Product classification
HS code for Large format film: 3702.42
Photographic film, in rolls, (other than for colour photography), sensitised, unexposed, without sprocket holes, of a width exceeding 610mm and of a length exceeding 200m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles).
Classification of large format film under HS 3702.42
The classification of large format photographic film under HS code 3702.42 is strictly governed by the physical dimensions and technical specifications of the media. According to the Harmonized System's Chapter 37 notes, this code is reserved for photographic film in rolls that is sensitized and unexposed, specifically intended for non-color (monochromatic) photography. The primary criteria for this subheading are threefold: the film must not have sprocket holes (unperforated), it must possess a width exceeding 610 mm, and the total length of the roll must exceed 200 meters. These dimensions typically indicate industrial or professional use, such as in large-scale technical imaging, cartography, or specialized printing processes. The absence of perforations distinguishes it from cinema film or standard consumer-grade roll film, as it requires specialized transport mechanisms in large-format cameras or industrial exposure units. Because it is sensitized, the product must be handled in light-tight packaging, and its classification remains under 3702 regardless of the specific chemical composition of the silver halide or alternative sensitizing layers, provided it is not on a paper or textile base.
- Covers
- Industrial monochromatic roll film
- Large format aerial photography film
- Technical imaging film rolls (width > 610mm)
- Unexposed black and white sensitized film
- Unperforated graphic arts film
- Also under 3702.42
- Kodak Industrex (wide rolls)
- Fujifilm NDT (large format)
- Agfa Structurix (specific wide variants)
Codes often confused with 3702.42
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 3702.41, which covers similar film but with a length not exceeding 200 meters. Additionally, if the film has a width between 105 mm and 610 mm, it must be classified under 3702.43. Importers often mistakenly use 3702.32 for film without sprocket holes if they fail to account for the specific width and length thresholds required for the 3702.4x series. Furthermore, if the film is intended for color photography, it must be moved to 3702.44 or other relevant subheadings depending on dimensions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370242 (the code used for large format film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370242 (the code used for large format film) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% 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 370242, not only large format film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $188M 40% of world exports
- 2 China $112M 24% of world exports
- 3 Japan $78M 16% of world exports
World total: $470M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $273M 48% of world imports
- 2 United States $68M 12% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $61M 11% of world imports
World total: $564M 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 large format film
Brazil splits HS 3702.42 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3702.42.10Graphic arts film, over 610 mm wide, over 200 m
- 3702.42.90Other unperforated film, over 610 mm, over 200 m
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about large format film
What is the HS code for Large format film?
The HS code for Large format film is 370242 (Photographic film; in rolls, (other than for colour photography), sensitised, unexposed, without sprocket holes, of a width exceeding 610mm and of a length exceeding 200m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles)). The HS code for large format photographic film in rolls (non-color, unexposed, no sprocket holes, width > 610mm, length > 200m) is 3702.42.
How do I classify Large format film for customs?
Large format film is classified under HS code 370242 — Photographic film; in rolls, (other than for colour photography), sensitised, unexposed, without sprocket holes, of a width exceeding 610mm and of a length exceeding 200m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include film with sprocket holes?
No, film with sprocket holes (perforated) is classified under different subheadings within 3702, such as 3702.5x or 3702.9x, depending on the width and purpose.
Which countries are the top exporters of large format film (HS 370242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370242 (the code used for large format film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($188M, 40% of world exports), China ($112M) and Japan ($78M). World exports came to about $470M, 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 large format film (HS 370242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370242 (the code used for large format film) in UN Comtrade data were China ($273M, 48% of world imports), the United States ($68M) and South Korea ($61M). World imports came to about $564M, 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 Large format film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370242 for Large format 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 large format film in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 370242 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for large format film depends on the product's details: 3702.42.10 (Graphic arts film, over 610 mm wide, over 200 m), 3702.42.90 (Other unperforated film, over 610 mm, over 200 m).