Film Classification Framework: Update

Decree 50/2026, published in the Official Gazette on January 26, 2026, approves a new regulation of Law 23052 regarding the film classification system aimed at determining the suitability for minors of cinematographic works.

The regulation updates the regime in force since 1984, considering that the previous categories and criteria had become outdated in light of the cultural, social, and technological transformations impacting the consumption of audiovisual content. In this context, the Decree reaffirms that the classification is a guiding tool intended to provide clear information to the public and to enable parents and guardians to adequately fulfil their roles of guidance and accompaniment.
 

The Decree grants the Argentine Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) exclusive authority to issue classifications, guidelines, and the plates and pictograms required to implement them. It also establishes new reference categories:
 

• General audience (G).
• Parental supervision suggested (SP).
• Restricted for persons under 13 years of age (R-13).
• Restricted for persons under 17 years of age (R-17).
• Suitable only for persons over 18 years of age – conditional exhibition (C).
   

The Decree introduces a regime to automatically recognize foreign classifications, by acknowledging certificates issued by competent bodies in the country of origin. Exceptions to this rule include duly grounded claims due to inconsistencies with the criteria applicable in Argentina or a justified review based on public order considerations.

Finally, the Decree establishes informational obligations regarding mandatory notices at the beginning of each film, sanctions for non-compliance, and an updated scheme of fines scaled according to the seriousness of the infringement.