Article
16 January 2008
Selling Unwanted DVDs and Video Games
Often people receive DVDs or video games as gifts which are not to their liking. Alternatively, you may just want to sell the DVD or game once you're finished with it. In order to ensure that you comply with the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 read the information below and follow the links provided.
Requirement to be labelled:
Under section 6 of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 all films must carry a New Zealand classification label.
What to do if your DVD or game has a New Zealand classification label:
If this is the case, then you're ready to sell it. Just make sure that any restrictions (such as age restrictions) are complied with. Find out more about the New Zealand classification labels here.
What to do if the game does not have a New Zealand classification label:
The law currently allows games with unrestricted content to be sold with foreign labels on them. Games with restricted content must, however, carry the same red restricted New Zealand labels that appear on videos and DVDs. If your game contains sex, horror, crime, cruelty or violence then you may need to obtain a New Zealand classification for it by contacting the Film and Video Labelling Body.
If the game has been classified in New Zealand, but the copy you wish to sell doesn't have a New Zealand label, contact the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can search on its website to see if the game has already been classified in New Zealand.
For more information on video games click here.
What to do if the DVD does not have a New Zealand classification label:
You can search the website of the Film and Video Labelling Body to see if the DVD has already been classified in New Zealand. If it has, then you need to contact the Labelling Body to obtain the correct label.
If the DVD has not been classified in New Zealand, you will need to submit it for classification prior to putting it up for sale. Again, the organisation you need to contact is the Film and Video Labelling Body.
What to do if the DVD does not have a New Zealand label because it is exempt:
Under section 8 of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 there are some types of films are not required to have a New Zealand classification label. These categories of films include documentaries, natural history films, films of weddings or sporting events and films depicting cultural activities.
If you think your DVD may be exempt from the labelling requirement, read more here and decide if your DVD fits into one of the exempt categories. If you are unsure whether your DVD is exempt, contact the Information Unit. If you decide your DVD fits into one of the exempt categories, then you do not need to get a label for it. Be aware that exemptions do not apply if the DVD has content that is likely to be restricted (e.g. sex, horror, crime, cruelty, violence, offensive language).
For information on selling DVDs and games on the Internet, click here.
For more information email the Information Unit or freephone 0508 CENSOR (0508 236 767).