Record policies

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.

Alcohol

Any record involving the consumption of alcohol as part of drinking contests, binge drinking or speed drinking.

Animal

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.

Danger in records

Guinness World Records will not monitor any records involving unsuitable activities or those which could cause potential harm or danger to spectators.

Excessive eating

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.

Food wastage

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:

  1. The challenger must demonstrate that the food has been prepared according to local food hygiene standard laws - for example, by preparing the food in the presence of an appropriate inspector.
  2. The food needs to be kept in hygienic conditions throughout the attempt of the record. This must be confirmed by the inspector, who must state in their report that the food was safe to eat at the point at which the food was distributed.
  3. Where the food is prepared in a commercial kitchen, copies of the food hygiene certification of that kitchen must be provided.
  4. After the attempt, the food items must be divided and distributed or donated for general consumption by humans. It is the responsibility of the challenger to demonstrate to Guinness World Records that all efforts to distribute the food to humans have been taken.
  5. Prior to the attempt, the challenger must submit their plans for food distribution to Guinness World Records for pre-approval.

Illegal activities

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.

Invasive medical 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. 

Politically motivated record applications

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.

Positive Action

Positive action can be described as the implementation of measures to increase representation and participation amongst underrepresented groups of people.

To GWR, that means ensuring our record titles are as inclusive as possible. Where a case for positive action can be made, GWR will therefore consider record titles, timeframes and other factors outside of our standard criteria. Typically, this would see us create a new record title with an impairment classification which would usually be unavailable to a non-impaired person, as a means of encouraging greater interest and participation in record-breaking from individuals with a physical, visual or intellectual impairment.

Qualified by age

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.

Reasonable Adjustments

GWR may decide to implement a reasonable adjustment to record guidelines or evidence requirements to level the playing field and ensure that an impaired person is not at a disadvantage to someone who is not impaired when attempting a Guinness World Records title.

For example, we may allow adapted equipment or extended rest breaks if required, allowing a participant to attempt their chosen record title under the appropriate conditions for their impairment.

Tobacco and cannabis

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.

Under 16s

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.

  • Under 16’s in Sport - Guinness World Records does not monitor free weight or body weight exercises which are repetitive in nature over time frame. Anyone between the age of 16-18 must provide consent from a parent/guardian to attempt these records.

Voluntary participation

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. 

Understanding the application process