The label serves a notice to consumers that a particular CD, vinyl record or cassette contains content that may be considered offensive or is unsuitable for minors.
ARIA members are responsible for determining whether a product requires an EXPLICIT label in accordance with the criteria and guidelines set out in the Code.
When you are considering whether a product needs an EXPLICIT label you should think about:
Context and Impact
You also need to think about the context, intensity, frequency and tone of the content when deciding whether to apply an EXPLICIT label. For example:
The main thing is – you should take a practical and reasonable approach when considering whether an EXPLICIT label is required. Always think about the context, intensity, frequency and tone of the content. If the product required at least a level 1 label under the old Code, then it will require an EXPLICIT label under the new Code.
The EXPLICIT label must be a rectangular shape with dimensions of 3.5 cm (w) x 2.5cm (h).
You are not permitted to change the colour of the EXPLICIT label. It must be black and white only. No variations. The EXPLICIT label needs to be consistent so it is easily recognisable.
Please contact ARIA if you need a copy of the EXPLICIT label.
Under the revised Code, audio-only products that were released or scheduled for release between 1 April 2003 – 30 June 2020 can retain their old classification labels and do not require re-classification under the current Code. More information about previous classification labels can be found in Schedule A of the Code. Complaints or queries about products using the old classification labels should still be sent to ARIA.
Products classified, released or scheduled for release under the previous version of the Code (from 1 April 2003 – 30 June 2020) may retain the old classification labelling. You do not need to re-label these products.
We recognise that there is going to be a transition period as we move from the old labelling system to the new system. There is no end date to the transition period but we would like to transition to the new labelling framework without undue delay.
No. The Code still only applies to physical products such as CDs, vinyl and cassettes.
However, most digital music services display the word “EXPLICIT” or display the “E” symbol next to songs with potentially explicit content.
No. Music DVDs and enhanced CDs (i.e. CDs with a video) are still not covered by the Code. These are still subject to National Classification Scheme and should be classified by the Classification Board in line with the existing process that you are using. Please visit classification.gov.au for further information.
If you have a query about the labelling of CDs, vinyl records or cassettes, then please contact ARIA by phone, post or email.
A dedicated Complaints Handling Service is provided by ARIA. If you have a concern about the content that you have heard on an audio-only recorded music product (including CD, audio cassette or vinyl record) you may contact us at the following:
Phone: (02) 8569 1144
Email: business.affairs@aria.com.au
Postal: Complaints Handling Service, ARIA, PO Box Q20, Queen Victoria Building, NSW 1230
Please be aware if you wish to make a formal complaint under via the Complaints Handling Service, the complaint must be made in writing.
Please include your name, address, contact details, an explanation of your complaint and the details of the product you are concerned about (including artist name, album/single title, record label and where you purchased/heard the recording).
After submitting your complaint, you will be sent a letter or email confirming that your query has been received and is being reviewed.
Depending on the nature of your concern, enquiries will be made with the record company, the retailer, or both. You may also be contacted by ARIA asking for further information about your complaint.
Within 4 weeks of your initial contact, you will be advised in writing of the outcome of our investigation, including details of any follow-up action taken by a retailer or record company, if appropriate. This 4 week time frame will only be exceeded where it has been impossible to locate the relevant product or where the complainant is not able to respond in a timely fashion to a request for further information.
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaints process, you have the option of referring the matter to the Labelling Subcommittee. Details on how to refer a matter to the Labelling Subcommittee will be included in correspondence you receive from the Complaints Handling Service.
The Labelling Code of Practice for Recorded Music Product covers physical products containing audio-only recordings. It does not apply to DVDs.
Where a CD contains a visual element (and therefore becomes an enhanced CD) the product will be labelled under the National Classification Scheme and will carry G, PG, M, MA15+ or R18+ labels as required. In these circumstances the National Classification Scheme labelling (G, PG, M, MA15+ or R18+) supersedes the Code, meaning that only the National Classification Scheme label needs to be applied to such product.
If you have questions about a DVD, video or enhanced CD, then you need to contact the Classification Branch at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications on (02) 9289 7100.
For more information visit classification.gov.au.
These types of complaints are not covered by the Code.
Any complaints about:
