Netflix has warned classifying content for Australia is taking too long

Australian Netflix users could be forced to wait longer for TV shows and movies because classifying its content is taking too long.

The company has warned as its on demand service grows Australian viewers could lose out because the government won't be able to keep up with classifying content so it can be added to the country's Netflix library.

'There are significant obstacles associated with classifying large volumes of content,' Netflix's global public policy manager Josh Korn told IT News.

Australian Netflix users could be forced to wait longer for TV shows and movies because classifying the content is taking too long (stock image)

The company has warned as its on demand service grows viewers could lose out because the government won't be able to keep up with classifying content (pictured is Netflix series Orange Is The New Black)

'Processing delays could result in content being premiered later in Australia than in other Netflix markets.'

Some Netflix content has never been seen in Australia and needs to be certified by a recognised classification.

Mr Korn has called on the Federal Government to allow streaming services such as Netflix to classify its own content to speed up the process.

He would like to see the process governed similar to broadcasters and the gaming industry which employ in-house content assessors to classify shows according to Australian standards.

Netflix would like to see a 'technology-neutral' approach to fall in line with the rapid growth of the SVOD (streaming services on demand) sector, IT News reported.

The company is supporting a draft proposal by the Australian government to combine classifications functions under a single regulator- the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Some Netflix content has never been seen in Australia and needs to be certified by a recognised classification (stock image)