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Chapter 37 Photographic or cinematographic goods

7 headings · 30 six-digit codes · World Customs Organization Harmonized System

HS code 37 photographic or cinematographic goods covers the film, plates, paper and chemicals used to make and show pictures. You may also see it called HSN code 37. This page shows what each heading means and how to pick the right one.

16 of Chapter 37’s 30 six-digit codes sit under a single heading, 3702 (Photographic film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper…). The other 14 are spread across the remaining 6 headings, running from 3701 to 3707. The chapter sits in Section VI, Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries, alongside 10 other chapters.

Headings in this chapter

3701Photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs370110 to 370199e.g. 370110 — Photographic plates and film; for x-ray, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles3702Photographic film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed370210 to 370298e.g. 370210 — Photographic film; for x-rays, in rolls, sensitised and unexposed (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles)3703Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; sensitised, unexposed370310 to 370390e.g. 370310 — Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 610mm3704Photographic plates, film, paper, paperboard and textiles, exposed but not developede.g. 370400 — Photographic plates, film, paper, paperboard and textiles; exposed but not developed3705Photographic plates and film; exposed and developed, other than cinematographic filme.g. 370500 — Photographic plates and film; exposed and developed, other than cinematographic film3706Cinematographic film; exposed and developed, whether or not incorporating sound track or consisting only of sound track370610 to 370690e.g. 370610 — Cinematographic film; exposed and developed, whether or not incorporating sound track or consisting only of sound track, of a width of 35cm or more3707Chemical preparations for photographic uses (other than varnishes, glues, adhesives and similar preparations); unmixed products for photographic uses, put up in measured portions or for retail sale370710 to 370790e.g. 370710 — Photographic goods; sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use

HS code 37 photographic or cinematographic goods: headings 3701 to 3707

The chapter is split by what the product is and what stage it has reached. Some goods are blank and have never taken a picture. Some have been exposed to light. Some are finished, developed film. The last heading is for the chemicals used in the process.

Here is each heading in plain words. Open a heading page to see its full list of codes.

  • Instant print film in the flat is here too.
  • 3707: photographic chemicals, such as sensitised emulsions and other mixtures put up for photo use.

How to choose the right Chapter 37 code

Start with four simple questions. Answer them in order and you will usually land on one heading.

First, is the product a chemical or a physical medium? Film, plates and paper go to 3701 to 3706.

Second, has it been used? Sensitised unexposed film is coated with a layer that reacts to light and has not yet taken a picture. It sits in 3701, 3702 or 3703. Once it is exposed but not developed, use 3704. Once it is exposed and developed, use 3705 for still pictures or 3706 for cinema film.

Third, what is it made of? Film and plates made of other materials go to 3701 or 3702.

Fourth, is it flat or in a roll? This is the difference between HS 3701 and 3702. Film in rolls goes to 3702. Inside each heading, the six-digit codes then split by use, such as x-ray or colour, and by width and length.

Measured portions matter for 3707. Those goods must be put up in measured portions or for retail sale. Always read the full code text before you fill in a customs form.

Common products and their HS codes

People often search by product name, not by code. This list links common terms to the code you will most likely need. Check the heading page for the exact wording.

  • X-ray film HS code, flat sheets: 370110
  • X-ray film HS code, rolls: 370210
  • Instant print film, flat: 370120
  • Photographic paper: heading 3703, with codes 370310, 370320 and 370390
  • Developed cinema film: 370610 or 370690, split by width
  • Sensitised emulsions: 370710
  • Other photographic chemicals: 370790

Related chapters in the chemical group

Chapter 37 sits next to several chapters that can look alike. Photographic chemicals in 3707 do not include varnishes, glues, adhesives and similar preparations. Those belong elsewhere.

Glues and enzymes have their own chapter. If a chemical product fits no other heading, it may land in the chapter for chemical products not elsewhere specified.

If you are unsure, try the HS code classifier, then confirm against the heading pages.

HS code 37 import and export records

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets.

Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.

These codes carry real shipments.

EximDataX shows the live import–export records filed under Chapter 37: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.

See live data for Chapter 37
Straight answers

HS Chapter 37: common questions

What is HS code 37?

It covers film, plates, paper and photo chemicals. In India it is often called HSN code 37.

What is the HS code for x-ray film?

Both must be sensitised and unexposed.

What is the difference between HS 3701 and 3702?

3702 covers film in rolls. Both are for sensitised, unexposed goods.

What is the HS code for photographic paper?

Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles that are sensitised and unexposed fall under heading 3703. Its codes are 370310, 370320 and 370390.

What is the HS code for photographic chemicals?

This heading leaves out varnishes, glues, adhesives and similar preparations.

Where can I find HS code 37 import and export data?

EximDataX holds records for this chapter. Read the records section above, then open the import data and export data pages to start a search.

See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.

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