4A Protecting Under 18s and Harm and Offence : Acquired Material
The Code contains the following rules in relation to acquired material that is already the subject of a BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) certification.
- No film refused classification by the BBFC may be broadcast unless it has subsequently been classified or the BBFC has confirmed it would not be rejected according to standards currently operating.
- If the BBFC has classified a film subject to certain cuts, then no version of the film can be shown on television which includes that cut material unless: a) the BBFC has confirmed the material was only cut in order for the film to be classified at a lower category e.g. for younger viewers; or, b) the cuts were required in the past and the BBFC has confirmed that such cuts would no longer be required under current operating standards.
- '18' Certificate films must never start before 9pm on Channel 4 and Five. Even then, such films should comply with other provisions of the Code and may well only be suitable for a later transmission.
- Films with a BBFC ‘R18' certification cannot be broadcast on any television channel at any time.