Buying Adult DVDs and Videos online
Posted on: June 30, 2008 16:06 | Posted by: Richard
Adult DVDs and videos are easily available on the Internet, but it's not always clear which movies can be supplied legally in the UK.
Buying X-rated movies on the Internet is confusing at best and downright baffling at worst. Different rules apply to different rating certificates and different countries. We spoke to Customs and Excise and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to get the facts, and just the facts, ma'am.
What is the 18 Certificate?
18-certificate films can be sold by any UK shop, mail order catalogue or Web site. 18 films do not feature graphic depictions of sexual activity - softcore porn to you and me.
What is the R18 Certificate?
In August 2000 the law was changed to allow films featuring graphic depiction of sexual activity between consenting adults to be sold in the UK - hardcore porn to you and me. These films have an R18 - Restricted 18 - certificate.
What are the restrictions on R18 films?
They have to be bought from a licensed shop and cannot be sold via mail order. Web sites cannot have a license to supply R18 films within the UK, even if the company that owns the site runs a licensed sex shop. If a UK-based Web site sells R18 films for delivery in the UK it is breaking the law.
Why do they have these rules?
The BBFC's primary concern is to protect children, so it does whatever it can to prevent hardcore films being accessible to children. Clearly, it's easier for youngsters to buy films over the Web with dad's credit card, than it is to saunter into a licensed sex shop.
Who is responsible for enforcing the law?
The police and local trading standards officers. The BBFC has no enforcement role at all. Site operators face a potential £20,000 fine and up to six months in prison for breaking the law.
Can I import hardcore sex films from abroad?
Yes you can, with certain limits. Even though UK-based companies aren't allowed to sell R18 films over the Web, foreign companies are allowed to send hardcore films to private individuals in the UK for personal use as long as they have the R18 certificate.
Can any type of film be imported?
No. Customs and Excise will only allow material featuring sexual activity between consenting adults. Films featuring rape, violence, mutilation, sadomasochism, urination, scatology, bestiality or animal cruelty would be liable for forfeiture. Its priority is in tackling paedophilia and other material involving children.
Can Customs seize films?
Yes. It Customs has the power to search goods arriving in the UK and often does. 6,000 indecent items were seized in the 2000/2001 financial year. Customs is not interested in films showing sexual acts between consenting adults -- films won't be seized if they don't contain prohibited material listed above.
Does LoveHoney sell R18 adult DVDs and videos?
No, LoveHoney does not sell R18 adult DVDs and videos. We sell a small selection of 18-certificate couple-friendly adult DVDs, including a range of films by the UK's leading female adult movie director Anna Span.
In summary
It is legal for UK-based Web sites to sell 18-certificate films.
It is illegal for UK-based Web sites to sell hardcore R18 films.
It is legal for UK individuals to buy hardcore films from overseas Web sites for personal use as long as the films have been given an R18 certificate by the BBFC.
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