Giving Publications Greater Leeway
The Censorship Review Committee (CRC 2003), in reviewing censorship policies and guidelines, recommended in its report that greater leeway be given to publications targeting adults with necessary safeguards to prevent unsolicited reading by the young.
The relaxation on the importation of US-women’s magazine Cosmopolitan was in line with the committee’s recommendations to allow adult content in publications through suitable channels. Responding to calls from the public for greater choice in media content, the ban on Cosmopolitan was lifted in 2004.
Related Information
- Undesirable Publications Act
- Newspaper and Printing Presses Act
- Guidelines for Imported Publications
- Publications Consultative Committee
- Registered Importers’ Database
- Application for Permit
Cosmopolitan and similar imported adult-interest lifestyle publications such as FHM and Maxim were shrink- wrapped and affixed with a consumer advice label stating: “Unsuitable for the Young”.
The content guidelines for imported publications were also revised to provide leeway for non-exploitative sex and nudity in adult-interest publications but stricter standards will continue to be imposed on exploitative content.
Consumer Advice
Consumer advice for magazines was introduced to enable the public – particularly parents – to make informed choices regarding adult interest publications for themselves and their children. Parents are encouraged to play a proactive role in guiding their young.
General guidelines for the placement of consumer advice labels
· Labels should be placed prominently on the top 1/3 section of magazine covers for clear visibility.
· Price or promotional stickers must not be placed over the labels.
· Labels must be attached to the magazine cover and not on the shrink-wrap – this is to ensure that the warning label is still intact should the shrink-wrap be removed.
To view an example of a consumer advice label on a shrink-wrapped magazine, please click here.
Conditions of Sale
Importers are responsible for ensuring that consumer advice labels are properly affixed to magazines before distribution. Retailers are required to refrain from selling adult-interest publications to the young, and ensure that they are placed at locations not easily accessible to the young. Only one browsing copy per title should be made available and staff have to ensure that it is not within easy reach of the young.