05 February 2012

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit videos of consenting sex between adults. Such videos may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops, of which there are currently about 250 in the UK. ‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by mail order.

The following content is not acceptable

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law. 

• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in abusive sexual activity (e.g., paedophilia, incest) which may include depictions involving adults role-playing as non-adults. 

• the portrayal of any sexual activity, whether real or simulated, which involves lack of consent. 

• the infliction of pain or physical harm, real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for mild consensual activity. 

• any sexual threats or humiliation which do not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. 

• the use of any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from withdrawing consent, for example, ball gags. 
  penetration by any object likely to cause actual harm or associated with violence. 

• activity which is degrading or dehumanising (examples include the portrayal of bestiality, necrophilia, defecation, urolagnia). 

The following content, subject to the above, may be permitted 

• aroused genitalia 

• masturbation 

• oral-genital contact including kissing, licking and sucking 

• penetration by finger, penis, tongue, vibrator or dildo 

• non-harmful fetish material 

• group sexual activity 

• ejaculation and semen 

These guidelines make no distinction between heterosexual and homosexual activity.