Product classification
HS code for Photographic paper: 3703.20
Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles, for colour photography (polychrome), (other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed.
Classification of photographic paper under HS 3703.20
Photographic paper is classified under HS code 3703.20 because it consists of a substrate—typically paper, paperboard, or textile—that has been chemically treated with a light-sensitive, unexposed emulsion. This specific subheading is reserved for materials intended for polychrome (color) photography. The classification logic is based on the product's state (unexposed and sensitised) and its physical dimensions, specifically excluding rolls that exceed 610mm in width. The chemical coating, usually containing silver halides or other photosensitive agents, is the defining characteristic that places these goods in Chapter 37 rather than Chapter 48. This classification applies regardless of whether the paper is intended for professional darkroom use or industrial applications, provided it requires chemical development after light exposure to produce a permanent image.
- Covers
- Sensitised unexposed color photographic paper
- Light-sensitive paperboard for color prints
- Sensitised textiles for polychrome photographic processes
- Color-sensitive paper in sheets or small rolls
- Also under 3703.20
- Fujifilm Crystal Archive Paper
- Kodak Professional Endura Paper
- Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe (colour variants)
- Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper (sensitised)
Codes often confused with 3703.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 4811.90, which covers paper coated for inkjet or laser printing. Although marketed as "photo paper," inkjet paper is not chemically sensitised and belongs in Chapter 48. Another common error is using HS code 3703.10, which is strictly for rolls exceeding 610mm in width. Furthermore, once the paper has been exposed and developed, it must be classified under HS code 4911.91 as a finished photograph. Importers often confuse these categories based on the commercial name rather than the technical properties of the coating.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370320 (the code used for photographic paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370320 (the code used for photographic paper) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 370320, not only photographic paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $157M 58% of world exports
- 2 China $41M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $20M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $271M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $46M 15% of world imports
- 2 United States $24M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $21M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $298M 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 photographic paper
Brazil classifies photographic paper under NCM 3703.20.00: HS 3703.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about photographic paper
What is the HS code for Photographic paper?
The HS code for Photographic paper is 370320 (Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; for colour photography (polychrome), (other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed). The HS code for sensitised, unexposed photographic paper for color photography (not in large rolls) is 3703.20.
How do I classify Photographic paper for customs?
Photographic paper is classified under HS code 370320 — Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; for colour photography (polychrome), (other than in rolls of a width exceeding 610mm), sensitised, unexposed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include paper for digital inkjet printers?
No, inkjet paper is not light-sensitive in a chemical sense and is typically classified under heading 4811 depending on its coating and weight.
Which countries are the top exporters of photographic paper (HS 370320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370320 (the code used for photographic paper) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($157M, 58% of world exports), China ($41M) and Germany ($20M). World exports came to about $271M, 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 paper (HS 370320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370320 (the code used for photographic paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($46M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($24M) and Belgium ($21M). World imports came to about $298M, 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 paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370320 for Photographic paper 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 paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, photographic paper (HS 370320) is classified under NCM 3703.20.00.