Product classification
HS code for Motion picture film: 3702.55
Photographic film, for colour photography (polychrome), in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 16mm but not 35mm and of a length exceeding 30m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles).
Classification of motion picture film under HS 3702.55
Motion picture film is classified under HS code 3702.55. This code belongs to Chapter 37, which covers photographic or cinematographic goods. Heading 3702 specifically refers to photographic film in rolls, sensitized, and unexposed, made of materials other than paper, paperboard, or textiles. Subheading 3702.55 is highly specific, covering color (polychrome) film with a width exceeding 16mm but not exceeding 35mm, and a length exceeding 30 meters. This classification is determined by three primary technical factors: the chemical state (sensitized and unexposed), the physical dimensions (width and length), and the color capability. This type of film is typically used in professional cinematography for capturing feature films or high-end commercials. The requirement that the film be \"unexposed\" is critical; once the film has been used in a camera and developed, it moves to a different heading. The 35mm width is the industry standard for traditional motion picture production, making this code essential for the global trade of cinema stock.
- Covers
- 35mm color negative motion picture film rolls
- 35mm color reversal (slide) film for cinematography
- Bulk rolls of 35mm color film exceeding 30m in length
- Professional cinema stock for color photography
- Sensitized 35mm film for movie production
- Also under 3702.55
- Kodak Vision3 500T (bulk rolls)
- Fujifilm Eterna Vivid 160T (bulk)
- Cinestill 50D (bulk)
- AgfaPhoto APX 400 (bulk, though B&W, illustrates bulk concept)
- Foma Fomapan 400 (bulk)
Codes often confused with 3702.55
Common mistake. Motion picture film is often confused with HS code 3702.54, which covers color film of the same width but with a length of 30 meters or less (typically consumer-grade still photography film). Another common error is using HS code 3706.10, which is for motion picture film that has already been exposed and developed. Additionally, black and white motion picture film is classified under 3702.97, not 3702.55, which is strictly for polychrome (color) film.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370255 (the code used for motion picture film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370255 (the code used for motion picture film) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 370255, not only motion picture film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $24M 65% of world exports
- 2 Germany $8.6M 23% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $1.8M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $37M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $9.3M 30% of world imports
- 2 Germany $7.1M 23% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $2.2M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $31M 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 motion picture film
Brazil splits HS 3702.55 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3702.55.10Perforated 35 mm colour film, over 30 m
- 3702.55.90Other colour film, over 16, under 35 mm, over 30 m
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about motion picture film
What is the HS code for Motion picture film?
The HS code for Motion picture film is 370255 (Photographic film; for colour photography (polychrome), in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 16mm but not 35mm and of a length exceeding 30m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles)). The HS code for unexposed color motion picture film (35mm width, >30m length) is 3702.55.
How do I classify Motion picture film for customs?
Motion picture film is classified under HS code 370255 — Photographic film; for colour photography (polychrome), in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of a width exceeding 16mm but not 35mm and of a length exceeding 30m (other than of paper, paperboard or textiles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include digital cinema camera sensors?
No, this code is strictly for physical, sensitized photographic film. Digital cameras and their sensors are classified under Chapter 85.
Which countries are the top exporters of motion picture film (HS 370255)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370255 (the code used for motion picture film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($24M, 65% of world exports), Germany ($8.6M) and the United Kingdom ($1.8M). World exports came to about $37M, 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 motion picture film (HS 370255)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370255 (the code used for motion picture film) in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.3M, 30% of world imports), Germany ($7.1M) and the United Kingdom ($2.2M). World imports came to about $31M, 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 Motion picture film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370255 for Motion picture 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 motion picture film in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 370255 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for motion picture film depends on the product's details: 3702.55.10 (Perforated 35 mm colour film, over 30 m), 3702.55.90 (Other colour film, over 16, under 35 mm, over 30 m).