Product classification
HS code for Polaroid film: 3701.20
Photographic plates and film, instant print film, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs.
Classification of polaroid film under HS 3701.20
Polaroid film is classified under HS code 3701.20, which is specifically designated for photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitized, and unexposed, including instant print film. The classification logic is based on the product's chemical and physical properties. As a sensitized material, it belongs in Chapter 37 (Photographic or cinematographic goods). Because Polaroid film is provided in flat packs or sheets rather than rolls, it falls under heading 3701. The subheading 3701.20 is the most specific international designation for instant print film, which contains the necessary chemicals for development within the film unit itself. This classification applies regardless of whether the film is for color or black-and-white photography, provided it remains unexposed and is intended for instant development in a compatible camera.
- Covers
- Instant print film packs for vintage Polaroid cameras
- I-Type and 600 series instant film
- Zink (Zero Ink) paper if categorized as sensitized photographic material
- Large format instant sheet film
- Black and white instant print film units
- Also under 3701.20
- Fujifilm Instax Mini Film
- Polaroid i-Type Film
- Polaroid 600 Film
- Impossible Project Film (now Polaroid Originals)
- Kodak Printomatic Film
Codes often confused with 3701.20
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying Polaroid film under HS code 3702. This heading is reserved for photographic film in rolls, sensitized and unexposed. While some instant films might appear to be in a sequence, if they are in flat packs, 3701.20 is correct. Another common mistake is using 3703, which covers photographic paper, paperboard, and textiles. Polaroid film is a complex multi-layered unit containing chemicals, not just sensitized paper. Additionally, if the film is already exposed and developed, it must be moved to heading 3704 or 3705 depending on its final state.
Top exporters and importers of HS 370120 (the code used for polaroid film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 370120 (the code used for polaroid film) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 370120, not only polaroid film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $376M 59% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $108M 17% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $23M 3.7% of world exports
World total: $635M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $140M 22% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $101M 16% of world imports
- 3 China $58M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $621M 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 polaroid film
Brazil splits HS 3701.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3701.20.10Instant print flat film, colour
- 3701.20.20Instant print flat film, monochrome
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polaroid film
What is the HS code for Polaroid film?
The HS code for Polaroid film is 370120 (Photographic plates and film; instant print film, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs). The primary HS code for unexposed instant print film in flat packs is 3701.20.
How do I classify Polaroid film for customs?
Polaroid film is classified under HS code 370120 — Photographic plates and film; instant print film, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the Polaroid camera?
No, Polaroid cameras are classified under HS code 9006.40, which covers instant print cameras. The film and the camera are distinct commodities with different duty rates.
Which countries are the top exporters of polaroid film (HS 370120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 370120 (the code used for polaroid film) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($376M, 59% of world exports), the Netherlands ($108M) and Hong Kong ($23M). World exports came to about $635M, 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 polaroid film (HS 370120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 370120 (the code used for polaroid film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($140M, 22% of world imports), Hong Kong ($101M) and China ($58M). World imports came to about $621M, 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 Polaroid film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 370120 for Polaroid 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 polaroid film in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 370120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polaroid film depends on the product's details: 3701.20.10 (Instant print flat film, colour), 3701.20.20 (Instant print flat film, monochrome).