Research Film Classification

Suitable only for 15 years and over. No one younger than 15 years may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.
A 15 rated film should not contain discriminatory language or behaviour.
Drugs are allowed to be shown but the film must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The use of higly dangerous substances is unlikely to be accepted to be shown.
It is allowed to contain threat or menacing material although unless it is sexualised or sadistic.
Behaviour that is able to be copied for example suicide and self harming should not be shown in detail as such acts could be copied. Also weapons should not be glamorised.
Frequent use of strong language is acceptable for example ‘fuck’. Stronger terms can be used if the context is applied to the use.
In an educational environment the use of nudity in a non- sexual context is allowed. In a sexual context nudity will be allowed as long as it is not in strong detail.
Sexual references can be portrayed but only in tiny detail along with sexual verbal references; more than basic references will not be permitted. Purpose of sexual arousal or stimulation will not be accepted in a 15 classification film.
Violence is accepted to an extent, as long as it does not contain gory images or sadistic or sexualised images. Detailed verbal references are allowed but portrayal of this must have a strong contextual justification.

R18 - To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years
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’ video works may not be supplied by mail order.
The content that is not acceptable in 18 rated films is anything that is in breach of the criminal law. Anything that is judged to be obscene under the current Obscene Publications Act 1959 is not allowed.
Dialogue that encourages interest in sexually abusive activity also which may include adults role-playing as non- adults.
Any material that prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent to any sexual activity is highly unlikely
Sexual threats, abuse and humiliation which do not form part of a role play should not be shown.
Strong physical or verbal abuse is unlikely to be acceptable even if consensual.