Product classification
HS code for Medium format color film: 3702.56
Photographic film, for colour photography (polychrome), in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 35mm (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles).
Classification of medium format color film under HS 3702.56
Medium format color film is classified under HS code 3702.56 based on its intended use for polychrome photography and its specific physical dimensions. As part of Chapter 37, heading 3702 encompasses photographic film in rolls that are sensitized but not yet exposed. The subheading 3702.56 specifically addresses color film with a width exceeding 35mm. This includes popular professional and enthusiast formats like 120 and 220 roll films used in medium format cameras. The classification logic follows a strict hierarchy: first identifying the product as photographic film (3702), then specifying it is for color photography (polychrome), and finally narrowing it down by width. Because medium format film is significantly wider than standard 35mm (135 format) film, it moves out of the 35mm-specific subheadings and into 3702.56. This code is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between consumer-grade 35mm film and professional-grade wider formats, which may be subject to different duty rates or trade regulations depending on the country of import. The film must be in rolls to qualify; if it were in flat sheets, it would move to heading 3701.
- Covers
- 120 color negative film (C-41 process)
- 120 color slide/reversal film (E-6 process)
- 220 color negative and transparency film
- 70mm color perforated roll film
- Medium format color infrared film
- Also under 3702.56
- Kodak Portra 800 (120 format)
- Fujifilm Provia 100F (220 format)
- Cinestill 400D (120 format)
- Ilford Delta 100 (120 format, B&W but illustrates format)
- AgfaPhoto Vista Plus 200 (120 format)
Codes often confused with 3702.56
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 3702.54, which is reserved for color film with a width of 35mm. Importers often fail to distinguish between the 135 format (35mm) and the 120 format (medium format). Another error involves HS code 3702.98, which is for black and white film of the same width. Finally, large format color film (e.g., 4x5 or 8x10 inches) is often mistakenly placed here, but because it is sold in sheets, it belongs under HS code 3701.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370256 (the code used for medium format color film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370256 (the code used for medium format color film) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 35% 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 370256, not only medium format color film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.8M 29% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $2.5M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.4M 26% of world exports
World total: $9.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $3.2M 35% of world imports
- 2 France $1.4M 15% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $738K 7.9% of world imports
World total: $9.3M 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 medium format color film
Brazil classifies medium format color film under NCM 3702.56.00: HS 3702.56 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 color film
What is the HS code for Medium format color film?
The HS code for Medium format color film is 370256 (Photographic film; for colour photography (polychrome), in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 35mm (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles)). The HS code is 3702.56, covering sensitized, unexposed color photographic film in rolls with a width exceeding 35mm.
How do I classify Medium format color film for customs?
Medium format color film is classified under HS code 370256 — Photographic film; for colour photography (polychrome), in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 35mm (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is movie film classified under this code?
No, film used for cinematography is generally classified under subheadings 3702.52 or 3702.96, depending on the width and whether it is for color or black and white.
Which countries are the top exporters of medium format color film (HS 370256)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370256 (the code used for medium format color film) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.8M, 29% of world exports), the Netherlands ($2.5M) and the United States ($2.4M). World exports came to about $9.5M, 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 color film (HS 370256)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370256 (the code used for medium format color film) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($3.2M, 35% of world imports), France ($1.4M) and Belgium ($738K). World imports came to about $9.3M, 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 color film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370256 for Medium format color 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 color film in Brazil?
In Brazil, medium format color film (HS 370256) is classified under NCM 3702.56.00.