Product classification

HS code for Photographic chemicals: 3707.90

Photographic goods, chemical preparations other than sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use.

Classification of photographic chemicals under HS 3707.90

HS Code 3707.90 is designated for chemical preparations for photographic uses, excluding sensitised emulsions, provided they are put up in measured portions or for retail sale in a form ready for use. This classification is strictly governed by the Legal Notes to Chapter 37 of the Harmonized System. Specifically, Note 2 to Chapter 37 clarifies that this heading is restricted to products such as developers, fixers, and toners that are packaged for immediate application in the photographic process. The classification logic is based on the "retail ready" or "measured" status; if these same chemicals were shipped in bulk containers for industrial repackaging, they would typically be classified according to their chemical constituent in Chapter 28 (inorganic) or Chapter 29 (organic). For instance, a bulk shipment of hydroquinone would fall under 2907, but once formulated and bottled as a photographic developer, it moves to 3707.90. This heading also encompasses auxiliary products like clearing agents, intensifiers, and reducers used to modify the photographic image. The transition from a raw chemical to a 3707.90 product occurs when the substance is specifically prepared for the photographic industry, often involving the mixing of multiple components or the precise measurement of a single substance into a dose required for a specific volume of processing solution. Importers must ensure that the packaging clearly indicates photographic use to justify this classification over general chemical headings. Furthermore, under General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes are paramount. Since 3707 specifically mentions "chemical preparations for photographic uses," it takes precedence over more general chemical chapters when the retail/measured criteria are met.

Covers
  • Photographic developers for film or paper
  • Fixing baths and hardening solutions
  • Toners used to change the color of the developed image
  • Intensifiers and reducers for negative correction
  • Clearing agents for removing residual chemicals
  • Flashlight materials consisting of mixtures of chemicals
Also under 3707.90
  • Kodak D-76 developer
  • Ilford ID-11 developer
  • Fuji Hunt X-Press fixer
  • Tetenal C-41 kit
  • Adox Adonal developer

Codes often confused with 3707.90

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with bulk chemicals classified under Chapters 28 or 29. For example, pure silver nitrate is classified under 2843.21, even if intended for photography, unless it is put up in measured portions or retail packaging. Additionally, sensitised emulsions are specifically excluded from 3707.90 and must be classified under 3707.10.

2843.21Silver compounds; silver nitrates3707.10Photographic goods; sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use

Top exporters and importers of HS 370790 (the code used for photographic chemicals), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370790 (the code used for photographic chemicals) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% 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 370790, not only photographic chemicals.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $3.5B
  2. 2 South Korea $681M
  3. 3 United States $624M

World total: $6.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $2.6B
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$1.1B
  3. 3 South Korea $570M

World total: $7.0B 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 codes for photographic chemicals

Brazil splits HS 3707.90 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about photographic chemicals

What is the HS code for Photographic chemicals?

The HS code for Photographic chemicals is 370790 (Photographic goods; chemical preparations other than sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use). The HS code for photographic chemical preparations (other than emulsions) put up for retail sale or in measured portions is 3707.90.

How do I classify Photographic chemicals for customs?

Photographic chemicals is classified under HS code 370790 — Photographic goods; chemical preparations other than sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are digital printer inks classified here?

No, digital inkjet cartridges containing ink are generally classified under heading 3215, as they are considered printing inks rather than photographic chemical preparations.

Which countries are the top exporters of photographic chemicals (HS 370790)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370790 (the code used for photographic chemicals) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($3.5B, 52% of world exports), South Korea ($681M) and the United States ($624M). World exports came to about $6.7B, 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 photographic chemicals (HS 370790)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 370790 (the code used for photographic chemicals) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.6B, 37% of world imports), Taiwan (about $1.1B) and South Korea ($570M). World imports came to about $7.0B, 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 Photographic chemicals the same in all countries?

The base HS code 370790 for Photographic chemicals 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 photographic chemicals in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 370790 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for photographic chemicals depends on the product's details: 3707.90.10 (Photographic fixers), 3707.90.21 (Electrostatic copier developers (toners)), 3707.90.29 (Other photographic developers), 3707.90.30 (Photosensitive diazo compounds for emulsions), 3707.90.90 (Other photographic chemical preparations).