HS Code 3705Photographic plates and film; exposed and developed, other than cinematographic film

What heading 3705 covers

Picture a photo taken on film. Once the film is shot and processed, the image is fixed on it. That finished item is what this heading is about. Film made for the cinema is left out on purpose.

Some countries write it as HSN code 3705. The meaning is the same. The Harmonized System is a shared product list kept by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Most customs offices build their tariff classification on it.

Photographic paper, chemicals and unused film are not part of this heading. They sit in neighbouring headings, listed further down.

Code 370500 and longer national codes

The customs description for 370500 matches the heading text word for word. So at the international level you have no sub-line to pick.

Some national tariffs add extra digits after 370500 for local use. People often search for these longer numbers. The first six digits stay the same, which makes 370500 the shared base that every country can read. Check your own country's tariff to see which digits it adds.

Because of this, any search for the tariff of developed photo plates should begin with 370500.

Difference between HS 3704 and 3705

Chapter 37 sorts photographic goods by how far they have come: unused, shot, or fully processed. Cinema film has its own place. Here are the nearest neighbours.

Unused goods are split by shape and material across 3701, 3702 and 3703. Unused flat pieces go to the first, rolls to the second, and paper, paperboard and textiles to the third.

• 3704: goods that were shot but not yet processed, including paper and textiles.

How to pick the right code for photographic film

A few quick questions usually settle it. Ask them in this order.

First, was the item ever shot? If not, use one of the unused headings above. Second, if it was shot, has it been processed? If not, look at 3704. Third, is it movie film? If yes, it goes to 3706, even though it is processed too.

If the answer is shot, processed and not movie film, then 3705 and code 370500 fit.

Two mistakes are common. Some people file processed film under 3704 because it was once shot. Others file processed movie film here because it looks like any other film. Paper and textiles are another trap, since this heading is about plates and film only.

If you are still unsure, the HS code classifier can help you narrow down the heading before you file.

HS code 3705 photographic plates and film import export data

Once you know the code, you can look at who trades under it. EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage is 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.