UK Act of Parliament
1984
United Kingdom
Video Recordings Act 1984
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
4 practical guides across 2 topics
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Supporting — topic alignment
4 guidesWhat this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Browse 36 other sections — procedural / definitional / commencement
Interpretation of terms.
Exempted works.
Conditions relating to video games
Exempted supplies.
Authority to determine suitability of video works for classification.
Criteria for suitability to which special regard to be had.
Review of determinations as to suitability.
Designated authorities for video games and other video works
Designated authorities: allocation of responsibility for video games
Designated authorities: video works included in video games
Parliamentary procedure for designation.
Annual report.
Classification certificates.
Classification certificates for particular video recordings
Requirements as to labelling
Supplying video recording of unclassified work.
Possession of video recording of unclassified work for the purposes of supply.
Supplying video recording of classified work in breach of classification.
Certain video recordings only to be supplied in licensed sex shops.
Supply of video recording not complying with requirementsas to labels, etc.
Supply of video recording containing false indication as to classification.
General defence to offences under this Act.
Time limit for prosecutions.
Offences by bodies corporate.
Enforcement.
Extension of jurisdiction of magistrates’ courts in linked cases.
Extension of jurisdiction of sheriff in linked cases.
Extension of jurisdiction of magistrates’ courts in Northern Ireland in linked cases.
Entry, search and seizure.
Arrest.
Evidence by certificate.
Miscellaneous and supplementary
Forfeiture.
Other interpretation.
Regulations
Short title, commencement and extent.
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- Get a video game age rating (Games Rating Authority) (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- BBFC: submit a work for classification (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Copyright guidance (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Intellectual property guidance (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Trading Standards
PrimaryTrading Standards (Local Authority)
Enforces consumer protection legislation including food labelling, weights and measures, product safety, and fair trading. Part of local authority structure. Investigates food …
British Board of Film Classification
Classifies films, videos, and some video games for age rating. Statutory authority for classifying cinema releases and video works under the Video …
Explore more
Browse legislation
Find other UK business legislation with related guidance.
Regulators
Learn more about the bodies that enforce this legislation.