Amendments to the Video Recordings Act in 1994 laid down certain formal tests which the Board must always apply, namely to assess the harm which may be caused to potential viewers (including children or young persons) or, through their behaviour, to society because of the manner in which the work deals with: criminal behaviour, illegal drugs, violence, horror, or sex. The Board's own internal guidelines have always covered all those issues, but the fact that it has become a statutory requirement means that the Board must be able to demonstrate that it has taken these matters into account in every case.
The amended Act also requires the classification of some works which had previously been exempted, such as instructional videos or music videos, if they fall foul of any of the above tests, eg, if they teach criminal techniques or how to inflict serious injury or if they contravene relevant legislation like the Obscene Publications Act or the Protection of Children Act.