Product classification

HS code for Darkroom paper: 3703.90

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

Classification of darkroom paper under HS 3703.90

Darkroom paper is classified under HS code 3703.90. This code falls under Chapter 37 (Photographic or cinematographic goods) and heading 3703, which covers photographic paper, paperboard, and textiles that are sensitised and unexposed. Darkroom paper is a specialized material coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, typically containing silver halide crystals suspended in gelatin. This paper is used in traditional chemical photography to produce prints from negatives. The subheading 3703.90 is used for paper intended for black and white photography (other than color) that is not provided in large rolls exceeding 610mm in width. The classification is strictly for unexposed material; once the paper has been exposed and developed, it moves to a different classification (3704 or 4911). The essential character of this product is its chemical sensitivity to light, which distinguishes it from standard printing papers.

Covers
  • Silver gelatin photographic paper
  • Resin-coated (RC) darkroom paper
  • Fiber-based (FB) darkroom paper
  • Variable contrast (VC) photographic paper
  • Bromide and chlorobromide papers
  • Sensitised paperboard for photography
Also under 3703.90
  • Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe (B&W)
  • Foma Fomabrom Variant
  • Adox MCC 110
  • Bergger Pancro 400 (paper)
  • Kodak Professional BW400CN (paper)

Codes often confused with 3703.90

Common mistake. Darkroom paper is frequently misclassified under HS code 4802, which covers general purpose uncoated paper. However, because darkroom paper is chemically sensitised, it must remain in Chapter 37. Another common error is using 3703.20, which is specifically for color photography paper. If the paper is in rolls wider than 610mm, it must be classified under 3703.10. Additionally, modern inkjet photo paper is often incorrectly placed here; inkjet paper is not chemically sensitised and is usually classified under 4811 or 4802.

48.02Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard3703.20Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; for colour photography (polychrome), (other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed3703.10Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 610mm48.11Paper, 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 4810

Top exporters and importers of HS 370390 (the code used for darkroom paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370390 (the code used for darkroom paper) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 370390, not only darkroom paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United Kingdom $17M
  2. 2 China $12M
  3. 3 United States $2.7M

World total: $42M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $7.6M
  2. 2 Indonesia $3.5M
  3. 3 Germany $2.0M

World total: $43M 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 codes for darkroom paper

Brazil splits HS 3703.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about darkroom paper

What is the HS code for Darkroom paper?

The HS code for Darkroom paper is 370390 (Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; (for other than colour photography, other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed). The HS code for darkroom paper (black and white, unexposed) is 3703.90.

How do I classify Darkroom paper for customs?

Darkroom paper is classified under HS code 370390 — Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; (for other than colour photography, other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is inkjet photo paper classified under 3703.90?

No, inkjet photo paper is not light-sensitive in the chemical sense and is typically classified under Chapter 48, depending on its coating and weight.

Which countries are the top exporters of darkroom paper (HS 370390)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370390 (the code used for darkroom paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($17M, 40% of world exports), China ($12M) and the United States ($2.7M). World exports came to about $42M, 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 darkroom paper (HS 370390)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 370390 (the code used for darkroom paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.6M, 18% of world imports), Indonesia ($3.5M) and Germany ($2.0M). World imports came to about $43M, 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 Darkroom paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 370390 for Darkroom 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 darkroom paper in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 370390 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for darkroom paper depends on the product's details: 3703.90.10 (Phototypesetting paper), 3703.90.90 (Other monochrome photo paper, board and textiles).