Since 2001, it has been possible to exhibit audio-visual programmes to people who are at least 18 years old without prior classification. Pornographic audio-visual programmes may be exhibited and distributed to people who are at least 18 years old after the Finnish Board of Film Classification has been notified of the programme, the programme has been registered and it has the age-rating and other identification markings required by the law.

Even though in principle audio-visual programmes may be exhibited and distributed to people who are at least 18 years old without prior classification, audio-visual programmes against the Penal Code may not be exhibited or distributed. Whether a programme is against the Penal Code is estimated by a court of law, but a programme may not be judged by a court of law if the Finnish Board of Film Classification has classified the programme and accepted it for exhibition and distribution.

The classification is subject to a charge. The classification application cannot be made via the electronic system, instead, a traditional inspection application form has to be filled in.

The practice with the age-rating markings and identification numbers of classified audio-visual programmes differs from those of a notified audio-visual programme.