Guinness World Records has a strict list of record policies that must be adhered to for all our record breaking achievements.
We assess all new record titles against our values of integrity, respect, inclusiveness and passion and it is of the utmost importance to us that all our records reflect this.
As such, we have a number of internal policies that all records must adhere to. Our policies are regularly reviewed and updated in collaboration with expert organisations and based on feedback from our readers.
Please find a non-exhaustive list and details of our policies.
Guinness World Records is an apolitical organisation, determined to protect the integrity of our records by remaining politically neutral. Therefore, we do not accept record applications which we consider to be politically motivated and we reserve the right to reject or cancel a record application should we deem it to promote a political agenda.
Guinness World Records will not monitor any records involving unsuitable activities or those which could cause potential harm or danger to spectators.
Any records that could potentially endanger or harm animals. This includes any records in which the animals would have to be put to greater stress to achieve a new record, such as endurance records, or records which include any level of danger for the animal. For all animal records, the animal must do the attempt without any physical contact with their owner/trainer. Any attempts that would require physical prompts from the owner/trainer are not allowed.
We do not monitor any records for excessive eating records. All of our eating records showcase the skill of speed eating only and as such are limited to short time periods and small quantities of food, such as fastest time to eat three cream crackers.
We require any record relating to food to follow strict policies regarding food consumption and donation.
We require all our records involving larger quantities of food to adhere to the following rules:
Any record involving the consumption of alcohol as part of drinking contests, binge drinking or speed drinking.
Guinness World Records will not endorse or permit Illegal activities in pursuit of record breaking. Any record attempt proven to occur outside of the local law would be disqualified.
It is not permitted for individuals under the age of 16 to attempt or hold records which are considered unsuitable for minors. Anyone between the age of 16-18 must provide consent from a parent/guardian to attempt these records.
Guinness World Records does not monitor any medical testing records that involve the skin being pierced, or an examination in which a device enters the body beyond what is reasonably comfortable. This includes any tests which require a needle; or an internal physical examination.
Such as largest release of party balloons, sky lanterns, etc. are no longer monitored.
Guinness World Records titles are open to anyone irrespective of their level of ability.
Guinness World Records tries to include as wide a variety of activities as possible to appeal to different age groups, and concentrate on absolute records, rather than those that are qualified in some way.
The principle of voluntary participation requires that people must not be coerced into participating in a record attempt. However, participants may be recompensed for their expense, time, and inconvenience.
Participants at Guinness World Records events must take part of their own free will. Organisers must ensure that all participants are full informed about the record they are taking part in.
Guinness World Records will not process inappropriate or offensive applications.
Guinness World Records no longer accepts applications or creates new record titles that are related to the consumption, preparation or use of tobacco, cannabis or nicotine products.
