Product classification
HS code for Photographic plates: 3701.30
Photographic plates and film, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with any side exceeding 225mm, of any materials other than paper, paperboard or textiles.
Classification of photographic plates under HS 3701.30
HS code 3701.30 is applied to photographic plates and film in the flat (not in rolls) that are sensitised and unexposed. To qualify for this specific subheading, the product must have at least one side exceeding 225mm. These items are distinguished from photographic paper by their substrate, which is made of materials other than paper, paperboard, or textiles—most commonly plastic film, glass, or metal. The classification is determined by the combination of the flat format, the specific size threshold, and the presence of a light-sensitive emulsion. These plates are essential in high-precision imaging, medical radiography, and industrial lithography where dimensional stability is required, which is why they are categorized separately from flexible roll film.
- Covers
- Large format sensitised unexposed flat film
- Sensitised glass plates for astrophotography
- Metal plates with photographic emulsion for offset printing
- X-ray plates exceeding 225mm on one side
- Also under 3701.30
- Ilford HP5 Plus 4x5 Film
- Kodak Portra 8x10 Film
- Fuji Velvia 4x5 Film
- Foma Fomapan 100 5x7 Film
- Bergger Pancro 400 8x10 Film
Codes often confused with 3701.30
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 3702, which covers photographic film in rolls. Even if the material is identical, the format (flat vs. roll) dictates the classification. Another common error involves HS code 3701.10, which is specifically for X-ray plates; if the plate is for medical use, 3701.10 takes precedence. Additionally, prepared but non-sensitised printing plates are classified under HS code 8442.30. Users must ensure the plate is actually sensitised with a photographic emulsion to remain within Chapter 37.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370130 (the code used for photographic plates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370130 (the code used for photographic plates) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 370130, not only photographic plates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $901M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $538M 18% of world exports
- 3 Japan $427M 15% of world exports
World total: $2.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $374M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $172M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $165M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 photographic plates
Brazil splits HS 3701.30 into 9 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3701.30.10Colour plates and flat film, side over 255 mm
- 3701.30.21Aluminium photopolymer plates, side over 255 mm
- 3701.30.22Polyester photopolymer plates, side over 255 mm
- 3701.30.29Other photopolymer plates, side over 255 mm
- 3701.30.31Other-sensitised aluminium plates, over 255 mm
- 3701.30.39Other-sensitised plates, side over 255 mm
- 3701.30.40Graphic arts flat film, side over 255 mm
- 3701.30.50Polyester heliographic flat film, over 255 mm
- 3701.30.90Other plates and flat film, side over 255 mm
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about photographic plates
What is the HS code for Photographic plates?
The HS code for Photographic plates is 370130 (Photographic plates and film; in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with any side exceeding 225mm, of any materials other than paper, paperboard or textiles). The HS code for flat, sensitised, unexposed photographic plates with one side exceeding 225mm is 3701.30.
How do I classify Photographic plates for customs?
Photographic plates is classified under HS code 370130 — Photographic plates and film; in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with any side exceeding 225mm, of any materials other than paper, paperboard or textiles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS 3701 and 3702?
HS 3701 covers flat photographic plates and film, while HS 3702 is reserved for photographic film in rolls.
Which countries are the top exporters of photographic plates (HS 370130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370130 (the code used for photographic plates) in UN Comtrade data were China ($901M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($538M) and Japan ($427M). World exports came to about $2.9B, 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 plates (HS 370130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370130 (the code used for photographic plates) in UN Comtrade data were China ($374M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($172M) and Germany ($165M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Photographic plates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370130 for Photographic plates 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 plates in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 370130 into 9 NCM codes, so the right one for photographic plates depends on the product's details: 3701.30.10 (Colour plates and flat film, side over 255 mm), 3701.30.21 (Aluminium photopolymer plates, side over 255 mm), 3701.30.22 (Polyester photopolymer plates, side over 255 mm), 3701.30.29 (Other photopolymer plates, side over 255 mm), 3701.30.31 (Other-sensitised aluminium plates, over 255 mm), 3701.30.39 (Other-sensitised plates, side over 255 mm), and more.