Product classification
HS code for Photographic emulsions: 3707.10
Photographic goods, sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use.
Classification of photographic emulsions under HS 3707.10
HS Code 3707.10 specifically identifies sensitised emulsions used in photography. These emulsions are complex mixtures, usually consisting of light-sensitive silver halide crystals dispersed in a colloidal binder, most commonly gelatin. The classification under 3707.10 is reserved for these emulsions when they are presented in measured portions or in retail packaging ready for use. This heading is distinct from 3701 and 3702, which cover the finished photographic plates and films already coated with such emulsions. The product in 3707.10 is the "liquid" or "gel" state emulsion before it has been applied to a support like acetate or polyester. The "sensitised" nature is the defining characteristic; it means the substance is chemically prepared to react upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, X-rays, or ultraviolet rays. This includes not only traditional silver-based emulsions but also certain types of non-silver emulsions used in specialized imaging, such as diazo emulsions for plan copying or photo-resists used in the fabrication of printed circuit boards and semiconductors, provided they function as a sensitised emulsion. According to GRI 6, the classification of goods in the subheadings of a heading shall be determined according to the terms of those subheadings and any related subheading notes. Since 3707.10 is the first subheading under 3707, it specifically isolates sensitised emulsions from all other photographic chemical preparations. This specificity is vital for regulatory compliance, especially considering that sensitised materials may have different storage, handling, and shelf-life requirements compared to standard processing chemicals.
- Covers
- Silver halide emulsions in gelatin
- Diazo emulsions for reprographic use
- Sensitised photo-resists for semiconductor manufacturing
- Liquid emulsions for coating custom photographic supports
- Sensitised emulsions for X-ray plate production
- Also under 3707.10
- Rockland Colloid Liquid Light
- Fotospeed Platinum/Palladium Kit
- Bostick & Sullivan Cyanotype Kit
- Foma Liquid Emulsion
- Arista Liquid Light
Codes often confused with 3707.10
Common mistake. Common misclassification occurs with 3707.90, which covers non-sensitised photographic chemicals like developers. Another error is classifying the emulsion under 3503 if the gelatin content is high; however, the addition of sensitising salts forces the classification into 3707.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370710 (the code used for photographic emulsions), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370710 (the code used for photographic emulsions) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, 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 370710, not only photographic emulsions.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $115M 35% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $90M 28% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$39M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $325M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $101M 35% of world imports
- 2 China $58M 20% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $41M 14% of world imports
World total: $288M 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 photographic emulsions
Brazil classifies photographic emulsions under NCM 3707.10.00: HS 3707.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about photographic emulsions
What is the HS code for Photographic emulsions?
The HS code for Photographic emulsions is 370710 (Photographic goods; sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use). The HS code for sensitised photographic emulsions put up in measured portions or for retail sale is 3707.10.
How do I classify Photographic emulsions for customs?
Photographic emulsions is classified under HS code 370710 — Photographic goods; 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.
Does this code include unexposed photographic film?
No, unexposed photographic film is classified under heading 3702. HS code 3707.10 is for the emulsion itself before it is coated onto a film base.
Which countries are the top exporters of photographic emulsions (HS 370710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370710 (the code used for photographic emulsions) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($115M, 35% of world exports), Hong Kong ($90M) and Taiwan (about $39M). World exports came to about $325M, 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 emulsions (HS 370710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370710 (the code used for photographic emulsions) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($101M, 35% of world imports), China ($58M) and Singapore ($41M). World imports came to about $288M, 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 emulsions the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370710 for Photographic emulsions 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 emulsions in Brazil?
In Brazil, photographic emulsions (HS 370710) is classified under NCM 3707.10.00.