• Films and Publications Act, 1996 (Act No. 65 of 1996)
  • Notice No. 1811 of 1996
  • Act
  • Chapter 1 : Definitions
    • 1. Definitions
  • Chapter 2 : Film and Publication Board : Film and Publication Appeal Tribunal
    • 2. Object of Act
    • 3. Establishment of Film and Publication Board, Council, Appeal Tribunal and Enforcement Committee
    • 4. Composition of Council
    • 4A. Powers and duties of Council
    • 5. Composition of Appeal Tribunal
    • 6. Members of Council and Appeal Tribunal to be appointed by Minister
    • 6A. Composition of Enforcement Committee
    • 6B. Powers and duties of Enforcement Committee
    • 6C. Removal of members of Enforcement Committee from office
    • 7. Disqualifications with regard to membership of Council, Appeal Tribunal or Enforcement  Committee
    • 8. Period of office of members of Council, Appeal Tribunal and Enforcement Committee
    • 9. Removal from office
    • 9A. Composition, functions and management of Board
    • 10. Classification committees
    • 11. Administrative support for Council, Appeal Tribunal and Enforcement Committee
    • 12. Remuneration
    • 13. Expenditure
    • 14. Annual report
    • 15. [Repealed] Functions of chief executive officer
    • 15A. Functions and powers of compliance officers
  • Chapter 3 : Complaints and Applications concerning Publications
    • 16. Classification of publications
    • 17. [Repealed] Classification of publications
  • Chapter 4 : Classification of films and games, self-classification, accreditation, complaints and prohibited content
    • 18. Classification of films and games
    • [Repealed] 18A. Display of classification decisions
    • [Repealed] 18B. Re-classification
    • 18C. Self-classification
    • 18D. Approval of accredited foreign or international classification systems by the Council
    • 18E. Complaints against prohibited content
    • 18F. Prohibition against distribution of private sexual photographs and films
    • 18G. Prohibition against filming and distribution of films and photographs depicting sexual violence and violence against children
    • 18H. Prohibition against propaganda for war, incitement of imminent violence and advocacy of hatred that is based on identifiable group characteristics, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm
    • 18I. Display of classification decisions
    • 18J. Re-classification
  • Chapter 5 : Right to appear and to appeal to Appeal Tribunal
    • 19. Right to appear, to be represented, to adduce evidence, to address, to have case and arguments properly considered, and to be informed of grounds of decision
    • 20. Right to appear and to appeal to Appeal Tribunal
    • 21. [Repealed] Appeal to Supreme Court
  • Chapter 6 : Exemptions: Publications and Films
    • 22. Exemption of persons from certain sections, and exclusions from application of this Act
    • 23. Exhibition of films to distributor of films not prohibited by this Act
    • 24. Exemption in respect of distribution of certain publications and films: Adult premises
    • 24A. Prohibitions, offences and penalties on possessions of films, games and publications
    • 24B. Offences and penalties in respect of child pornography and sexual exploitation of children
    • 24C. Obligations of internet access and service providers
    • 24D. Prohibition, offences and penalties for submission of false and misleading information to online submission system of Board
    • 24E. Prohibitions, offences and penalties on distribution of private sexual photographs and films
    • 24F. Prohibitions, offences and penalties on filming and distribution of films and photographs depicting sexual assault and violence against children
    • 24G. Prohibitions, offences and penalties on propaganda for war, incitement of imminent violence, and advocacy of hatred based on an identifiable group characteristic and that constitutes incitement to cause harm
    • 25. [Repealed] Prohibition of distribution of publications contrary to classifications
  • Chapter 7 : Prohibition of Conduct Contrary to Classifications
    • 26. [Repealed] Prohibition relating to exhibition, distribution or advertisement of films
    • 27. [Repealed] Possession of certain publications and films prohibited
    • 27A. Registration and other obligations of Internet service providers
    • 28. [Repealed] Distribution of certain publications prohibited
    • 29. [Repealed] Advocating war, violence and hatred
    • 30. [Repealed] Punishment
    • 30A. Extra-territorial jurisdiction
    • 30B. Presumptions and proof
  • Chapter 8 : Regulations, Amendment and Repeal of Laws
    • 31. Regulations
    • 31A. Procedure for making regulations
    • 32. [Repealed] Review of certain decisions with regard to publications and films
    • 33. Repeal of laws
    • 34. Amendment of Act 71 of 1991
    • 35. Short title and commencement
  • Schedules
    • Schedule 1 : [Repealed] XX Classification for Publications
    • Schedule 2 : [Repealed] X18 Classification for Publications
    • Schedule 3 : [Repealed] Age Restrictions for Publications
    • Schedule 4 : [Repealed] F18 Classification for Periodical Publications
    • Schedule 5 : [Repealed] Art and Science Exemption for Publications
    • Schedule 6 : [Repealed] XX Classification for Films
    • Schedule 7 : [Repealed] X18 Classification for Films
    • Schedule 8 : [Repealed] Age Restriction for Films
    • Schedule 9 : [Repealed] Art and Science Exemption for Films
    • Schedule 10 : [Repealed] Promotion of Hatred
    • Schedule 11 : [Repealed] Sexual Conduct 
    • Schedule 12 : Acts Repealed
• Regulations
  • Films and Publications Regulations (Games), 1999
    • Notice No. R348 of 1999
    • Classification of Games
      • 1. Definition
      • 2. Application for classification of a game
      • 3. Application for reclassification of a game
      • 4. Application for exemption from certain sections of the Act
      • 5. Notice of approval of game for distribution
      • 6. Appeal to the Review Board
      • 7. Application for copy of certificate of classification
      • 8. Application for copy of report of the Review Board
      • 9. Short title and commencement
    • Annexures
      • Annexure 1 : Prescribed form for classification of games
      • Annexure 2 : Prescribed form for reclassification of games
      • Annexure 3 : Prescribed form for application for exemption
      • Annexure 4 : Prescribed form for appeal to Review Board
  • Films and Publications Regulations (Games) (Fees), 1999
    • Notice No. R349 of 1999
    • 1. Definitions
    • 2. Fees
    • 3. Short title
    • Annexure
  • Films and Publications Regulations (Adult Premises), 2001
    • Notice No. R163 of 2001
  • Films and Publications Regulations (Fees) 2006/2007
    • Notice No. 356 of 2006
  • Regulations on Fees for Registration, Renewal of Registrations for Distributors, ISP'S and Classification of Films, Games and Publications and Other Services
    • Notice No. 674 of 2010
  • [Repealed] Films and Publications Regulations, 2014
    • Notice No. R184 of 2014
    • Part 1 : Definitions
      • 1. Definitions
    • Part 2 : Registration as Distributor or Exhibitor
      • 2. Registration as distributor or exhibitor
      • 3. Renewal of registration certificate as distributor or exhibitor
      • 4. Display of registration certificate
    • Part 3 : Procedure for Appointment of Classification Committees
      • 5. Appointment of classification committees
    • Part 4 : Submission of Publications, Films and Games for Classification and Display Requirements
      • 6. Request for examination and classification of publications
      • 7. Compulsory submission of publications
      • 8. Display of certificate of classification on publications classified as "X18"
      • 9. Display of publications containing adult content
      • 10. Application for classification of films
      • 11. Application for classification of exempted films
      • 12. Classification of music DVDs, educational films and children's films
      • 13. Display of certificate of classification on music DVDs, educational films and children's films
      • 14. Display of classification decisions
      • 15. Re-classification of film, game or a pubication
      • 16. Application for classification of games
      • 17. Application to appear before Board
    • Part 5 : Procedure for Classification of Films, Games and Publications
      • 18. Procedure for classification of films, games and publications by classification committees
      • 19. Films, games or publications containing child pornography
    • Part 6 : Adult Premises
      • 20. Application for exemption to distribute films, games and publications classified as "X18"
    • Part 7 : Obligations of Internet Service Providers in relation to Duty to Register with Board and Online Submission of Films, Games and Publications for Classification
      • 21. Internet service providers
      • 22. Display of registration certificate
      • 23. Submission of online content for classification
    • Part 8 : Exemption
      • 24. Application to be exempted from the Act in respect of certain films, games and publications
      • 25. Procedure for exemption of films intended for exhibition at film festivals
    • Part 9 : Appeals
      • 26. Appeal against classification decision in respect of films or games
      • 27. Appeal against decision in respect of complaint against publication referred to Board
    • Part 10 : General Provisions
      • 28. Application for authorisation to screen trailers with higher ratings in same screening with films with non-restrictive ratings
      • 29. Application for copy of classificaiton decision
      • 30. Application for list of films classified by Board
      • 31. Notice of contravention
      • 32. Notice to remove from display
      • 33. Conditions for films, games and publications removed from display
      • 34. Repeal of Regulations
      • 35. Short title
    • Annexures
      • Annexure A : Board/E
      • Annexure B : FPB/PB
      • Annexure C : Board/FL
      • Annexure D : Board/RC/P
      • Annexure E : Board/CM
      • Annexure F : Board/GM
      • Annexure G : Board/RC
      • Annexure H : Board/AD
      • Annexure I : Board/EX
      • Annexure K: Board/AP
      • Annexure : Board/CN
      • Annexure M : Board/CP
      • Annexure N : Board/LF
      • Annexure O : Board/NC
      • Annexure P : Board/NR
  • Amended Films and Publications Tariff's Regulations, 2022
    • Notice No. 1174 of 2020
    • Schedule 1 : Physical Content and Distributor Size
    • Schedule 2 : Online Distribution
    • Schedule 3 : Payments in respect of Annual Licence Fees
    • Schedule 4 : Interest on Overdue Accounts and Consumer Price Index Increase
  • Films and Publications Regulations, 2022
    • Notice No. R. 2436 of 2022
    • Schedule 1
      • Part 1
        • 1. Definitions
      • Part 2: Registration as Distributor
        • 2. Registration as a distributor
        • 3. Renewal of registration certificate as distributor
        • 4. Display of registration certificate
      • Part 3: Submission of Publications, Films and Games for classification and display requirements
        • 5. Request for examination and classification of publications
        • 6. Compulsory submission of publications
        • 7. Display of certificate of classification on publications classified as "X18"
        • 8. Display of publications containing adult content
        • 9. Application for classification of films
        • 10. Application for classification of exempted films
        • 11. Application for classification of games
        • 12. Display of classification decisions
        • 13. Re-classification of publications, films or games
        • 14. Application to appear before FPB
      • Part 4: Accreditation of Commercial Online Distributors' Classification System
        • 15. Accreditation of a Foreign or International Classification System
      • Part 5: Submission of Online Content for Classification
        • 16. Submission of online content for classification
      • Part 6: Procedure for the Application by Commercial Online Distributors to Self-Classify Content
        • 17. Procedure for application for self-classification of films, games and publications
        • 18. Classification by the Distributor and Display of FPB logo
        • 19. Training on the Act, Regulations and Classification Guidelines of the FPB
        • 20. Compliance Monitoring by the FPB
      • Part 7: Procedure for Appointment of Classification Committees
        • 21. Appointment of classification committees
      • Part 8: Procedure for Classification of Publications, Films and Games
        • 22. Procedure for classification of publications, films and games by classification committee
        • 23. Publications, films or games containing child pornography
      • Part 9: Exemptions
        • 24. Application to be exempted from the Act in respect of certain publications, films and games
        • 25. Procedure for exemption of films intended for exhibition at film festivals
        • 26. Procedure for exemption of games intended for exhibition or distribution at game festivals
      • Part 10: Adult Premises
        • 27. Application for exemption to distribute films, games and publications classified as "X18" at a physical premises
        • Distribution of Films or Games classified as "X18" Online
        • 28. Application for exemption to distribute publications, films and games classified as "X18" Online
      • Part 11: Obligations of Internet Service Providers in relation to the Duty to Register with the FPB and Display Registration Certificates
        • 29. Internet Service Providers
        • 30. Display of registration certificate
      • Part 12: Complaints against prohibited content, distribution of private sexual photographs and films and filming and distribution of films and photographs depicting sexual violence and violence against children
        • 31. Complaints by any person about unclassified, prohibited content, or potential prohibited content in terms of services being offered online, the distribution of private sexual photographs and films and filming, and distribution of films and photographs depicting sexual violence and violence against children
      • Part 13: General Provisions
        • 32. Version of a publication, film or game submitted for classification
        • 33. Application for authorisation to screen trailers with higher ratings in same screening with films with non-restrictive ratings
        • 34. Application for copy of classification decision
        • 35. Application for list of films classified by FPB
        • 36. Notice of contravention
        • 37. Notice to remove from display
        • 38. Conditions for publications, films and games removed from display
    • Schedule 2
      • Part 1
        • 1. Definitions
      • Part 2: Appeal Tribunal Office Functions
        • 2. Office hours and address of Appeal Tribunal
        • 3. Condonation of time limits
        • 3. Registrar
        • Delivery of Documents
          • 4. Delivery of Documents
          • 5. Filing documents
          • 6. Fees
          • 7. Form of notices and applications
          • 8. Access to information
        • Appeal Tribunal Procedures
          • 9. Initiating appeal procedures
          • 10. Form of appeal
          • 11. Answer
          • 12. Reply
          • 13. Amending documents
          • 14. Completion of complaint file
          • 15. Pre-hearing conferences
          • 16. Other powers of member at pre-hearing conference
          • 17. Settlement conference
          • 18. Appeal record
          • 19. Heads of argument
          • 20. Appeal hearing
          • 21. Urgent appeals
        • Representation of Parties, Intervenors, Witnesses, and Interpreters
          • 22. Representation of parties
          • 23. Joinder or substitution of parties
        • Withdrawals, Postponements, Set-Down and Matters Struck-Off
          • 24. Withdrawals and postponements
          • 25. Set down of matters
          • 26. Matters struck-off
          • 27. Default orders
        • Procedures Generally
          • 28. Late filing, extension and reduction of time
          • 29. Conduct of hearings
          • 30. Guidelines
          • 31. Record of hearing
          • 32. Pending matters
    • Schedule 3
      • Part 1
        • 1. Definitions
      • Part 2: Repeal of Regulations and Short Title
        • 2. Repeal of Regulations
        • 3. Short title
      • Part 3: Transitional Arrangements
        • 4. Continuation of pre-existing online distribution agreements
        • 5. General preservation of regulations, rights, duties, notices and other instruments
  • Regulations on the Processes and Procedures for Applying or Registering, Amending, Transferring and Renewing Licences and Terms and Conditions to be applied to such Licences in terms of the Act, as amended, 2022
    • Notice No. 2922 of 2023
    • Schedule 1
      • Part 1
        • 1. Definitions
      • Part 2 : General Provisions
        • 2. General provisions applicable to applications for licences and permits, and registrations for licences and permits
        • 3. Prohibitions, offences, penalties, tariffs, and standard terms and conditions
        • 4. Amendment of licences and permits
        • 5. Renewal of licences and permits
        • 6. Transfer of licences and permits, and changes in ownership and control
        • 7. Surrender of licences and permits
        • 8. Temporary registration
        • 9. Compliance
    • Schedule 2
      • Part 1 : Registration as Distributor
        • 10. Registration as a distributor
        • 11. Renewal of registration as distributor
        • 12. Standard terms and conditions
        • 13. Additional terms and conditions
      • Part 2 : Accreditation of a Foreign or International Classification System
        • 14. Accreditation of a Foreign or International Classification System
        • 15. Renewal of the accreditation of a Foreign or International Classification System
        • 16 - 18. Suspension of the accreditation of a Foreign or International Classification System
      • Part 3 : Procedures for Application for Self-Classification of Films, Games and Publications
        • 19. Procedure for application for self-classification of films, games and publications
        • 20. Renewal of the annual Permit to self-classify films, games and publications
        • 21. Suspension of the annual Permit to conduct classifications of publications, where applicable, films or games
        • 22. Standard terms and conditions
        • 23. Additional terms and conditions
      • Part 4 : Exemption Applications
        • 24. Application to be exempted from the Act in respect of certain publications, films and games
        • 25. Standard terms and conditions
        • 26. Additional terms and conditions
      • Part 5 : Adult Premises
        • 27. Application for exemption to distribute films, games and publications classified as "X18" at a physical address
        • 28. Renewal of the licence to conduct the business of an adult premises
        • 29. Suspension of the licence to conduct the business of an adult premises
        • 30. Standard terms and conditions
        • 31. Additional terms and conditions
      • Part 6 : Distribution of Films or Games Classified as "X18" Online
        • 32. Application for exemption to distribute publications, films and games classified as "X18" online
        • 33. Renewal of the licence to distribute publications, films and games classified as "X18" online
        • 34. Suspension of the licence to distribute publications, films and games classified as "X18" online
        • 35. Standard terms and conditions
        • 36. Additional terms and conditions
      • Part 7 : Internet Service Providers
        • 37. Internet Service Providers
        • 38. Renewal of the registration as an internet service provider
        • 40. Suspension of the registration as an internet service provider
        • 41. Standard terms and conditions
        • 42. Additional terms and conditions
    • Schedule 3 - Transitional Arrangements
      • 43. Continuation of pre-existing online distribution agreements
      • 44. Short title
• Notices
  • Change of Applicable Tarriffs 2012
    • Notice No. 524 of 2012
  • [Repealed] Classification Guidelines for the Classification of Films, Interactive Computer Games and Certain Publications, 2019
    • Notice No. 539 of 2019
    • 1. Introduction and Application of Guidelines
    • 2. Definitions
    • 3. Purpose of Guidelines
    • Part A - Films and Trailers
      • 4. Guiding Principles
      • 5. Classification Categories of Films
      • 6. General Consideration for the Classification of Trailers
      • 7. General Considerations for Films of Educational Value
    • Part B - Games
      • 8. Guiding Principles
      • 9. Classification Categories of Games
    • Part C - Publications
      • 10. Guiding Principles
      • 11. Classification Categories of Publications
      • 12. Effective Date
      • 13. Repealed Guidelines
  • Classification Guidelines for the Classification of Films, Games and Certain Publications, 2022
    • Notice No. 2281 of 2022
    • 1. Introduction and Application of Guidelines
    • 2. Definitions and Classifiable Elements
    • 3. Purpose and Application of the Guidelines
    • Part A - Films and Trailers
      • 4. Films and Trailers
        • 4.1 Guiding Principles
        • 4.2 Classification Categories of Films
        • 4.3 General Consideration for the Classification of Trailers
        • 4.4 General Considerations for films of Educational Value
    • Part B - Games
      • 5. Games
        • 5.1 Guiding Principles
        • 5.2 Classification Categories of Games
    • Part C - Publications
      • 6. Publications
        • 6.1 Guiding Principles
        • 6.2 Classification Categories of Publications
      • 7. Effective Date
      • 8. Repealed Guidelines
  • Notice in terms of Section 24C and Section 27A of the Films and Publications Act, 1996 (Act No. 65 of 1996), as amended
    • Notice No. 2682 of 2022
    • Schedule 1
      • 1. Definitions
    • Schedule 2 - Obligations of Internet Access and Service Providers
      • 2. Obligations by Internet Access and Service Providers
      • 3. Offence and liability for non-compliance
    • Schedule 3
      • 4. Registration and other obligations of internet service providers
      • 5. Knowledge of the use of services of an internet service provider
      • 6. Particulars of users
      • 7. Offence and liability for non-compliance
    • Schedule 4
      • 8. Complaints against prohibited content
    • Schedule 5
      • 9. Details of where responses should be communicated
  • Notice in terms of Section 18(1) and Section 24A of the Films and Publications Act, 1996 (Act No. 65 of 1996), as amended
    • Notice No. 4383 of 2024
    • Schedule 1
      • 1. Definitions
    • Schedule 2 : Registration as Distributors or Exhibitors of Films and Games in the Republic of South Africa
      • 2. Obligations of distributors or exhibitors
      • 3. Compliance by distributors not required to submit film or game for classification
      • 4. Offence and liability for non-compliance
    • Schedule 3
      • 5. Registration as a distributor
      • 6. Self-classification
      • 7. Referral to the Enforcement Committee
    • Schedule 4
      • 8. Details on registration as a distributor
  • Notice to Extend the Registration Deadline for Distributors and Exhibitors that have not Registered with the Board to comply with the provisions of Section 18(1) read with Section 24A of the Act, as amended
    • Notice No. 4731 of 2024
• Rules
  • Enforcement Committee Rules, 2022
    • Notice No. R. 2922 of 2023
    • Schedule 1
      • Part 1
        • 1. Definitions
      • Part 2 : Enforcement Committee Office Functions
        • 2. Functions, office hours and address of Enforcement Committee
        • 3. Condonation of time limits
        • 4. Enforcement Registrar
        • Delivery of Documents
          • 5. Delivery of Documents
          • 6. Filing documents
          • 7. Fees
          • 8. Access to information
      • Part 3 : Enforcement Committee Procedures
        • 9. Initiating proceedings
        • 10. Defective notices
        • 11. Power to strike out
        • 12. Amendments to notice
        • 13. Withdrawal
        • Response to Enforcement Committee Proceedings
          • 14. Acknowledgment and notification
          • 15. Answer
          • 16. Reply to answer
          • 17. Further pleadings
        • Additional Parties and Additional Cases
          • 18. Additional parties
          • 19. Additional cases
          • 20. Powers on receipt of an additional case
        • Summary Disposal
          • 21. Default judgment
          • 22. Summary judgment
        • Offers to Settle
          • 23. Settlement offers
          • 24. Clarification of a settlement offer
          • 25. Withdrawing or changing a settlement offer
          • 26. Costs consequences of acceptance of a settlement offer
          • 27. Costs consequences following judgment
        • Case Management
          • 28. Directions
          • 29. Case management and pre-hearing conferences
          • 30. Evidence
        • Interim Orders and Measures
          • 31. Power to make interim orders and to take interim measures
      • Part 4 : The Hearing
        • 32. Hearing to be in public
        • 33. Quorum
        • Confidentiality
          • 34. Requests for confidential treatment
          • 35. Subsequent use of documents provided in proceedings
        • Decision of the Enforcement Committee
          • 36. Delivery of the decision
          • 37. Costs
          • 38. Interest
          • 39. Consent orders
          • 40. Quarterly report by the Enforcement Committee
      • Part 5 : Short Title and Commencement
        • 41. Short title
        • 42. Commencement
• Procedures
  •  Film and Publication Board Complaints Handling Procedures
    • Notice No. 2932 of 2023
    • Chapter 1 : Purpose of Procedures
      • 1. Purpose
    • Chapter 2 : Definitions
      • 2. Definitions
    • Chapter 3 : Lodging Complaints
      • 3. Complaints which may be investigated by the FPB
      • 4. Complaints not dealt with by the FPB
      • 5. Place of lodging a complaint
      • 6. Who can lodge a complaint
      • 7. Information required when lodging a complaint
      • 8. Confidentiality
      • 9. Format of lodging a complaint
    • Chapter 4 : Processing of Complaints
      • 10. Procedure followed after lodging a complaint
    • Chapter 5 : Conclusion of Complaints
      • 11. Conclusion of complaints
      • 12. Institution of legal proceedings before the Enforcement Committee
      • 13. Repeal or amendment of Procedures
      • 14. Short title and commencement
    • Annexure A : Film and Publication Board Complaint Form
• Proclamations
  • Commencement of Films and Publications Amendment Act 2019
    • Proclamation Notice 52 of 2022