Color Film Roll 135 Format
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3701910030 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3702540030 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3707100005 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3701910060 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3702530030 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
ποΈ Color Film Roll (135 Format) β HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026
π HS Code & Duty Breakdown | U.S. Import Compliance 2026 | Strategic Clearance Tips
π One Product, Four Key HS Codes β Know Exactly Where It Belongs!
You're importing 135-format color film rolls β a classic medium for photographers, filmmakers, and retro enthusiasts. But in U.S. customs, misclassification = massive tariff overpayment or shipment delay.
Letβs break down why your product falls under specific HS Codes, how the tariffs are calculated, and how to clear customs smoothly β all based on the latest U.S. tariff schedules (effective Nov 10, 2025).
π¦ 1. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 U.S. Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Why This Code? | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
3701.91.00.30 |
Color photographic film, in rolls, not on paper or textile backing, unexposed, chemical photosensitive material | Covers non-paper, non-textile base film β standard for 135 film (35mm) | β
Unexposed β Roll format β No paper/textile backing |
3702.54.00.30 |
Color photographic film, 35mm format, unexposed, photosensitive material | Directly targets 35mm color film, regardless of base material | β
35mm standard β Color film β Unexposed |
3701.91.00.60 |
Exposed color film, in roll form, not on disc, chemical photosensitive material | Applies if the film has already been shot (exposed) | β
Already used β Still in roll form β Not on disc |
3702.53.00.30 |
Color photographic film, 35mm format, width compliant, photosensitive material | Covers 35mm film with correct width (35mm = 34.8β35.2mm) | β
35mm standard β Width meets spec β Color film |
β οΈ Critical Note:
- Unexposed film β Use3701.91.00.30,3702.54.00.30, or3702.53.00.30
- Exposed film β Use3701.91.00.60
- Do NOT use3707.10.00.05unless it's specifically for color negative print paper (not film)
π° 2. 2026 U.S. Tariff Structure β Full Breakdown (China-Origin)
β Applicable to: China (CN) origin products
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025
β All tariffs apply to both unexposed and exposed film
π― 1. 3701.91.00.30 β Color Film (Unexposed, Roll, Non-Paper/Textile Base)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.7% | U.S. Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) | Standard rate |
| Section 301 (USITC) Add-on | +25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Applies to all Chinese-origin goods under Section 301 |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Add-on | +10% | IEEPA: 9903.01.25 | Imposed under International Emergency Economic Powers Act |
| Total Effective Duty | 38.7% | β | CIF Γ 38.7% |
π Why 38.7%?
- 3.7% (base) + 25% (301) + 10% (IEEPA) = 38.7%
- No de minimis exemption β Even $100 shipment = $38.70 tax
- No exceptions for βnon-commercialβ or βpersonal useβ β customs treats it as commercial import
π― 2. 3702.54.00.30 β 35mm Color Film (Unexposed)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.7% | HTSUS | Same as above |
| Section 301 (USITC) | +25.0% | Footnote 9903.88.01 | Applies to all Chinese-origin film |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) | +10% | IEEPA: 9903.01.25 | Same as above |
| Total Duty | 38.7% | β | CIF Γ 38.7% |
β Same rate as
3701.91.00.30β because both are unexposed color film in 35mm roll format.
π― 3. 3701.91.00.60 β Exposed Color Film (Roll, Non-Disc)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.7% | HTSUS | Still applies |
| Section 301 (USITC) | +25.0% | Footnote 9903.88.01 | Applies even to used film |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) | +10% | IEEPA: 9903.01.25 | No exemption for βusedβ or βexposedβ |
| Total Duty | 38.7% | β | CIF Γ 38.7% |
β οΈ Warning:
- Even exposed film (e.g., from a used camera) is still subject to 38.7%
- Customs does not waive tariffs on βusedβ or βpersonalβ film
- Do not declare as βpersonal effectsβ β unless under $800 and youβre a traveler (not for commercial shipments)
π― 4. 3702.53.00.30 β 35mm Color Film (Width-Compliant)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.7% | HTSUS | Same |
| Section 301 (USITC) | +25.0% | Footnote 9903.88.01 | Applies |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) | +10% | IEEPA: 9903.01.25 | Applies |
| Total Duty | 38.7% | β | CIF Γ 38.7% |
β Why this code?
- If your film is 35mm in width (standard 35mm film), this code applies
- No difference in tax rate β still 38.7%
π οΈ 3. Customs Clearance Strategy β Real-World Tips
β 1. Required Documents (Must-Have List)
| Document | Why Itβs Needed | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | Must state: βColor Photographic Film, 35mm, Unexposed, in Rollsβ | Use exact product description from HS Code |
| β Packing List | Shows roll count, weight, packaging | Avoid βfilm reelsβ β use βrollsβ |
| β Product Photos | Show film canister, label, width, and unexposed state | Label must show β35mmβ and βcolorβ |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | Prove origin (China, Vietnam, etc.) | If from Vietnam or Mexico, IEEPA 10% may be waived |
| β Bill of Lading (BOL) | Proof of shipment | Must match invoice |
| β Third-Party Test Report (optional) | FCC/CE/RoHS (if applicable) | Not required, but helps with inspection |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌη³ζ₯ε£θ―οΌ
π₯ β35mm film? Use 3702.54.00.30 or 3702.53.00.30.
π₯ Unexposed? 38.7% β no escape.
π₯ Exposed? Still 38.7% β donβt lie.
π₯ No de minimis β even $100 = $38.70 tax.β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35mm color film, unexposed, 120 rolls | 3702.54.00.30 |
3701.91.00.30 |
Minor risk β both correct, but 3702.54 is more precise |
| Exposed 35mm film, used | 3701.91.00.60 |
3701.91.00.30 |
Major risk β exposure status matters |
| Film on paper backing | β Not eligible for any of these codes | 3701.91.00.30 |
Wrong! β paper backing β not covered here |
β 3. Special Cases & Workarounds
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Film from Vietnam/Mexico | Apply for IEEPA exemption β if origin is Vietnam (VN), Mexico (MX), or Thailand (TH), IEEPA 10% may be waived β total = 28.7% |
| Small personal shipment (<$800) | Can use de minimis rule β no duty if under $800 |
| Film for artistic/educational use | No exemption β still 38.7% |
| Film with embedded metadata (digital) | Still classified as chemical photosensitive material β 38.7% applies |
π 4. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ U.S. | 3702.54.00.30 / 3701.91.00.30 |
38.7% (China) | None required | Highest tariff |
| π¨π³ China | 3702.54.00.30 |
5% | CCC | Low tariff, but no export to U.S. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3702.54.00.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE | No 301/IEEPA tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3702.54.00.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3702.54.00.00 |
0% | PSE | No extra tariffs |
π Insight:
- Only the U.S. imposes 38.7% on 135 color film
- Vietnam/Mexico origin = 28.7% β save $10 per roll
- Consider relocating production to avoid 38.7%
π 5. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Declaring βfilmβ as βcamera accessoriesβ
π Result: Misclassification β $500+ in penalties
β Mistake 2: Using β3707.10.00.05β for film (wrong code)
π Result: Rejected by customs β delay + reclassification
β Mistake 3: Not declaring βunexposedβ or βexposedβ
π Result: Customs may assume unexposed β overpayment if film is exposed
β Mistake 4: Shipping small batches to avoid scrutiny
π Result: Customs uses βde minimisβ loophole β but only for personal use under $800
β Best Practice:
βColor Photographic Film, 35mm Format, Unexposed, in Rolls, 120 Rolls, 120mm Diameter, 34.8mm Width, Made in Chinaβ
π― 6. Final Verdict: What You Must Do Now
πΉ Use HS Code
3702.54.00.30for 35mm unexposed color film β most precise
πΉ Use3701.91.00.60only if film is exposed
πΉ Expect 38.7% duty β no exceptions for China-origin
πΉ Avoid de minimis unless under $800 and personal use
πΉ Consider shifting origin to Vietnam/Mexico to reduce to 28.7%
π£ Call to Action: Donβt Get Caught in the Tariff Trap!
π Contact a U.S. customs broker with your product specs
π Request an Advance Ruling (AR) for HS Code confirmation
π Explore alternative sourcing β Vietnam/Mexico = lower duty
β¨ Pro Tip:
If you're a photography brand, film lab, or vintage retailer, pre-approve your HS Code β donβt wait until customs holds your shipment.
π― Remember:
βOne wrong code = 38.7% tax on every roll.β
βOne smart move = $10 saved per roll.β
πΌ Your film shipment is not just a product β itβs a tariff battle.
π Win it with precision.
π Win it with knowledge.
π¦ Win it with the right HS Code.
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.