Product classification
HS code for Bulk 35mm black and white 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 bulk 35mm black and white film under HS 3702.97
Bulk 35mm black and white photographic film is classified under HS code 3702.97. This classification is determined by the criteria set forth in Chapter 37, which covers photographic or cinematographic goods. To fall under this specific subheading, the product must be photographic film in rolls, sensitized and unexposed, and made of materials other than paper, paperboard, or textiles. The technical specifications for 3702.97 require the film to be for monochrome (black and white) photography, have a width not exceeding 35mm, and a length exceeding 30 meters. The "bulk" designation refers to this extended length, which is typically used for motion picture production, industrial recording, or by professional photographers who load their own cassettes. The film uses a silver halide emulsion that reacts to light but has not yet been developed. The classification is highly specific regarding dimensions and emulsion type to ensure accurate trade statistics for the photographic industry.
- Covers
- 35mm black and white motion picture negative film in rolls over 30m
- Bulk 35mm monochrome film for still photography (100ft rolls)
- Unexposed 35mm B&W microfilm in long rolls
- Sensitized 35mm B&W technical film for industrial use
- 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. This film is often misclassified under 3702.54, which is for color film of the same width. It is also frequently confused with 3702.96, which covers black and white film that is 35mm wide but has a length of 30 meters or less (standard consumer rolls). Additionally, if the film is already exposed, it moves to heading 3704 or 3705, depending on whether it has been developed.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370297 (the code used for bulk 35mm black and white film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370297 (the code used for bulk 35mm black and white 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 bulk 35mm black and white 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 bulk 35mm black and white film
Brazil classifies bulk 35mm black and white 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 bulk 35mm black and white film
What is the HS code for Bulk 35mm black and white film?
The HS code for Bulk 35mm black and white 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 unexposed, sensitized black and white film in rolls, 35mm wide and over 30m long, is 3702.97.
How do I classify Bulk 35mm black and white film for customs?
Bulk 35mm black and white 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.
Does this code include color film?
No, color film is classified under different subheadings within 3702, specifically those designated for "colour photography (polychrome)."
Which countries are the top exporters of bulk 35mm black and white film (HS 370297)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370297 (the code used for bulk 35mm black and white 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 bulk 35mm black and white film (HS 370297)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370297 (the code used for bulk 35mm black and white 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 Bulk 35mm black and white film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370297 for Bulk 35mm 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 bulk 35mm black and white film in Brazil?
In Brazil, bulk 35mm black and white film (HS 370297) is classified under NCM 3702.97.00.