Classification of Audiovisual Programs

Audiovisual Programs supplied in Finland must be classified unless exempt from classification. (See link)

Right to classify audiovisual programs

An audiovisual program may only be classified by an audiovisual program classifier trained and approved by Finnish Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media as well as by an official of the Finnish Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media whose duties include classification.

Audiovisual programs detrimental to the development of children

Audiovisual programs are considered to be detrimental to the development of children if they by virtue of violent or sexual content or properties causing anxiety or any other comparable features, is likely to detrimentally affect children's development.

When assessing the detrimental nature of an audiovisual programme, the context and manner in which the program's events are described must be taken into consideration.

Classification of audiovisual programs 

If an audiovisual program is detrimental to the development of children, it shall be classified with an age limit of 7, 12, 16 or 18, depending on the program's content, and be given a symbol that describes the detrimental content of the program. If there is no reason to consider the program to be detrimental to the development of children, it shall be classified as suitable for all ages.

Programs that are unambiguously produced for people aged 18 or more are not classified. Programs of this type may only be provided if a label indicating an age limit of 18 is clearly displayed on or in connection with the programs.

The Finnish Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media  can approve an age limit and a symbol describing the program content given in the EU for use in Finland, without the programme being classified in Finland.

Registry of audiovisual program classifiers

The Finnish Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media (MEKU) maintains and develops an online classification system for audiovisual programs. MEKU supervises operations of the independent classifiers. The Finnish Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media keeps a registry of all the classifiers.

Quick Guide (to distributing audiovisual programs as recordings (e.g. DVD, Blu-ray)