Find HS Code and trade information for film stock

Film Stock

Film stock refers to the physical medium—typically a cellulose triacetate or polyester base coated with light-sensitive silver halide crystals—used in photography and cinematography to record visual images. It is the raw material upon which an image is captured when exposed to light.

Material Composition

• Base: Historically, film base was made of cellulose nitrate, which was highly flammable. This was largely replaced by cellulose triacetate (known as “safety film”) for its increased stability and reduced fire risk. Polyester film bases are now common, offering even greater durability and dimensional stability.
• Emulsion: This is the light-sensitive layer containing silver halide crystals (typically silver bromide, silver iodide, and sometimes silver chloride) suspended in gelatin. The size, shape, and distribution of these crystals determine the film’s sensitivity (ISO/ASA) and other characteristics.
• Anti-halation Layer: A dark layer on the back of the film to prevent light from reflecting within the film base, which could cause unwanted flares or halos.
• Protective Layers: Layers protecting the emulsion from scratches, pressure marks, and other damage.

Purpose and Function

The primary purpose of film stock is to capture a latent image when exposed to light. The silver halide crystals undergo a chemical change proportional to the amount of light they receive. This latent image is then developed through a chemical process, converting the exposed crystals into visible silver metal, forming the negative image. This negative is then used to create a positive image (print or digital file).

Usage Scenarios

Film stock is utilized in a variety of applications:

• Cinematography: Feature films, documentaries, short films, music videos.
• Photography: Artistic photography, portraiture, landscape, commercial work, scientific imaging.
• Archival Recording: Preservation of important visual records.
• Special Effects: Certain effects are more easily achieved with film than with digital methods.

Common Types

Film stock is categorized based on several characteristics:

• Black and White vs. Color: Black and white film contains only one light-sensitive layer, while color film contains multiple layers sensitive to different wavelengths of light (red, green, blue).
• ISO/ASA (Sensitivity): Indicates the film’s sensitivity to light. Lower ISO values (e.g., 25, 50) are less sensitive and require more light, resulting in finer grain and higher image quality. Higher ISO values (e.g., 400, 800, 3200) are more sensitive and suitable for low-light conditions, but produce more grain.
• Format:
  • 35mm: The most common format for motion pictures and still photography.
  • 16mm: Often used for documentaries and independent filmmaking.
  • Super 8mm: A smaller format popular for home movies and artistic projects.
  • Large Format (e.g., 4x5, 8x10): Used for high-resolution still photography.
• Specific Stocks (Examples):
  • Kodak Vision3: A widely used professional color motion picture film stock known for its fine grain and natural color rendition. (e.g. Kodak Vision3 500T, Kodak Vision3 250D)
  • Fujifilm Eterna: Another popular professional color motion picture film stock.
  • Kodak Portra: A popular color negative film for portrait and general photography.
  • Ilford HP5 Plus: A classic black and white film known for its versatility.

Characteristics & Considerations

• Grain: The texture of the image caused by the silver halide crystals. Finer grain generally provides higher detail, while coarser grain can create a more artistic or vintage look.
• Contrast: The difference between the lightest and darkest areas of the image.
• Color Rendition: How accurately the film captures colors.
• Dynamic Range: The range of light levels the film can capture.
• Latitude: The film’s ability to capture detail in both highlights and shadows.
• Processing: Film requires specific chemical processing to develop the latent image. Different stocks may require different processing methods.

Film stock refers to photographic film in various forms, primarily used for capturing images. Based on the provided information, several HS codes may be relevant depending on the specific characteristics of the film stock.

• 3701.10.00.30: This HS code covers photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, whether or not in packs, specifically for X-ray Medical applications (other than dental). The tax rate is a base tariff of 3.7%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 58.7%.
• 3701.10.00.60: This HS code also covers photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, whether or not in packs, but is for X-ray applications (other than medical). The tax rate structure is identical to HS code 3701.10.00.30: a base tariff of 3.7%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, for a total tariff of 58.7%.
• 3702.10.00.30: This HS code covers photographic film in rolls, sensitized, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in rolls, sensitized, unexposed, specifically for X-ray Medical applications (other than dental). The tax rate is a base tariff of 3.7%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 58.7%.
• 3702.10.00.60: This HS code covers photographic film in rolls, sensitized, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in rolls, sensitized, unexposed, but is for X-ray applications (other than medical). The tax rate structure is identical to HS code 3702.10.00.30: a base tariff of 3.7%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, for a total tariff of 58.7%.

Chapter 37 covers photographic or cinematographic goods. Heading 3701 specifically relates to photographic plates and film, while Heading 3702 covers photographic film in rolls. The "00" indicates the subheading, and the final two digits specify the application (medical vs. other X-ray).

Please note that the applicable HS code depends on whether the film is in flat sheets or rolls and its intended use (medical X-ray or other X-ray applications).