Product classification
HS code for Black and white aerial film: 3702.42
Photographic film, in rolls, (other than for colour photography), sensitised, unexposed, without sprocket holes, of a width exceeding 610mm and of a length exceeding 200m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles).
Classification of black and white aerial film under HS 3702.42
HS code 3702.42 is utilized for the classification of unexposed, sensitized photographic film in rolls, specifically for monochrome (black and white) applications. The classification is strictly defined by the physical dimensions of the film and the absence of sprocket holes. According to the Chapter 37 legal notes, this subheading is reserved for film with a width exceeding 610 mm and a length exceeding 200 meters. These dimensions are typical for industrial and aerial photography applications where large-scale mapping or high-altitude surveillance requires significant surface area and continuous shooting capability. The film must be sensitized to light or other forms of radiation but remain unexposed at the time of import. The material composition is usually plastic, as film made of paper or textiles falls under heading 3703. The classification follows GRI 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Because this film is specifically for non-color photography, it is distinguished from color film rolls of similar dimensions. The technical nature of aerial film often involves high contrast and fine grain, but the HS code focuses primarily on the physical format, the chemical state, and the specific dimensions required for large-scale aerial operations.
- Covers
- Large format black and white aerial survey film in bulk rolls
- Unexposed monochrome film for topographical mapping
- Sensitized rolls of B&W film exceeding 610mm width for industrial imaging
- High-altitude surveillance film rolls without sprocket holes
- Wide-format monochrome photographic film for specialized scientific recording
- Also under 3702.42
- Kodak Industrex (wide rolls)
- Fujifilm NDT (large format)
- Agfa Structurix (specific wide variants)
Codes often confused with 3702.42
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 3702.41, which is the classification for color photographic film of the same dimensions. Additionally, if the film has sprocket holes, it cannot be classified here and must move to subheadings like 3702.96 or 3702.97. Another common error is misclassifying it under 3701, which is for film in flat sheets rather than rolls. Finally, if the film is already exposed, it moves to 3704 or 3705.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370242 (the code used for black and white aerial film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370242 (the code used for black and white aerial film) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% 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 370242, not only black and white aerial film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $188M 40% of world exports
- 2 China $112M 24% of world exports
- 3 Japan $78M 16% of world exports
World total: $470M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $273M 48% of world imports
- 2 United States $68M 12% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $61M 11% of world imports
World total: $564M 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 black and white aerial film
Brazil splits HS 3702.42 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3702.42.10Graphic arts film, over 610 mm wide, over 200 m
- 3702.42.90Other unperforated film, over 610 mm, over 200 m
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about black and white aerial film
What is the HS code for Black and white aerial film?
The HS code for Black and white aerial film is 370242 (Photographic film; in rolls, (other than for colour photography), sensitised, unexposed, without sprocket holes, of a width exceeding 610mm and of a length exceeding 200m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles)). The specific code for wide, long rolls exceeding 610mm in width and 200m in length is 3702.42.
How do I classify Black and white aerial film for customs?
Black and white aerial film is classified under HS code 370242 — Photographic film; in rolls, (other than for colour photography), sensitised, unexposed, without sprocket holes, of a width exceeding 610mm and of a length exceeding 200m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for X-ray film?
No, X-ray film is typically classified under 3701.10 for sheets or 3702.10 for rolls regardless of color.
Which countries are the top exporters of black and white aerial film (HS 370242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370242 (the code used for black and white aerial film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($188M, 40% of world exports), China ($112M) and Japan ($78M). World exports came to about $470M, 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 black and white aerial film (HS 370242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370242 (the code used for black and white aerial film) in UN Comtrade data were China ($273M, 48% of world imports), the United States ($68M) and South Korea ($61M). World imports came to about $564M, 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 Black and white aerial film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370242 for Black and white aerial 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 black and white aerial film in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 370242 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for black and white aerial film depends on the product's details: 3702.42.10 (Graphic arts film, over 610 mm wide, over 200 m), 3702.42.90 (Other unperforated film, over 610 mm, over 200 m).