BFFC Certificate Ratings

The U stands for universal; meaning it is suitable for all. This means that there is no discrimination shown in the film - no drug use or references, unless there is a clear anti-drug message - mild and brief horror moments with a reassuring outcome - violence should be very seral, nothing the children can copy - infrequent use of very mild bad language - occasional natural nudity with no sexual context - mild sexual behaviour, like kissing, and references only like 'making love' - treatment of themes should be sensitive and appropriate - mild violence only.

The PG stands for parental guidance; children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. There should be no discrimination of characters children can easily associate too - if they include drugs it should carry an anti drug message - scary scenes should not be prolonged or intense - no dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy - mild bad language only - sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent - moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context.

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

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be allowed. Drug use must be infrequent and not glamorised. Moderate psychical and psychological threat may be permitted. Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which can be copied. Moderate language is allowed. Nudity is allowed but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity must be brief and discreetly portrayed. Moderate themes are allowed but should be treated so suitable for teenagers. Viloence should be moderate and not dwell on detail. 

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work. The film as a whole must not endorse discrimative language and behaviour. Drugs can be shown but not encourage drug misuse. Strong threat and menace is permitted unless sadistic or sexual. Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on deatils that can be copied. May be frequent use of strong language. Nudity in a sexual content is allowed but without strong detail. Sexual activity may be shown but without strong deatil. All themes allowed but musdt be sutiable for 15 year olds. Vilolence may be strong but shouldnt dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
Where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence.
Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.