HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3701.20 – Photographic plates and film; instant print film, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs
HS code 3701.20 is the 6-digit subheading for photographic plates and film, instant print film, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs. It is used for instant camera film, polaroid film packs, instax film cartridges, zink photo paper and peel-apart instant film.
What HS 3701.20 covers
This HS code covers instant print photographic film, in the flat, sensitized and unexposed, whether or not in packs. This niche market has experienced a resurgence, driven by nostalgia, the unique tactile experience of physical prints, and artistic applications. Unlike traditional film, instant print film contains the chemicals necessary for immediate development after exposure. Major players include legacy brands and new entrants, catering to a global consumer base of hobbyists, artists, and casual photographers. Trade involves consumer electronics retailers, specialty camera stores, and online platforms. The film's sensitivity to light and temperature, along with its relatively short shelf life, necessitates careful handling and efficient logistics throughout the supply chain.
- Covers
- Instant camera film
- Polaroid film packs
- Instax film cartridges
- Zink photo paper
- Peel-apart instant film
- Wide format instant film
- Examples
- Fujifilm Instax Mini Film
- Polaroid i-Type Film
- Polaroid 600 Film
- Impossible Project Film (now Polaroid Originals)
- Kodak Printomatic Film
Codes often confused with 3701.20
Common mistake. Could be confused with 370191 or 370199 (other photographic film) if the 'instant print' characteristic is overlooked, or 852351 (solid-state non-volatile storage devices) if mistaken for digital memory cards.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 370120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 370120 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $376M 59% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $108M 17% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $23M 3.7% of world exports
World total: $635M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $140M 22% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $101M 16% of world imports
- 3 China $58M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $621M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 3701.20 2
Brazil splits HS 3701.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3701.20.10 Instant print flat film, colourPara fotografia a cores (policromo)
- 3701.20.20 Instant print flat film, monochromePara fotografia monocromática
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 37.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3701.20
What is HS code 370120?
HS code 370120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Photographic plates and film; instant print film, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs. This HS code covers instant print photographic film, in the flat, sensitized and unexposed, whether or not in packs. This niche market has experienced a resurgence, driven by nostalgia, the unique tactile experience of physical prints, and artistic applications. Unlike traditional film, instant print film contains the chemicals necessary for immediate development after exposure. Major players include legacy brands and new entrants, catering to a global consumer base of hobbyists, artists, and casual photographers. Trade involves consumer electronics retailers, specialty camera stores, and online platforms. The film's sensitivity to light and temperature, along with its relatively short shelf life, necessitates careful handling and efficient logistics throughout the supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 370120?
Instant camera film, Polaroid film packs, Instax film cartridges, Zink photo paper, peel-apart instant film, wide format instant film
What are common misclassifications for HS code 370120?
Could be confused with 370191 or 370199 (other photographic film) if the 'instant print' characteristic is overlooked, or 852351 (solid-state non-volatile storage devices) if mistaken for digital memory cards.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 370120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 370120 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($376M, 59% of world exports), the Netherlands ($108M) and Hong Kong ($23M). World exports came to about $635M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 370120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 370120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($140M, 22% of world imports), Hong Kong ($101M) and China ($58M). World imports came to about $621M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 370120 structured?
HS code 370120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (37) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 370120?
Brazil splits HS code 370120 into 2 NCM codes: 3701.20.10 (Instant print flat film, colour), 3701.20.20 (Instant print flat film, monochrome). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.