South Africa

Films and Publications Act 65 of 1996 ss. 18C (self-classification) and 24A(4) (distribution of restricted content to a minor), as inserted and amended by the Films and Publications Amendment Act 11 of 2019

Effective 2022-03-01 · Applies to private

Section 18C lets the Film and Publication Board accredit a commercial online distributor to classify its own films, games, or publications, on condition the distributor applies the Board's classification guidelines and informs the Board of every 'XX' and 'X18' classification it makes, deferring to any classification the Board itself has already made.

Section 18C(6) separately bars distributing any film, game, or publication in South Africa unless it has been classified and carries a clearly visible label showing its age limit and content nature next to the Board's logo. Section 24A(2) makes it an offence, carrying a fine of up to R500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, to distribute or exhibit an unclassified film, game, or a section 16(2) publication, or one classified 'refused classification' or 'XX'.

Section 24A(4) separately makes it an offence, carrying a fine of up to R750,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, to knowingly distribute or exhibit to a person under 18 years a film, game, or publication classified 'X18', or one containing explicit sexual conduct that would have justified an X18 classification, regardless of whether the distributor itself holds the relevant registration or accreditation.

Source: Full text of law