Office of Film and Literature Classification (or OFLC)
The Office of Film and Literature Classification is an Australian Government agency that provides administrative support to the Classification Board and Classification Review Board.
The Classification Board classifies all films, computer games and publications in Australia and awards a rating based on the Classification Act (1995) and guidelines.The Classification Review Board reviews films, computer games and publications when a valid appeal has been lodged by an applicant.The OFLC also provides support to the Attorney General, State and Territory governments, law enforcement bodies, industry and members of the public.
X18+ Film
Films that contain real depictions of actual sexual activity between consenting adults in which there is no violence, sexual violence, sexualized violence, coercion, sexually abusive language or fetishes or depiction which purposefully demean anyone involved in that activity for the enjoyment of viewers, in a way that is likely to cause offence to the reasonable adult. This also includes films unsuitable for a minor to see.
R18+ Film
Films (except RC and X18+) that are unsuitable for a minor to see
Explicit Erotic Film
Films primarily involving various forms of actual sexual activity, including close-ups, involving consenting adults, with no coercion or violence.
Refused Classification (or RC)
This includes films that include matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified.
Non Violent Erotica (or NVE)
In 1999, the Federal Parliament moved to introduce a new classification category 'Non Violent Erotica'. This proposed classification was to exclude undesireable material in the current X18+ classification including mild fetishes, any depicition of violence, the use of sexually aggressive language and the portrayal of persons over 18 years as minors.
Erotic
Causing sexual love especially tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement.
Offence
To irritate in mind or feelings or cause resentful displeasure
Category 1 Magazine
Publications (except Refused Classification and Category 2 publications) that explicitly depict nudity, or describe or impliedly depict sexual or sexually related activity between consenting adults, in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult; or describes or express in detail violence or sexual activity between consenting adults in a way that is likely to cause ofence to a reasonable adult; or unsuitable for a minor to see (National Classification Code).
A Category 1 magazine is legally restricted to people over the age of 18 years, and can only be sold in a sealed opaque wrapper with the Classification marked clearly on the wrapping.
Category 2 Magazine
Publications (except Refused Classification) that: explicitly depict sexual or sexually related activity between consenting adults in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult; or depict, describe or express revolting or abhorrent phenomena in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult and are unsuitable for a minor to see (National Classification Code).
Imported Film
Films that have been transported to Australia from other regions of the world.
Unclassified Film
Films that have not been classified by the OFLC.
Pirated Film
Films that are copied without the expressed permission of the righful copyright owner.
Restricted Adult Premises
Retail premises where access by minors is prohibited.