In addition to the electronic classification / notification system, notifications relating to audio-visual programmes may be filed also on paper. This is recommended if the notification of audio-visual programmes is occasional. The form may be printed out, filled in and sent by mail to the Finnish Board of Film Classification. The notifications are accepted also as e-mail attachments if agreed upon with the Senior Examiner.

The application for classification shall always be signed and delivered to the Finnish Board of Film Classification along with recording of the programme..

Instructions for filling in the form

The form may be filled in electronically (a Word file; press F11 to move from one field to another, DO NOT USE THE TABULATOR)

In the right-hand upper corner of the form, the customer (the manufacturer, importer, exhibitor or distributor of an audio-visual programme) defines (with a check) whether the programme is being notified or whether classification is applied for it.

The customer fills in the information on the audio-visual programme in the upper part of the form. The Finnish Board of Film Classification fills in the information in the lower part of the form and issues to the Customer either an extract from the register of audio-visual programmes or a classification decision with appeal instructions depending on whether the case involves a notification or a classification.

The register extract and the classification decision are official documents to the effect that the programme is notified or classified in the manner required by the Act. Each copy of an audio-visual programme to be exhibited shall be accompanied by a register extract or a classification decision. Product packagings of recordings of audio-visual programmes to be rented, sold or otherwise conveyed for home use shall bear the age-category information and other identification information either on a sticker or in printed form. The models for printing and the ways for acquiring the stickers are explained in separate instructions.

It is especially important that all the information requested in the form is given especially when a notification is filed on an audio-visual programme.

Finnish title
The title used when distributing an audio-visual programme in Finland.

Swedish title
The title in Swedish used when distributing an audio-visual programme in Finland.

Manufacturer
Manufacturer shall mean the production company of the audio-visual programme.

Importer
The importer of an audio-visual programme, not necessarily the same as the exhibitor or distributor.

Exhibitor / distributor
is the company or other corresponding entity submitting a notification on an audio-visual programme or applying for its classification.

Country of production / year of production
The information facilitates especially the identification of films with the same title.

EAN code
If the entity submitting the notification wants to distribute an audio-visual programme so that the EAN code functions as the identification number, the number shall be disclosed in connection with the submission of the notification.

Director / Main cast
The information is important as there may be several audio-visual programmes with the same title and the names of the director and the actors will facilitate the identification of the programme.

Duration / length
The duration of the audio-visual programme in minutes or the length in meters (e.g. in the case of a 35 mm film copy). The information is important especially when submitting a notification, in which case the Finnish Board of Film Classification cannot measure it itself.

Topic / genre of the programme
Drama, action, comedy, sci-fi, documentary, musical, etc. are genres of audio-visual programmes.

The topic may be e.g. fly fishing, in which case the topic clearly indicates that the programme subject to notification is exempted from classification (manufactured solely for a hobby).

With regard to pornographic programmes, also the genre shall be stated (heterosexual, gay, lesbian, teen, fetish, perversion, S/M).

The programme shall be exhibited and distributed only to those who have attained the age of 18.
The audio-visual programme is exempted from classification on the basis of its contents.

Upon submission of the notification, either box shall be checked.

Desired age category
To be filled in only in an application for classification. The customer shall check the box of the age category he wants the programme to get in the classification.

Format
The format in which the customer will exhibit or distribute the audio-visual programme.

An account of the events of the programme

The form shall always be accompanied by a short description of the plot. The form shall not be handled if the account is omitted. With regard to pornographic programmes, a photocopy of the cover shall replace the description of the plot.

The material to be returned will be fetched / delivered by mail
Information on the manner in which the material delivered to the Board of Film Classification is to be returned to the customer. This applies mainly to classification.

Contact information
The detailed contact information of the customer: the name of the person responsible for the issue, the postal address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc. so that the customer may be contacted quickly, where necessary.

Remarks
Here you can enter information on e.g. the premier of the audio-visual programme or the date of release.

Signature
Upon applying for classification, the signature and name in print are necessary; the application shall not be official if they are omitted.

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