HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9010.10 – Photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment; for automatically developing photographic (including cinematographic) film or paper in rolls or for automatically exposing developed film to rolls of paper
HS code 9010.10 is the 6-digit subheading for photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment, for automatically developing photographic (including cinematographic) film or paper in rolls or for automatically exposing developed film to rolls of paper. It is used for automatic film processors, minilabs (film/paper), continuous paper processors, roller transport film processors and C-41 processors.
What HS 9010.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers highly specialized photographic laboratory apparatus designed for automated processing of film and paper in rolls. This includes large-scale automatic film processors, minilabs, and continuous paper processors used in professional photo labs, film development facilities, and industrial imaging applications. These machines are crucial for high-volume, consistent development of both still and motion picture film, as well as photographic prints. The international trade in these goods is driven by commercial photo finishing services, film archives, and specialized industrial sectors requiring automated photographic processing. Importers are typically large photo labs, film studios, and industrial imaging companies. Exporters are often manufacturers with expertise in chemical processing, precision mechanics, and automation. Key trade considerations include processing speed, chemical efficiency, environmental compliance, and the ability to handle various film and paper formats. While digital photography has reduced demand, a niche market persists for film enthusiasts and archival purposes.
- Covers
- Automatic film processors
- Minilabs (film/paper)
- Continuous paper processors
- Roller transport film processors
- C-41 processors
- E-6 processors
- RA-4 paper processors
- Examples
- Noritsu QSS-3701
- Fuji Frontier 570
- Jobo ATL-1500
- Durst Theta 76
- Kodak RP X-OMAT Processor
Codes often confused with 9010.10
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 847989 (other machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter) if the specific photographic laboratory function is not clearly identified, or with 901050 (other photographic laboratory apparatus) if the automatic roll processing capability is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901010, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901010 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 Germany $5.4M 19% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $4.0M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.8M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $29M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.7M 15% of world imports
- 2 Liberia $1.6M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $1.4M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $25M 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 9010.10 3
Brazil splits HS 9010.10 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9010.10.10 Automatic programmable processing tanks and traysCubas e cubetas, de operação automática e programáveis
- 9010.10.20 Photo enlarger-printers over 1,000 prints an hourAmpliadoras-copiadoras automáticas para papel fotográfico, com capacidade superior a 1.000 cópias por hora
- 9010.10.90 Other automatic film and paper processorsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.10 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9010.10
What is HS code 901010?
HS code 901010 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment; for automatically developing photographic (including cinematographic) film or paper in rolls or for automatically exposing developed film to rolls of paper. This HS code specifically covers highly specialized photographic laboratory apparatus designed for automated processing of film and paper in rolls. This includes large-scale automatic film processors, minilabs, and continuous paper processors used in professional photo labs, film development facilities, and industrial imaging applications. These machines are crucial for high-volume, consistent development of both still and motion picture film, as well as photographic prints. The international trade in these goods is driven by commercial photo finishing services, film archives, and specialized industrial sectors requiring automated photographic processing. Importers are typically large photo labs, film studios, and industrial imaging companies. Exporters are often manufacturers with expertise in chemical processing, precision mechanics, and automation. Key trade considerations include processing speed, chemical efficiency, environmental compliance, and the ability to handle various film and paper formats. While digital photography has reduced demand, a niche market persists for film enthusiasts and archival purposes.
What products fall under HS code 901010?
Automatic film processors, minilabs (film/paper), continuous paper processors, roller transport film processors, C-41 processors, E-6 processors, RA-4 paper processors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901010?
This code can be confused with 847989 (other machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter) if the specific photographic laboratory function is not clearly identified, or with 901050 (other photographic laboratory apparatus) if the automatic roll processing capability is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901010?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901010 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($5.4M, 19% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($4.0M) and the United States ($2.8M). World exports came to about $29M, 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 901010?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901010 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.7M, 15% of world imports), Liberia ($1.6M) and Saudi Arabia ($1.4M). World imports came to about $25M, 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 901010 structured?
HS code 901010 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901010?
Brazil splits HS code 901010 into 3 NCM codes: 9010.10.10 (Automatic programmable processing tanks and trays), 9010.10.20 (Photo enlarger-printers over 1,000 prints an hour), 9010.10.90 (Other automatic film and paper processors). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.