Product classification
HS code for Black and white film: 3701.99
Photographic plates and film, (for other than colour photography), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles.
Classification of black and white film under HS 3701.99
Black and white film is classified under HS code 370199 due to its specific characteristics as photographic plates and film. This classification applies to film that is sensitised, meaning it is coated with light-sensitive chemicals, but remains unexposed, ready for use. The description further specifies that it is "for other than colour photography," clearly distinguishing it from colour films. Additionally, the code covers film "in the flat" with "no side exceeding 255mm," indicating sheet film formats rather than rolls. The material can be anything other than paper, paperboard, or textiles, which are covered under different subheadings. This precise definition ensures that only unexposed, black and white sheet film of a certain size falls under this category, reflecting its distinct photographic application and form factor.
- Covers
- Unexposed black and white sheet film
- Black and white photographic plates
- Medical X-ray film (unexposed, in flat sheets, black and white)
- Industrial radiography film (unexposed, in flat sheets, black and white)
- Also under 3701.99
- Ilford HP5 Plus
- Kodak Tri-X 400
- Fujifilm Acros II
- Fomapan 100 Classic
- Rollei RPX 400
Codes often confused with 3701.99
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for black and white film often involve other types of photographic media. Colour photographic film, whether in rolls or sheets, is classified under different subheadings within Chapter 37, such as HS 370110 for X-ray film in rolls or HS 3702 for other films in rolls. Film exceeding the 255mm side limit, even if black and white and in the flat, would typically fall under HS 370120 or other relevant subheadings for larger formats. Unsensitised film, which lacks the light-sensitive coating, would not be considered photographic film and would be classified based on its base material. Additionally, photographic paper (HS 3703) is distinct from film due to its substrate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370199 (the code used for black and white film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370199 (the code used for black and white film) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% 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 370199, not only black and white film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $467M 61% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $77M 10% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $53M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $761M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $317M 35% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$226M 25% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $204M 22% of world imports
World total: $907M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 black and white film
Brazil classifies black and white film under NCM 3701.99.00: HS 3701.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about black and white film
What is the HS code for Black and white film?
The HS code for Black and white film is 370199 (Photographic plates and film; (for other than colour photography), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles). The HS code for unexposed black and white film, in the flat, with no side exceeding 255mm, is 370199.
How do I classify Black and white film for customs?
Black and white film is classified under HS code 370199 — Photographic plates and film; (for other than colour photography), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What distinguishes HS 370199 from other photographic films?
HS 370199 specifically covers black and white (other than colour photography) film that is sensitised, unexposed, and presented "in the flat" (sheet form) with a maximum side dimension of 255mm. This differentiates it from colour films, films in rolls (HS 3702), and larger format sheet films.
Which countries are the top exporters of black and white film (HS 370199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370199 (the code used for black and white film) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($467M, 61% of world exports), Singapore ($77M) and South Korea ($53M). World exports came to about $761M, 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 film (HS 370199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370199 (the code used for black and white film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($317M, 35% of world imports), Taiwan (about $226M) and China ($204M). World imports came to about $907M, 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 film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370199 for Black and white 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 film in Brazil?
In Brazil, black and white film (HS 370199) is classified under NCM 3701.99.00.