Product classification
HS code for Monochrome film: 3701.99
Photographic plates and film, (for other than colour photography), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles.
Classification of monochrome film under HS 3701.99
Monochrome film in flat sheets is classified under HS code 3701.99. This classification is governed by the rules of Chapter 37, which covers photographic or cinematographic goods. Heading 3701 specifically applies to photographic plates and film in the flat, which are sensitized and unexposed. The film must be made of materials other than paper, paperboard, or textiles (which would fall under 3703). The subheading 3701.99 is a residual category for monochrome (black and white) films that do not fit into specific categories like X-ray film or instant print film. To qualify for this code, the film must not exceed 255mm on any side. The classification is based on the physical format (flat vs. rolls) and the chemical nature of the coating (sensitized for monochrome photography). This includes various technical and graphic arts films used in industrial and professional photography where color reproduction is not required.
- Covers
- Black and white photographic plates
- Monochrome graphic arts film in sheets
- Sensitized unexposed lithographic plates
- Flat monochrome offset film
- Technical monochrome sheet film
- Also under 3701.99
- Ilford HP5 Plus
- Kodak Tri-X 400
- Fujifilm Acros II
- Fomapan 100 Classic
- Rollei RPX 400
Codes often confused with 3701.99
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 3702.96 or 3702.97, which covers monochrome film in rolls rather than flat sheets. Another frequent error is classifying monochrome X-ray film under 3701.99, whereas it should be specifically declared under 3701.10. Furthermore, if the film is already exposed, it moves to headings 3704 or 3705, depending on whether it has been developed.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370199 (the code used for monochrome film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370199 (the code used for monochrome film) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 370199, not only monochrome film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $467M 61% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $77M 10% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $53M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $761M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $317M 35% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$226M 25% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $204M 22% of world imports
World total: $907M 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 monochrome film
Brazil classifies monochrome film under NCM 3701.99.00: HS 3701.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about monochrome film
What is the HS code for Monochrome film?
The HS code for Monochrome film is 370199 (Photographic plates and film; (for other than colour photography), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles). Monochrome film in flat sheets, sensitized and unexposed, is classified under HS code 3701.99.
How do I classify Monochrome film for customs?
Monochrome film is classified under HS code 370199 — Photographic plates and film; (for other than colour photography), 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.
Does this code include film for digital cameras?
No, this code is strictly for physical, chemical-based photographic film. Digital camera sensors or memory cards are classified under Chapter 85, typically heading 8523 for storage media.
Which countries are the top exporters of monochrome film (HS 370199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370199 (the code used for monochrome film) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($467M, 61% of world exports), Singapore ($77M) and South Korea ($53M). World exports came to about $761M, 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 monochrome film (HS 370199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370199 (the code used for monochrome film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($317M, 35% of world imports), Taiwan (about $226M) and China ($204M). World imports came to about $907M, 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 Monochrome film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370199 for Monochrome 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 monochrome film in Brazil?
In Brazil, monochrome film (HS 370199) is classified under NCM 3701.99.00.