreed rating standards, and local councils imposed their own{{snd}}often differing{{snd}}conditions or restrictions. For cinema releases, the BBFC has no legal power (technically, films do not even have to be submitted for classification), as it falls to councils to decide who should be admitted to a certain film, but they generally apply the BBFC's certificates, effectively making them legally binding. In exceptional cases, councils may impose their own conditions, either raising or lowering the minimum entry age from the certificate, banning a certified film outright, or setting their own minimum entry age for films that have never been submitted for BBFC certification, or which have been refused a certificate by the Board. Prior to 1985, there were no legally binding ratings on video releases. The [[Video Recordings Act 1984]] introduced new legal powers to certify video releases independently from any existing cinema certificate, with the BBFC being required to rate every new video release (except those exempted from classification) to determine the minimum age of people to whom the recording can be supplied, whether by sale or rental.<ref name="VRAct">{{cite web |url=http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?activeTextDocId=1810866|title=Video Recordings Act 1984 (c. 39)|access-date=2008-01-29}}</ref> In August 2009 it was discovered that the Video Recordings Act 1984 never had legal effect, due to a technical error when the terms of the act were not communicated to the European Commission.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/libertycentral/2009/aug/26/video-recordings-act |title=Video Recordings Act was a blank tape|access-date=August 26, 2009|work=The Guardian | location=London | date=2009-08-26 | first=Julian | last=Petley}}</ref> The relevant provisions were re-enacted by Parliament as the [[Video Recordings Act 2010]].

The following list chronicles the BBFC's ratings system from its inception to the present.<ref name="symbols">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/history-age-ratings-symbols|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111053308/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/history-age-ratings-symbols|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 11, 2013|title=Education Resources: Student Guide – BBFC History (History of the age ratings symbols) |publisher=BBFC|access-date=1 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="classifications">{{cite web |title=BBFC Classifications |work=[[Screenonline]] |url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/592611/ |access-date=1 October 2016}}</ref>

In each section, ''italics'' indicates when a certificate has changed since the previous system.

==History==

===1912–1932=== At first, there were just two advisory certificates.<ref name="History1912">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/1912-1949|title=Education Resources: Student Guide – BBFC History (1912–1949) |publisher=BBFC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002155803/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/1912-1949|archive-date=2 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="RatingsHistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/history-age-ratings-symbols|title=History of the age ratings symbols |publisher=BBFC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924112550/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/history-age-ratings-symbols|archive-date=24 September 2016}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" !Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC U 1913-1970.png|50px|U]]||'''''Universal'''''||Persons of all ages will be admitted. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC A 1913-1970.png|50px|A]]||'''''Adult'''''||More suitable for adults (advisory). |}

In Ireland, following the independence of the [[Irish Free State]] in 1922 (now the Republic of Ireland), the Irish Film Censor's Office was created in 1923 in place of the BBFC. This was renamed the [[Irish Film Classification Office]] in 2008.

===1932–1951=== An H (Horrific) certificate was added in 1932 to alert parents to horror-themed material.<ref name="History1912" /><ref>{{cite web |title=The H Certificate |work=[[Screenonline]] |url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/592632/ |access-date=1 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="RatingsHistory" />

===1951–1970=== Following a recommendation by the [[County Councils Association]] to replace the BBFC, the government established a committee chaired by [[Kenneth Wheare|Professor Kenneth Wheare]] to examine film censorship. The committee's findings were published in 1950 and proposed creation of four new certificates: X – films aimed at adults only, from which children should be absolutely excluded; C – films aimed specifically at children; Category U – films suitable for all; Category A – films suitable for all, but dealing with mild adult subject matter. Only one of these proposals were adopted and saw for the first time, a compulsory certificate, X, introduced allowing only those aged 16 and older to enter. This replaced the H certificate.<ref name="History1950">{{cite web|url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history1950s.asp|title=SBBFC: History - 1950s|publisher=BBFC|access-date=2008-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704064905/http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history1950s.asp|archive-date=2008-07-04|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=Screenonline|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/592670/index.html|title=Wheare Report, The (1950)|access-date=12 November 2022}}</ref><ref name="RatingsHistory" /> {| class="wikitable" !Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC U 1913-1970.png|50px|U]]||'''''Universal'''''||Persons of all ages will be admitted. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC A 1913-1970.png|50px|A]]||'''''Adult'''''||More suitable for adults (advisory). |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC X 1951-1970.png|50px|X]]||'''''X'''''||For persons over the age of 16.<ref>{{cite web |title=The X Certificate |website=[[Screenonline]] |url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/591679/index.html |access-date=30 September 2025}}</ref> |}

===1970–1982=== On 1 July 1970 the A certificate was split into two: The old 'A' (advisory) category was split to create a new advisory 'A' which permitted the admission of children of 5 years or over whether accompanied or not, but which warned parents that a film in this category would contain some material that parents might prefer their children under 14 not to see while the new AA allowed only those aged 14 or over to be admitted.<ref name="History1970">{{cite web|url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history1970s.asp|title=SBBFC: History - 1970s|publisher=BBFC|access-date=2008-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704064825/http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history1970s.asp|archive-date=2008-07-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> As there was now a mandatory certificate at 14, the X certificate was modified to raise its age from 16 to 18.<ref name="RatingsHistory" /> All the rating symbols were also graphically modernised.

{| class="wikitable" !Symbol !!Name !Title Card Colour!!Definition/Notes |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC U 1970-1982.png|50px|U]]||'''''Universal''''' |Yellow||Suitable for all ages. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC A rating (1970-1982).svg|50px|A]]||'''''Advisory''''' |Green||Those aged 5 and older admitted, but not recommended for children under 14 years of age |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC AA rating (1970-1982).svg|50px|AA]]|| '''''AA''''' |Blue||No persons under 14 can be admitted.<ref>{{cite web |title=The AA Certificate |website=[[Screenonline]] |url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/592554/index.html |access-date=30 September 2025}}</ref> |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC X rating (1970-1982).svg|50px|X]]||'''''X''''' |Red||No persons under 18 can be admitted. |}

===1982–1985=== On 1 November 1982 the ratings system was completely overhauled with only the U certificate remaining unchanged (though its description was slightly modified). The A certificate was replaced by PG, which was now completely advisory. The age of AA was raised a year and the certificate was renamed 15. The X certificate was unchanged but renamed 18 due to the [[X rating|lewd reputation that the letter X had acquired]]. A new R18 certificate was introduced for sexually explicit films. In order to show R18 films, cinemas must be licensed members-only clubs (previously, a loophole allowed these clubs to show such films unrated).<ref name="History1980">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/1980s|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150308095626/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/1980s|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 8, 2015|title=SBBFC: History - 1980s|publisher=BBFC|access-date=2015-03-02}}</ref><ref name="RatingsHistory" /> The current and new certificates introduced different shapes for each rating.

{| class="wikitable" !Symbol<ref name="BBFC"/>!!Name !!Definition/Notes |- |align="center"|[[File:UBBFC82-85.PNG|50px|U]] [[File:Ulogofianl.png|50px|U]]||'''''Universal'''''||Suitable for all ages. |- |align="center"|[[File:PGBBFC82-85.PNG|50px|PG]] [[File:Pglogofinal.png|50px|PG]]||'''''Parental Guidance'''''||General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |- |align="center"|[[File:15BBFC82-85.PNG|50px|15]] [[File:15logobbfc198223.png|50px|15]]||'''''15'''''||No person under the age of 15 to be admitted. |- |align="center"|[[File:18BBFC82-85.PNG|50px|18]] [[File:18logofinal.png|50px|18]]||'''''18'''''||No person under the age of 18 to be admitted. |- |align="center"|[[File:R18BBFC82-85.PNG|50px|R18]] [[File:R18logo.png|50px|R18]]||'''''Restricted 18'''''||To be shown only in licensed cinemas to persons of not less than 18 years. |}

===1985–1989=== The [[Video Recordings Act 1984]] gave the BBFC the legal responsibility to rate all videos. The current certificates were all used and were also modified and coloured. A new Uc certificate was introduced for videos only to indicate a recording that is especially suitable for young children to watch on their own.<ref name="History1980" /> Those under the age of a certificate could not buy or rent a video with that certificate. Shops wishing to sell or rent R18 videos had to apply for a licence. Video releases in this period often featured unofficial logos with a plain background.<ref name="RatingsHistory" />

{| class="wikitable" !colspan="2"|Symbol !!rowspan="2"|Name !!rowspan="2"|Definition/notes |- ! Cinema !! Video |- |align="center"|N/A||align="center"|[[File:Uclogofinal.png|50px|Uc]] [[File:BBFC Uc logo 1985.png|50px|Uc]]||'''Universal Children'''||Particularly suitable for children. (Home video only.) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC U logo 1985.svg|50px|U]]|| align="center" |[[File:Ulogofianl.png|50px|U]] [[File:BBFC U logo 1985.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for all. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC PG logo 1985.png|50px|PG]]|| align="center" |[[File:Pglogofinal.png|50px|PG]] [[File:BBFC PG logo 1985.png|50px|PG]]||'''Parental Guidance'''||General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 15 logo 1985.png|50px|15]]|| align="center" |[[File:15logobbfc198223.png|50px|15]] [[File:BBFC 15 logo 1985.png|50px|15]]||'''15'''||Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 18 logo 1985.png|50px|18]]|| align="center" |[[File:18logofinal.png|50px|18]] [[File:BBFC 18 logo 1985.png|50px|18]]||'''18'''||Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC R18 logo 1985.png|50px|R18]]|| align="center" |[[File:R18logo.png|50px|R18]] [[File:BBFC R18 logo 1985.png|50px|R18]]||'''Restricted 18'''||To be supplied only in licensed [[sex shops]] to persons of not less than 18 years.<ref name="BBFC R18 article">{{cite web|url=http://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/r18/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130175354/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/r18|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2012|title=R18 - British Board of Film Classification|website=bbfc.co.uk}}</ref> |}

===1989–2002=== Due to the large gap between PG and 15 and industry pressure regarding ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'', a 12 certificate was introduced on 1 August 1989. However, it was for cinema use only and did not cover videos. From this point on video releases featured the official BBFC logos. The 12 certificate was eventually introduced for videos on 1 July 1994.<ref name="History1980" /> As the 12 certificate did not apply to video releases before July 1994, several films which had been issued a 12 classification for cinema release had to have a decision made about them regarding which rating was suitable for a video release and if a 15 certificate was deemed too high a rating for a particular film, a PG certificate was given with possible cuts to fit the rating. Films which received the 12 classification for cinema and 15 classification for video include ''[[Uncle Buck]]'',<ref>{{cite web| url=http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/uncle-buck-1989| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023124519/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/uncle-buck-1989| url-status=dead| archive-date=October 23, 2016| title=Uncle Buck (1989)| publisher=BBFC| access-date=20 March 2017}}</ref> which later passed with 12 for video on re-submission, and ''[[Nuns on the Run]]'',<ref>{{cite web| url=http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/nuns-run-1990| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509114928/http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/nuns-run-1990| url-status=dead| archive-date=May 9, 2016| title=Nuns on the Run (1990)| publisher=BBFC| access-date=20 March 2017}}</ref> which currently remains 15, with re-submission. All of the symbols were also graphically edited with lighter text in 1999 from the bolder text used since 1985 although many home video releases continued to use the previous symbols.

In 2002, the cinema 12 certificate was modified and renamed 12A. Those under 12 could now be admitted to 12A films, provided that they were accompanied by an adult aged at least 18 years old, although the BBFC recommends that 12A films are generally unsuitable for children under 12 years old. Contrary to popular belief, the certificate was not introduced for the film ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]''; the first film to receive it was actually ''[[The Bourne Identity (2002 film)|The Bourne Identity]]''. However, ''Spider-Man'' and other films still on general release at the time were reclassified as 12A. Introduction of the 12A followed two years of consultation and a trial period in [[Norwich]], during which time the certificate was known as PG-12 (see below).<ref name="Spider-Man">{{cite web|url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/case_study_spiderman.asp |title=SBBFC: Spider-Man Case Study |publisher=BBFC |access-date=2008-02-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222123329/http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/case_study_spiderman.asp |archive-date=December 22, 2007 }}</ref> The video 12 certificate remained unchanged.<ref name="RatingsHistory" />

{| class="wikitable" !colspan="2"|Symbol !!rowspan="2"|Name !!rowspan="2"|Definition/notes |- ! Cinema !! Video & DVD |- |align="center"|N/A || align="center"|[[File:BBFC Uc logo 1985.png|50px|Uc]] [[File:BBFC Uc 1985-2002.png|50px|Uc]]||'''Universal Children'''||Particularly suitable for children. (Home video only) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC U logo 1985.svg|50px|U]] [[File:BBFC U 1982-2002.png|50px|U]]||align="center"|[[File:BBFC U logo 1985.png|50px|U]] [[File:BBFC U 1982-2002.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for all. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC PG logo 1985.png|50px|PG]] [[File:BBFC PG 1982-2002.png|50px|PG]]||align="center"|[[File:BBFC PG logo 1985.png|50px|PG]] [[File:BBFC PG 1982-2002.png|50px|PG]]||'''Parental Guidance'''||General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |- |align="center"|[[File:British 12A certificate logo (2002) Imgur.png|50px|12A]]||align="center"|N/A||'''12A'''||Generally suitable for those aged 12 and over (cinema only); those under 12 admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 12 logo 1994.png|50px|12]] [[File:BBFC 12 1989-2002.png|50px|12]]||align="center"|[[File:BBFC 12 logo 1994.png|50px|12]] [[File:BBFC 12 1989-2002.png|50px|12]]||'''12'''||Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 15 logo 1985.png|50px|15]] [[File:BBFC 15 1982-2002.png|50px|15]]||align="center"|[[File:BBFC 15 logo 1985.png|50px|15]] [[File:BBFC 15 1982-2002.png|50px|15]]||'''15'''||Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 18 logo 1985.png|50px|18]] [[File:BBFC 18 1982-2002.png|50px|18]]||align="center"|[[File:BBFC 18 logo 1985.png|50px|18]] [[File:BBFC 18 1982-2002.png|50px|18]]||'''18'''||Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC R18 logo 1985.png|50px|R18]] [[File:BBFC R18 1982-2002.png|50px|R18]]||align="center"|[[File:BBFC R18 logo 1985.png|50px|R18]] [[File:BBFC R18 1982-2002.png|50px|R18]]||'''Restricted 18'''||To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to persons of not less than 18 years.<ref name="BBFC R18 article" /> |}

===2002–2020=== In September 2002, all of the symbols were graphically modernised but retained all their main features (colour, shape, etc.). The Uc certificate was retired in 2009, and replaced with BBFCInsight{{definition needed|date=September 2018}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prezi.com/atqmulmaepbb/film-classification/|title=Film Classification|website=prezi.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref> which states where works are 'particularly suitable for pre-school children';<ref name="symbols" /> however, older DVDs may still carry the Uc certificate.<ref name="FAQ">{{cite web |title=About the BBFC: FAQ |publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about-bbfc/faqs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130173922/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about-bbfc/faqs |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=15 April 2017}}</ref> The consumer advice for the U certificate was updated to advise parents to check the film in case of children under the age of 4 and PG in case of children under 8.<ref name="RatingsHistory" />

{| class="wikitable" !Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC Uc (2002).svg|50px|Uc]]||'''Universal Children'''||Particularly suitable for children. (Home video only; retired in 2009) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC U.svg|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for all. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC PG.svg|50px|PG]]||'''Parental Guidance'''||General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 12A.svg|50px|12A]]||'''12A'''||Generally suitable for those aged 12 and over (cinema only); those under 12 admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult. |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 12.svg|50px|12]]||'''12'''||Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) (Home video only) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 15.svg|50px|15]]||'''15'''||Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC 18.svg|50px|18]]||'''18'''||Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC R18.svg|50px|R18]]||'''Restricted 18'''||To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to persons of not less than 18 years.<ref name="BBFC R18 article" /> |}

=== 2019–present === The 12 symbol was made the same colour as the 12A symbol, whilst the 15 symbol changed from having a white background with red writing to a magenta background with white writing. In October 2019, for the first time, all of the symbols were redesigned for digital streaming services and theatrical releases. However, the packaged media continued to only use the previous symbols until late April 2020, although a transition period was allowed for video releases to use either the old or new symbols until 5 October 2020, after which all packaged media must by law use the new symbols.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/age-rating-symbols-guidelines#Packaged%20media%20(DVD%20and%20Blu-ray)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913040858/https://bbfc.co.uk/age-rating-symbols-guidelines#Packaged%20media%20(DVD%20and%20Blu-ray)|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 13, 2019|title=BBFC age ratings symbols user guide}}</ref> The BBFCInsight was replaced with ratings info.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/what-bbfc-ratings-info|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131181226/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/what-bbfc-ratings-info|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2019|title=Ratings Info|website=bbfc.co.uk|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" !Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes |- | align="center" |[[File:BBFC U 2019.svg|alt=Green triangle with U in centre|42x42px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for all.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/u|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130175118/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/u|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2012|title=U|website=bbfc.co.uk|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> |- | align="center" |[[File:BBFC PG 2019.svg|alt=Yellow triangle with PG in centre|42x42px|PG]]||'''Parental Guidance'''||General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/pg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130174946/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/pg|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2012|title=Pg|website=bbfc.co.uk|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> |- | align="center" |[[File:BBFC 12A 2019.svg|alt=Orange circle with 12A in centre|42x42px|12A]]||'''12A'''||Generally suitable for those aged 12 and over; those under 12 admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult (cinema only).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/12a-and-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130175323/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/12a-and-12|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2012|title=12a and 12|website=bbfc.co.uk|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> |- | align="center" |[[File:BBFC 12 2019.svg|alt=Orange circle with 12 in centre|42x42px|12]]||'''12'''||Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) (Home video only) |- | align="center" |[[File:BBFC 15 2019.svg|alt=Pink circle with 15 in centre|42x42px|15]]||'''15'''||Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130174936/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2012|title=15|website=bbfc.co.uk|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> |- | align="center" |[[File:BBFC 18 2019.svg|alt=Red circle with 18 in centre|42x42px|18]]||'''18'''||Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130174044/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/18|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2012|title=18|website=bbfc.co.uk|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> |- | align="center" |[[File:BBFC R18 2019.svg|alt=Blue rectangle with R18 in centre|42x42px|R18]]||'''Restricted 18'''||To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to persons of not less than 18 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/r18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130175354/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/r18|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2012|title=R18|website=bbfc.co.uk|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> |}

== Non-standard certificates and ratings {{anchor|pg-12}} == {| class="wikitable" !Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes |- |align="center"|[[File:PG-12.png|50px|PG-12]]||'''PG-12'''||Suitable for those aged 12 and older (cinema only); under 12s admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult. This experimental certificate was used during a short BBFC trial in Norwich from October 2001 to January 2002, in which all 12 certificate films on release were classed as PG-12. Norwich was chosen due to its relative isolation from other large towns, in order to avoid significant numbers of children travelling there to specifically take advantage of the relaxed controls. The results of the trial led to the adoption of the 12A later in 2002.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/1626618.stm | work=BBC News | title=Film censor relaxes rules for children | date=2001-10-29 | access-date=2010-05-04}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080827160223/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/downloads/pub/Policy%20and%20Research/12A%20National%20Survey%20Research%20Findings.html BBFC report on Norwich trial] (archived page)</ref>

Between the end of the Norwich trial and the actual introduction of the 12A, a PG-12 rating was used by [[Tameside]] Council in June 2002 for ''Spider-Man'', overruling the BBFC's 12 certification of the film. In addition, some other councils awarded the film a PG certificate.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/2042729.stm | work=BBC News | title=Parents warned of Spider-Man violence | date=2002-06-13 | access-date=2010-05-04}}</ref> |- |{{n/a}}||'''15A'''|| Generally suitable for those aged 15 and over (cinema only); those under 15 admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult.

[[Belfast City Council]] used this non-standard certificate for ''[[The Batman (film)|The Batman]]'' (2022) and ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's (film)|Five Nights at Freddy's]]'' (2023). This allowed children under the age of 15 to watch the films if accompanied by an adult at a cinema in [[Belfast]], overruling the BBFC's 15 certification for both films.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2022-03-02/city-council-overrules-new-batman-films-15-age-rating-for-belfast | work=ITV News | title=City Council overrules new Batman film's 15 age-rating for Belfast | date=2022-03-02 | access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kenwood |first1=Michael |title=British Board of Film Classification must be more 'flexible' as Belfast City Council changes horror film rating |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/british-board-of-film-classification-must-be-more-flexible-as-belfast-city-council-changes-horror-film-rating/a1693738044.html |website=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=29 April 2024 |date=20 October 2023}}</ref> |- |align="center"|[[File:BBFC Exempt 2019.svg|50px|Exempt]]||'''Exempt'''||The 'E' in a square, triangle, circle, or similar, is not a BBFC rating certificate, but rather a statement from the distributor certifying that they believe a video recording is exempt from classification under the [[Video Recordings Act 1984]] (e.g. educational material, music and sport). |}

==See also== *[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] *[[18 (British Board of Film Classification)|18 certificate]] *[[R18 (British Board of Film Classification)|R18 certificate]] *[[Motion picture rating systems]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[http://www.bbfc.co.uk Official website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:History Of British Film Certificates}} [[Category:British Board of Film Classification]] [[Category:British history timelines]]