R18

R18 (Restricted 18) - Only shown/supplied in specially licensed cinemas/sex shops and to adults over 18

Overview:

• Legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex/strong fetish material involving adults
• May not be supplied by mail order
• Guidelines applied regardless of sexual orientation

Unacceptable content:

• Material in breach of criminal law
• Material judged as obscene under Obscene Publications Act (1959)
• Encouraging material (including dialogue) of sexually abusive activity (e.g. paedophilia, incest, rape) include adult role-play as non-adult
• Non-consensual (even simulated) sexual activity
• Physical constraints preventing indication of withdrawal of consent
• Infliction of pain or lasting physical harm (real/simulated) - allowance made for moderate consensual activity
• Penetration by object associated with violence/likely to cause physical harm
• Sexual threats, humiliation or abuse outside of consensual role playing game
• Strong physical/verbal abuse even if consensual