Product classification
HS code for Medium format black and white film: 3702.98
Photographic film, other than for colour photography, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 35mm (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles).
Classification of medium format black and white film under HS 3702.98
The classification of medium format black and white film under HS code 3702.98 is determined by its physical dimensions, chemical composition, and packaging format as defined by the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). This product falls under Chapter 37, which is dedicated to photographic or cinematographic goods. Specifically, heading 3702 applies to photographic film in rolls, sensitized and unexposed, made of materials other than paper, paperboard, or textiles. The subheading 3702.98 is reserved for film that is not intended for color photography (monochrome/black and white) and possesses a width exceeding 35mm. Medium format films, such as the 120 and 220 formats, typically have a width of approximately 60mm, placing them squarely within this category. The classification process involves verifying that the film is in a roll format rather than individual sheets and that it lacks the multiple emulsion layers required for polychrome processing. Furthermore, the "other" designation in the description indicates that it does not fall under specific categories like X-ray film or film used for motion picture production, which have their own dedicated subheadings. This code is essential for customs to distinguish professional-grade wider formats from standard 35mm consumer film.
- Covers
- 120 format black and white roll film
- 220 format black and white roll film
- 620 format black and white film (re-spooled)
- Panchromatic and orthochromatic medium format rolls
- Infrared black and white film in 120 format
- Also under 3702.98
- Ilford Delta 400 (120 format)
- Kodak T-Max 100 (120 format)
- Foma Fomapan 200 (120 format)
- Rollei Retro 80S (120 format)
- Bergger Pancro 400 (120 format)
Codes often confused with 3702.98
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 3702.56, which is used for color (polychrome) medium format film. While the physical dimensions are identical, the chemical nature of the emulsion (silver halide for B&W vs. multi-layer dye couplers for color) necessitates a different classification. Another common error is using HS code 3701.30, which covers sheet film; medium format film is distinct because it is wound on a spool (roll). Additionally, 35mm black and white film is classified under 3702.97, as it does not exceed the 35mm width threshold.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370298 (the code used for medium format black and white film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370298 (the code used for medium format black and white film) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 370298, not only medium format black and white film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $15M 43% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$7.4M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $3.6M 10% of world exports
World total: $36M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.4M 29% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$4.4M 20% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Taiwan* ~$2.6M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $22M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 medium format black and white film
Brazil classifies medium format black and white film under NCM 3702.98.00: HS 3702.98 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about medium format black and white film
What is the HS code for Medium format black and white film?
The HS code for Medium format black and white film is 370298 (Photographic film; other than for colour photography, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 35mm (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles)). The correct HS code is 3702.98, which covers unexposed, sensitized photographic film in rolls, other than for color photography, with a width exceeding 35mm.
How do I classify Medium format black and white film for customs?
Medium format black and white film is classified under HS code 370298 — Photographic film; other than for colour photography, in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 35mm (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include instant film?
No, instant film in rolls is typically classified under 3702.44 or 3702.43, while instant film in packs or sheets falls under 3701.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of medium format black and white film (HS 370298)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370298 (the code used for medium format black and white film) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($15M, 43% of world exports), Taiwan (about $7.4M) and the United States ($3.6M). World exports came to about $36M, 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 medium format black and white film (HS 370298)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370298 (the code used for medium format black and white film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.4M, 29% of world imports), Vietnam (about $4.4M) and Taiwan (about $2.6M). World imports came to about $22M, 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 Medium format black and white film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370298 for Medium format 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 medium format black and white film in Brazil?
In Brazil, medium format black and white film (HS 370298) is classified under NCM 3702.98.00.