DVDS and videos in Libraries
Increasingly libraries are including DVDs and videos in their collections. Under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 films (including DVDs, videos and restricted computer games) which are supplied to the public must carry a New Zealand classification label.
Labels
Classification labels are affixed to the front of the DVD or video or game slick (the cover) and must obscure any international classifications already displayed on the slick. Labels are issued by the Film and Video Labelling Body.
DVD box sets
Often when DVDs come in a box set, there may be only one classification label which is affixed to the packaging of the set. If DVDs within the set are loaned out as individual items, each DVD must carry the correct New Zealand classification label.
Sometimes individual discs within a series will have different classifications. For example, in the DVD version of series one of The Sopranos, some discs are classified as R13 while others are R16. To check the classifications of individual discs, search the Decisions Database or the Film and Video Labelling Body's website. If labels are not already affixed to the individual discs, contact the Film and Video Labelling Body.
If the DVDs are being lent out as a complete box set then the label affixed to the box will be sufficient.
If the label is attached to the plastic shrink wrap, which is then removed from the box set, you will need to transfer the label to the cover of the box set itself before loaning.
Books with accompanying DVDs
Even though the DVDs that accompany books may at times be animated, or very short in duration, they are still required to carry a New Zealand classification label unless they are exempt from labelling under section 8 of the Classification Act. In order to obtain the correct label you should in the first instance contact your supplier, or the Film and Video Labelling Body. Due to the cost involved, some libraries choose to remove the DVD and issue the book on its own.
Exemptions from labelling
Some types of films and games are exempted from labelling requirements. The legislation does not give the Classification Office or the Film and Video Labelling Body the power to grant an exemption to labelling. It is up to the person or organisation making the DVDs available to the public to determine whether they think the DVDs meet the exemption requirements under section 8 of the Classification Act.
It is important to note that while some films may fall into one of the exempt categories (such as 'documentary') the exemption does not apply if the film contains material that is likely to be restricted. For information on the classification criteria see What the Act Restricts.
For more information, contact the Information Unit.