HS Code 37.02 – Photographic film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed

HS code 3702 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Photographic film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed. Heading 3702 covers 'Photographic film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed.' This classification is central to the trade of traditional roll-format photographic film, which forms the backbone of analog photography. The key differentiator is the 'in rolls' format, distinguishing it from the flat sheets and plates of 3701, and excluding paper, paperboard, or textile-based materials which fall under 3703. This heading encompasses the familiar 35mm film, medium format (120/220) film, APS film, and instant print film designed in roll or cartridge format. Sub-categories include various film speeds (ISO), color or black & white emulsions, transparency (slide) film, and specialized films like infrared or high-contrast types. For trade compliance, accurate classification is vital for determining applicable import duties, taxes, and adherence to specific chemical or packaging regulations. This heading represents the peak era of consumer photography before the digital transition, and while global demand has decreased, it remains significant for professional photographers, enthusiasts, and specific industrial uses. It is a core component of Chapter 37, which broadly addresses photographic and cinematographic goods, specifically defining the unexposed, roll-based format distinct from other photographic media.

35mm color negative film rolls, 120 medium format black and white film, 220 medium format color film, APS film cartridges, instant print film rolls (e.g., for specific instant cameras), bulk roll film for darkroom loading, panoramic film rolls, infrared photographic film in rolls, high-speed 35mm film, low-speed 120 film, slide film rolls (transparency film), motion picture raw stock (unexposed, not processed for theatrical release), single-use camera film rolls, disposable camera film, underwater photography film rolls, archival micrographic film rolls, specialized scientific film rolls, film for photogrammetry, large-format aerial film rolls, medical imaging film rolls (if in roll form).

A common error is confusing 3702 with 'Photographic plates and film in the flat' (3701); the key distinction is 'in rolls' versus 'in the flat'. Another frequent misclassification involves 'Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles, sensitised, unexposed' (3703), as 3702 specifically excludes these materials. Furthermore, there can be confusion with 'Cinematographic film, exposed but not developed or exposed and developed' (3706), especially when dealing with unexposed motion picture raw stock. The critical factor for 3702 is 'sensitised, unexposed' for *photographic* purposes and specifically 'in rolls', *not* made of paper, paperboard, or textiles. Correctly identifying the format and material is paramount to avoid compliance issues.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3702 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($416M, 31% of world exports), Japan ($350M) and China ($159M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3702 in UN Comtrade data were China ($530M, 37% of world imports), South Korea ($160M) and the United States ($145M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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.

HS code 3702 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 37 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (37) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.