VIDEO PACKAGING REVIEW COMMITTEE (VPRC) – SUBMISSION PROCESS

See [packaging submission form] and the [VHS/DVD Labelling Requirements Advice].

The Video Packaging Review Committee is a voluntary scheme of self-regulation by the industry which regulates the sleeve of videos/DVDs. Membership of the scheme is automatic but distributors can choose to withdraw from it at any time. Video works submitted by members of the scheme are not classified until packaging for that work has been approved by the VPRC. Approved packaging carries the VPRC logo.

Packaging is assessed by the BBFC in the first instance and referred to the VPRC as appropriate. Appeals should be addressed to the Deputy Director of the BBFC. Final decisions to accept, reject or request modifications to submitted packaging should be available within two days.

SUBMISSION OF PACKAGING

1. No packaging will be accepted for submission unless accompanied by a Video Packaging Submission Form.  (Please click the 'Paperwork' link at the top of this page for an example of the form.)
   
   
2. Packaging will be acceptable only in the actual sleeve size and in one of the following forms:
1. Colour/Black and White artwork with/without transparencies (interim approval only)
2. Trimmed colour proofs or finished sleeves in triplicate (final approval)
Alternative versions are acceptable in a single submission only for reversible sleeves and should be clearly labelled 'side 1' and 'side 2'
Packaging must be submitted as 'hard copy' . However, if a  sleeve is referred to the full VPRC you will be asked to supply an electronic version in addition.


3. It is not necessary to submit packaging for VPRC approval where the key art, key text and display of classification symbols and statements required by the labelling regulations remains unchanged from a previously approved version, provided the following course of action is followed:
   The Rights Holder's authorised signatory will need to ascertain from their records that packaging has previously been approved for the work in another form and indicate and initial the returned Interim Clearance Form (ICF) to this effect. If we do not receive such notification on the countersigned ICF, we will assume that the work is still pending packaging approval and no final certificate will be issued.

NOTIFICATION OF DECISION

1. Following the decision of the VPRC, a notice of approval or non-approval will be sent to the client.
   
   
2. If modifications are required, these will be detailed, with particular reference to design, still photograph or text.
   
   
3. Modified packaging should then be resubmitted, using the form provided. After consideration, a notice of the decision on their submitted packaging will be sent to the client in the same way.
   
   
4. Final approval will be given only on submission of trimmed colour proofs in triplicate or finished sleeves in triplicate, one copy of which will be returned to the client with the notification of approval.
   
   
5. The sleeve on the product released for sale will be required to incorporate a small VPRC ‘button’ logo in black (or in white, if the background is dark), at least 8mm in height, on the back cover, close to the box containing the BBFC classification symbol and explanatory statement. However, this logo need not be present on the submitted packaging.

DELAYS MAY BE CAUSED FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS

Artwork or proofs have been submitted without a Submission Form, which makes it impossible to open a file on the material. No submissions or resubmissions will be accepted unless accompanied by a fully completed Submission Form.

Colour proofs may not have been submitted in triplicate. The VPRC is too large to give adequate attention to material if less than three copies are provided, and the Board cannot return a copy and retain the requisite number on file.

Not all submitted proofs have been trimmed. With c.75-100 submissions per week, the Board has no time to trim colour proofs.

The sleeve is not 'actual size'.  This is vital to enable the VPRC to ensure that the sleeve complies with the requirements of The Video Recordings (Labelling ) Regulations 1985.

Alternative covers for use on a reversible sleeve not labelled ‘Side 1’ and 'Side 2’, so that correspondence can be related clearly to one design or the other.

The category symbols are missing. If the final category of the video or DVD is not yet known then the most likely category should be represented and then changed as appropriate in accordance with the undertaking entered into on signing the submission form.

Category symbols are too small. Within the symbol, the numbers or letters denoting the category (e.g. 'PG' or'15') must be at least 5mm high, excluding any shadow.

Explanatory statement missing or incorrectly represented. On one of the faces other than the spine, the category symbol must appear with the appropriate explanatory statement within a single rectangular shaped frame on a white background.

VPRC Packaging Submission – Checklist for Clients

To avoid unnecessary delays please check the following before submitting your packaging to the VPRC. This is not an exhaustive list but covers the areas most commonly causing delays or requiring modification.

If the answer to any question is 'no' the packaging will not be approved.

1. Have you included a fully completed and signed submission form?
   • (these can be downloaded from our website)
     
     
2. Have you included three trimmed copies of the packaging?
   • (you must confirm the format on the submission form)
     
     
3. Is the submitted packaging actual size?
   • (you must confirm this on the submission form)
     
     
4. Are all claims about the film true (e.g. 'Uncut')?
   • (you must confirm this on the submission form)
     
     
5. Are all stills taken from the classified version of the film?
   • (you must confirm this on the submission form)
     
     
6. Are category symbols present and full size on front cover and one other face (excluding the spine)?
   • (letters/numbers – e.g. 'U' or '15' - must be at least 5mm high excluding the  shadow)
     
     
7. If spine is 2cm across or greater, is category symbol present and full size?
   • (a spine less than 2cm across may contain a smaller symbol, or no symbol at all)
     
     
8. Does one face (not the spine) include the category symbol and appropriate explanatory statement within a single rectangular shaped frame?
   • (lines within the rectangular frame should not extend to the sides of the frame)
     
     
9. Are category symbols the correct colour and shape for the category?
   • (symbols and templates can be downloaded by clients from the BBFC website. Using the latest BBFC design is considered best practice and stops product looking 'out of date' on the shelves. Please contact the client helpline on the number below for details)
     
     
10. If the VPRC logo is present, is it in black (or white, if background is dark), at least 8mm in height, on the back cover, and close to the box containing the BBFC classification symbol and explanatory statement?
    • (Note: there is no requirement for the logo to be present at this stage, but if it is present, it must be correct. The sleeve on the final retail/rental product must contain the logo as described)

Companies are strongly advised to submit packaging as soon as it becomes available as late submission of packaging can cause delays in classifying video works.

Queries about packaging should be addressed to the BBFC client helpline on 020 7440 0299.