Product classification
HS code for 35mm slide film: 3702.53
Photographic film, for colour photography (polychrome) slides, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 16mm but not exceeding 35mm and of a length not exceeding 30m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles).
Classification of 35mm slide film under HS 3702.53
HS code 370253 is specifically assigned to photographic film for colour photography (polychrome) slides, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 16mm but not exceeding 35mm, and of a length not exceeding 30m. This classification is precise, targeting reversal film (slide film) that, upon exposure and processing, yields a positive image directly, suitable for projection. The key differentiators are its intended use "for slides" and its unexposed, sensitised state, along with the standard 35mm width and typical roll lengths. This code distinguishes it from colour negative film, which produces a negative image, and from black and white film or film of different dimensions.
- Covers
- Fujifilm Velvia 50/100
- Kodak Ektachrome E100
- AgfaPhoto CT Precisa 100
- Any brand of unexposed 35mm colour reversal (slide) film in standard lengths (e.g., 24 or 36 exposures)
- Also under 3702.53
- Kodak Ektachrome E100
- Fujifilm Velvia 50
- Fujifilm Provia 100F
- Lomography F2 400
Codes often confused with 3702.53
Common mistake. The most common misclassification involves HS code 370254, which covers "Photographic film; for colour photography (polychrome)... excluding film for slides." This code is for colour negative film, which is chemically distinct and produces a negative image. While both are 35mm colour films, the explicit inclusion/exclusion of "slides" is the critical factor. Another potential confusion is with HS code 370244, which is for black and white 35mm film, or 370255, which covers similar colour film but in lengths exceeding 30m, typically bulk rolls.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370253 (the code used for 35mm slide film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370253 (the code used for 35mm slide film) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 54% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 370253, not only 35mm slide film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $2.7M 54% of world exports
- 2 Japan $502K 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $394K 7.9% of world exports
World total: $5.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $3.0M 54% of world imports
- 2 Germany $761K 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $363K 6.6% of world imports
World total: $5.5M 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 code for 35mm slide film
Brazil classifies 35mm slide film under NCM 3702.53.00: HS 3702.53 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about 35mm slide film
What is the HS code for 35mm slide film?
The HS code for 35mm slide film is 370253 (Photographic film; for colour photography (polychrome) slides, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 16mm but not exceeding 35mm and of a length not exceeding 30m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles)). The HS code for 35mm slide film, specifically photographic film for colour photography slides, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 16mm but not exceeding 35mm and a length not exceeding 30m, is 370253.
How do I classify 35mm slide film for customs?
35mm slide film is classified under HS code 370253 — Photographic film; for colour photography (polychrome) slides, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 16mm but not exceeding 35mm and of a length not exceeding 30m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary difference between slide film and color negative film for classification?
The primary difference for HS classification lies in their intended photographic outcome and chemical properties. Slide film (370253) is a reversal film designed to produce a direct positive image for projection. Color negative film (370254) is designed to produce a negative image that requires further printing to achieve a positive photograph. The HS descriptions explicitly differentiate based on whether the film is "for slides" or "excluding film for slides."
Which countries are the top exporters of 35mm slide film (HS 370253)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370253 (the code used for 35mm slide film) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($2.7M, 54% of world exports), Japan ($502K) and Germany ($394K). World exports came to about $5.0M, 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 35mm slide film (HS 370253)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370253 (the code used for 35mm slide film) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($3.0M, 54% of world imports), Germany ($761K) and the United States ($363K). World imports came to about $5.5M, 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.
Is the HS code for 35mm slide film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370253 for 35mm slide film is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for 35mm slide film in Brazil?
In Brazil, 35mm slide film (HS 370253) is classified under NCM 3702.53.00.