Product classification
HS code for Color photographic film: 3701.91
Photographic plates and film, for colour photography (polychrome), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles.
Classification of color photographic film under HS 3701.91
Color photographic film in flat sheets is classified under HS code 3701.91. This heading covers photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitized, and unexposed. The sub-heading 3701.91 specifically addresses film for color photography (polychrome) where no side exceeds 255mm. This classification is distinct from film in rolls, which is found in heading 3702. The materials included here are typically used in professional large-format cameras, X-ray equipment, or graphic arts processes where individual sheets are preferred over continuous rolls. The "polychrome" designation indicates that the film is capable of capturing a full spectrum of colors through multiple emulsion layers. The classification remains consistent regardless of the base material (acetate, polyester, or glass), as long as it is not paper, paperboard, or textile, which would fall under 3703. The film must be unexposed to remain in this category; once exposed, it is classified under 3705. This code is essential for tracking the trade of high-precision imaging materials used in medical, industrial, and artistic fields.
- Covers
- Color sheet film for large format cameras
- Color X-ray plates and flat film
- Graphic arts color film in sheets
- Color transparency sheet film
- Sensitized flat plates for color offset printing
- Also under 3701.91
- Kodak Portra 400
- Fujifilm Velvia 50
- Lomography Color Negative 800
- Cinestill 800T
- Ektachrome E100
Codes often confused with 3701.91
Common mistake. Color photographic film is often misclassified under HS code 3702. The fundamental difference is the format: 3701 is for flat sheets, while 3702 is for rolls. Another common error involves the dimensions; if any side of the flat film exceeds 255mm, it may fall under 3701.30 (if it is for certain uses) or other subheadings. Furthermore, black and white sheet film is classified under 3701.99, not 3701.91. Importers must also distinguish between unexposed film (3701) and exposed film (3705).
Top exporters and importers of HS 370191 (the code used for color photographic film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370191 (the code used for color photographic film) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 23% 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 370191, not only color photographic film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $2.4M 35% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.3M 18% of world exports
- 3 China $871K 13% of world exports
World total: $6.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Singapore $2.2M 23% of world imports
- 2 Colombia $1.3M 13% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $961K 9.9% of world imports
World total: $9.7M 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 color photographic film
Brazil classifies color photographic film under NCM 3701.91.00: HS 3701.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about color photographic film
What is the HS code for Color photographic film?
The HS code for Color photographic film is 370191 (Photographic plates and film; for colour photography (polychrome), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles). The HS code for color photographic film in the flat, sensitized, and unexposed (with no side exceeding 255mm) is 3701.91.
How do I classify Color photographic film for customs?
Color photographic film is classified under HS code 370191 — Photographic plates and film; for colour photography (polychrome), 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 is the difference between 3701 and 3702?
HS code 3701 is for film in flat sheets or plates, while HS code 3702 is for film in rolls.
Which countries are the top exporters of color photographic film (HS 370191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370191 (the code used for color photographic film) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($2.4M, 35% of world exports), the United States ($1.3M) and China ($871K). World exports came to about $6.8M, 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 photographic film (HS 370191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370191 (the code used for color photographic film) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($2.2M, 23% of world imports), Colombia ($1.3M) and Malaysia ($961K). World imports came to about $9.7M, 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 Color photographic film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370191 for Color photographic 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 color photographic film in Brazil?
In Brazil, color photographic film (HS 370191) is classified under NCM 3701.91.00.