Hardcore pornography in the UK


Hardcore material is now legally available for sale in the UK... but only from licensed sex shops

First of all lets make it clear that it is now perfectly legal to buy, import and own consensual adult pornography in the UK.



Hardcore pornography in the UK

What hardcore material you can legally purchase in the UK

In September 2000 the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) broke new ground by giving an R18 classification to videos containing the following previously banned content.

Aroused genitalia (erections!);

Masturbation;

Oral/genital contact including kissing, licking and sucking;

Penetration by finger, penis, tongue, vibrator or dildo;

Non-harmful fetish material;

Group sexual activity;

Ejaculation and semen.

There is still no distinction between heterosexual and homosexual activity, although the following content is still not allowed...

Any material which is breach of the criminal law;

Abusive sexual activity such as incest or paedophilia;

The portrayal of any sexual activity, whether real or simulated, which involves lack of consent;

Infliction of pain, physical harm, sexual threats or humiliation;

The use of any physical restraints which prevent participants from withdrawing consent;

Penetration by an object likely to cause actual harm or associated with violence;

Degrading or dehumanising activity, such as bestiality, necrophilia, defecation or urolagnia.

So, for the first time in the UK we can legally view the same material which it has been possible to view on the Continent for decades. R18 videos can only be sold to over 18 year olds from licensed sex shops, of which there are approximately 90 in the UK.


The following content is not acceptable:

Any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959.

Material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (eg paedophilia, incest, rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults.

The portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent.

The infliction of pain or physical harm, real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for mild consensual activity. Penetration by any object likely to cause actual harm or associated with violence.

Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game.

Strong abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.

These guidelines will be applied to the same standard whether the activity is heterosexual or homosexual.

Hardcore pornography in the UK

Where can I buy R18 hardcore movies and dvd?

R18 Hardcore movies may now be legally bought from the following:

Any licensed sex shop in the UK

Any unlicensed shop in the UK (*)

Any UK based online sex shop (*)

Any overseas based online sex shop.

Any mail order company in the UK (*)

Any mail order company based overseas

(*) Note that although it is legal to buy, the seller may be liable to prosecution. (Even though the European Convention of Human Rights suggests that people cannot be prosecuted without justification of the harm that would otherwise result. And of course the authorities cannot ever seem to find the required proof).


Hardcore pornography in the UK

Where can I buy hardcore magazines?

Hardcore magazines may be bought from any UK shop. The restrictions on selling videos in licensed shops are limited to video material and do not apply to books and magazines. You may purchase these from any of the following:

Any high street newsagent

Any licensed sex shop in the UK

Any unlicensed shop in the UK

Any UK based online sex shop

Any overseas based online sex shop.

Any mail order company in the UK

Any mail order company based overseas

At the moment, the BBFC are struggling to cope with the applications from video producers for the new hardcore titles, so expect new releases to arrive slowly.


Hardcore pornography in the UK

What the symbols mean...


R18 Certificate

Hardcore films approved by the BBFC for sale to adults. Available only through licensed sex shops.


18 Certificate

Softcore or feature films containing adult themes or adult orientated material.


XXX

Hardcore material that has not been approved or classified by the BBFC, or has not yet been submitted. Available from mail order companies in the UK or abroad.


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