Product classification
HS code for Black and white motion picture film: 3702.97
Photographic film, other than for colour photography, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width not exceeding 35mm and of a length exceeding 30m (other than paper, paperboard or textiles).
Classification of black and white motion picture film under HS 3702.97
Black and white motion picture film is classified under HS code 3702.97. This classification is part of the broader Chapter 37, which encompasses all photographic and cinematographic products. Heading 3702 is reserved for photographic film in rolls that are sensitized and unexposed. The specific subheading 3702.97 is applied to film that is intended for monochromatic (black and white) photography, has a width of 35mm or less, and—crucially—comes in rolls that exceed 30 meters in length. This length requirement is the primary differentiator between still camera film and motion picture film, as cinematographic cameras require significantly longer continuous strips of film for recording sequences of images. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the film is intended for negative or positive processing, provided it meets the physical dimensions and the black-and-white sensitization criteria.
- Covers
- 35mm black and white motion picture stock
- 16mm black and white cinematographic film
- Bulk rolls of 35mm B&W film exceeding 30 meters
- Unexposed B&W film for movie production
- Also under 3702.97
- Kodak Double-X 5222 (bulk)
- Ilford Pan F Plus (bulk)
- Foma Fomapan R 100 (bulk)
- Agfa Copex Rapid (microfilm)
- ORWO UN54 (bulk)
Codes often confused with 3702.97
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 3702.96, which is identical in description except that it covers rolls of 30 meters or less. Importers often fail to distinguish between consumer-length rolls and industrial-length motion picture rolls. Another error involves HS code 3702.55 or 3702.56, which are used for color motion picture film. Additionally, if the film width exceeds 35mm (such as 65mm or 70mm IMAX film), it must be classified under 3702.98, regardless of the length.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370297 (the code used for black and white motion picture film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370297 (the code used for black and white motion picture film) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 19% 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 370297, not only black and white motion picture film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $1.4M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.1M 21% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $979K 19% of world exports
World total: $5.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $1.1M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $851K 15% of world imports
- 3 United States $610K 11% of world imports
World total: $5.7M 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 black and white motion picture film
Brazil classifies black and white motion picture film under NCM 3702.97.00: HS 3702.97 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 motion picture film
What is the HS code for Black and white motion picture film?
The HS code for Black and white motion picture film is 370297 (Photographic film; other than for colour photography, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width not exceeding 35mm and of a length exceeding 30m (other than paper, paperboard or textiles)). The HS code for black and white motion picture film in rolls (width <= 35mm, length > 30m) is 3702.97.
How do I classify Black and white motion picture film for customs?
Black and white motion picture film is classified under HS code 370297 — Photographic film; other than for colour photography, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width not exceeding 35mm and of a length exceeding 30m (other than paper, paperboard or textiles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is developed motion picture film under this code?
No, HS code 3702.97 only applies to unexposed, sensitized film. Once the film has been exposed and developed, it is classified under heading 3706.
Which countries are the top exporters of black and white motion picture film (HS 370297)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370297 (the code used for black and white motion picture film) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($1.4M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($1.1M) and the United Kingdom ($979K). World exports came to about $5.1M, 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 motion picture film (HS 370297)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370297 (the code used for black and white motion picture film) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($1.1M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($851K) and the United States ($610K). World imports came to about $5.7M, 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 motion picture film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370297 for Black and white motion picture 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 motion picture film in Brazil?
In Brazil, black and white motion picture film (HS 370297) is classified under NCM 3702.97.00.