Product classification

HS code for Color photo paper: 3703.20

Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles, for colour photography (polychrome), (other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed.

Classification of color photo paper under HS 3703.20

HS code 3703.20 is designated for photographic paper, paperboard, and textiles that are sensitized and unexposed, specifically for color photography (polychrome). This classification falls under Chapter 37, which covers photographic and cinematographic goods. The primary criteria for this code are that the material must be sensitized with light-sensitive emulsions (usually silver halides) and must be intended for producing multi-color images. Furthermore, 3703.20 excludes rolls of a width exceeding 610mm, which are instead classified under 3703.10. The classification is based on the chemical treatment of the substrate rather than the substrate material itself, meaning it can include paper, cardboard, or even sensitized textiles. It is important to note that this code only applies to "unexposed" materials; once the paper has been exposed and developed, it moves to heading 3705 or 3706 depending on the format. The technical requirement for 3703.20 is the presence of multiple layers of emulsion sensitive to different parts of the visible spectrum, allowing for the reproduction of full-color images upon chemical processing.

Covers
  • Silver halide color photographic paper
  • Sensitized color paperboard for professional printing
  • Unexposed color photographic textiles
  • Instant print film paper (color)
  • Color-sensitized paper for darkroom use
Also under 3703.20
  • Fujifilm Crystal Archive Paper
  • Kodak Professional Endura Paper
  • Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe (colour variants)
  • Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper (sensitised)

Codes often confused with 3703.20

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 4811, which covers paper coated in various ways but not sensitized with photographic emulsions. Inkjet photo paper, for example, is usually 4811.90 and not 3703.20, as it lacks silver halide sensitization. Another error is confusing 3703.20 with 3703.90, which is reserved for black and white (monochrome) photographic paper. Additionally, if the paper is in rolls wider than 610mm, it must be classified under 3703.10 regardless of its color capabilities.

48.11Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, decorated or printed, rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 48104811.90Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres; coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811, in rolls or sheets3703.90Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; (for other than colour photography, other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed3703.10Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 610mm

Top exporters and importers of HS 370320 (the code used for color photo paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370320 (the code used for color photo paper) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 370320, not only color photo paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $157M
  2. 2 China $41M
  3. 3 Germany $20M

World total: $271M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $46M
  2. 2 United States $24M
  3. 3 Belgium $21M

World total: $298M 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 color photo paper

Brazil classifies color photo paper under NCM 3703.20.00: HS 3703.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about color photo paper

What is the HS code for Color photo paper?

The HS code for Color photo paper is 370320 (Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; for colour photography (polychrome), (other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed). The HS code for color photographic paper, paperboard, and textiles (sensitized and unexposed) is 3703.20.

How do I classify Color photo paper for customs?

Color photo paper is classified under HS code 370320 — Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; for colour photography (polychrome), (other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this include paper for inkjet printers?

Generally, no. Inkjet paper is usually classified under 4811 because it is not sensitized with light-sensitive chemicals like silver halides, which are required for Chapter 37.

Which countries are the top exporters of color photo paper (HS 370320)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370320 (the code used for color photo paper) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($157M, 58% of world exports), China ($41M) and Germany ($20M). World exports came to about $271M, 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 color photo paper (HS 370320)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 370320 (the code used for color photo paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($46M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($24M) and Belgium ($21M). World imports came to about $298M, 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 Color photo paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 370320 for Color photo paper 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 color photo paper in Brazil?

In Brazil, color photo paper (HS 370320) is classified under NCM 3703.20.00.