These draft Regulations apply to the labelling of video recordings in the UK and to the supply of video works in the form of physical discs, magnetic tape and other storage devices.

The Video Recordings (Labelling) (Amendment) Regulations 2020

The draft Video Recordings (Labelling) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 are made under sections 8 and 22A of the Video Recordings Act 1984 and will amend the current labelling Regulations, the Video Recordings (Labelling) Regulations 2012. These draft Regulations seek to amend selected requirements as to the size and colour of the statutory age rating symbols for films distributed on physical media (DVDs, BluRays).

The Video Recordings Act 1984 regulates the supply of video works in the form of physical product (such as discs, magnetic tape and other physical storage devices). The 2012 Regulations made under the 1984 Act stipulate labelling requirements in relation to products that have been issued a classification certificate from the Designated Authority, which is currently the British Board of Film Classification. There is currently no equivalent domestic legislation that covers labelling relating to the supply of films online or for theatrical release.

The current 2012 Regulations require an indication as to the classification certificate issued by the designated authority to be shown on the video recording and also on the container or outer case in which the video recording is supplied. The intention of the amendments contained in the draft Regulations is to refresh the statutory requirements as to age-rating symbols, by simplifying and clarifying the way they appear visually, in order to improve consumer decision-making and increase public protection from inappropriate material.