Classification of works for cinema screening (films and trailers)

What is this for: Classification of films and trailers by age-group for the purpose of commercialisation, broadcast and publicity in cinemas.

Applicants: Production or distribution companies holding the rights to exploit film titles in cinemas. Also, in the case of films whose classification has been rendered obsolete because of time, television companies accredited to broadcast the work are also authorised to apply in addition to a production or distribution company.

Initiating the process: On request of the interested party, at any time once production of the cinematographic work has finished. However, in the case of Spanish films, the request must be presented at the same time as the request for a Certificate of Spanish Nationality (with the exception of reclassification due to obsolescence of Spanish films, given that a certificate was obtained in the past).

When to apply: Prior to the commercialisation, broadcast or advertising of a film. There is an exemption for audio-visual works that, in accordance with their specific regulations, are subject to self-regulation.

Where to apply: On the State Secretariat for Culture website Sede , in the general register of this ministry or in as indicated in Article 16.4 of Law 39/2015 of 1 October, on the Common Administrative Procedure for Public Administrations.

Who decides: The General Directorate of the Institute of Cinematography and Audio-visual Arts by means of electronic signature. The age-group classification finally granted to a cinematographic work shall remain the same during the whole period of its commercialisation, independently of any potential transfer of the rights, except in the case that a revision occurs.

How long does it take: Maximum one month after filing the application. Once the aforementioned period has elapsed without an explicit resolution, the classification proposed by the applicant shall be understood to have been granted.

Appeals: Applicant can appeal directly to the Ministry and also through the Courts.

Regulations:

Law 55/2007 , of 28 December on Cinema, modified by Royal Decree 6/2015 , of 14 May (BOE 15-05-2015)
Royal Decree 1084/2015 , of 4 December (BOE 05-12-2015)
Order CUL/314/2010 , of 16 February, (BOE 18-02-2010)
Decision of 16 February 2010 , by ICAA, by which the criteria for the classification by age groups are established for films, audio-visual works and informative pictograms. (BOE 19-02-2010)
Decision of 16 November 2011
Order ECD/2796/2015, of 18 December

Charges:

In 2016 the amount to be paid is based on the length of the film/audio-visual work as follows:

Works that last between 1’ y 30’: 10.30 €
Works that last between 31’ y 60’: 51.52 €
Works that last between 61’ y 90’: 82.43 €
Works that last between 91’ y 120’: 113.33 €
Works that last 121’ or more: 154.55 €

Instructions and forms:

Interpretive criteria related to the classification procedure
Instructions and documentation
Film classification request form Salto de línea