Color Medium Format Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3706900060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3701300000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3702550060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3704000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3702520130 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Color Medium Format Film (Colored Photographic Film Rolls)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Color Medium Format Film"?
Color Medium Format Film refers to colored, sensitized, unexposed or exposed photographic film rolls designed for medium format cameras (e.g., 6x6, 6x7 cm formats). It is typically made of flexible plastic (non-paper, non-textile) substrates coated with light-sensitive emulsions.
Key Distinctions in International Trade:
| Feature | Category A: Unexposed Film (Raw Material) | Category B: Exposed Film (Final Product) |
|---|---|---|
| State | Sensitized but unexposed | Already exposed (latent image) |
| Typical HS Codes | 3701.30.00.00, 3702.52.01.30, 3702.55.00.60 | 3704.00.00.00, 3706.90.00.60 |
| Primary Use | Raw material for photographers/studios | Final product for printing/scanning |
| Tax Treatment | Often higher duty due to "other" categories | May vary based on "other" classification |
β οΈ Critical Differentiator:
- If the film is unexposed and sensitized, it is generally classified under 3701.x.x or 3702.x.x.
- If the film is already exposed (latent image recorded), it falls under 3704.00.00.00 or 3706.90.00.60.
- Color is a key descriptor that pushes classification toward 3702.52/55 or 3701.30.
π¦ II. Detailed HS Code Classification (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenarios | State of Film |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3701.30.00.00 | Photographic plates and film, sensitized, unexposed, in the form of plates (non-paper/non-textile) | Medium format rolls, unexposed color film for professional use | β Unexposed |
| 3702.52.01.30 | Color reversal film (positive film), sensitized, unexposed | Slide film, medium format color reversal rolls | β Unexposed |
| 3702.55.00.60 | Other color photographic film rolls, sensitized, unexposed | Color negative film, medium format rolls (non-reversal) | β Unexposed |
| 3704.00.00.00 | Photographic plates and film, exposed but not developed | Exposed color film, latent image recorded | β Exposed |
| 3706.90.00.60 | Motion picture film, other (includes unexposed color film rolls) | Medium format film in "other" category (unexposed) | β Unexposed |
π Key Reminders:
- All unexposed color film must be classified under 3701/3702 categories unless specified as "other".
- Exposed film (latent image) is classified under 3704.00.00.00 or 3706.90.00.60 depending on format and use.
- Medium format is not a direct HS Code discriminator; the state of exposure and color type (reversal/negative) are the primary classifiers.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3701.30.00.00 β Sensitized, Unexposed Film (Plates/Form)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% (targeting China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3701.30.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% USITC tax is part of the "Section 301" additional duties on China-origin products.
- The 10% IEEPA tax is imposed under the "International Emergency Economic Powers Act" targeting Chinese imports.
- Total 35% is extremely high, requiring early risk assessment!
π― 2. 3702.52.01.30 β Color Reversal Film (Slide Film)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3702.52.01.30 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Slightly higher than unexposed plates due to base tariff (3.7%).
- Applies to color reversal film (slide film) for medium format cameras.
π― 3. 3702.55.00.60 β Other Color Film Rolls (Negative Film)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3702.55.00.60 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Covers color negative film (non-reversal) for medium format.
- No base tariff, but 35% total still applies.
π― 4. 3704.00.00.00 β Exposed, Undeveloped Film
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3704.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Applies to exposed film (latent image) regardless of format.
- Still subject to 35% total tariff.
π― 5. 3706.90.00.60 β Other Motion Picture Film (Includes Unexposed Color Film)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3706.90.00.60 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Catch-all category for unexposed color film not fitting other specific codes.
- Often used for medium format film when other codes don't apply.
π οΈ IV. Practical Customs Clearance Advice (Risk Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Details on film type, format, color, exposure state |
| β Technical Diagram/Structure | βοΈ | Shows film composition (plastic vs paper vs textile) |
| β Product Photos (with Label) | βοΈ | Clear image of model, brand, format (e.g., 6x7cm) |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | ISO, RoHS, CE (if applicable) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Color Medium Format Film" + HS Code |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not China-origin, may qualify for lower tariffs |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Confirms film roll count, packaging, and contents |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "State of Exposure First, Color Second, Format Third!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Unexposed Color Film | 3701.30.00.00 / 3702.52.01.30 / 3702.55.00.60 |
β Declare as "exposed" β higher risk |
| Exposed Color Film | 3704.00.00.00 / 3706.90.00.60 |
β Declare as "unexposed" β penalty |
| Medium Format Roll | Specify format (e.g., "6x6", "6x7") | β Omit format β ambiguous classification |
| Color Type | Specify "Color Reversal" or "Color Negative" | β Just say "Color" β misclassification risk |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Custom-Made Medium Format Film | Provide customer order + design specs to prove "custom" status |
| Film with Built-in Packaging (e.g., Dark Box) | Still declare as "film", not "packaging" |
| Film for Medical/Scientific Use | If non-commercial,ε―η³θ―· "non-commercial use" exemption with proof |
| Military/Special Use Film | May qualify for special classification, but requires prior coordination |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3701.30.00.00 / 3702.52.01.30 / 3702.55.00.60 |
35% (China) | FCC + RoHS | 35% is very high |
| π¨π³ China | 3701.30.00.00 / 3702.52.01.30 / 3702.55.00.60 |
5% | CCC + RoHS | No additional taxes |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3701.30.00.00 / 3702.52.01.30 / 3702.55.00.60 |
0% (if CE) | CE + ErP | No additional taxes |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3701.30.00.00 / 3702.52.01.30 / 3702.55.00.60 |
5% | RCM | No additional taxes |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3701.30.00.00 / 3702.52.01.30 / 3702.55.00.60 |
0% | PSE | No additional taxes |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with high additional taxes (35%) on Chinese-origin color medium format film.
- Non-China origin (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico, Japan) may qualify for lower tariffs or exemptions.
- Consider supply chain diversification to avoid US tariffs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "exposed film" as "unexposed"
π Consequence: Tariff from 35% β 20% (θ‘₯η¨ + η½ζ¬Ύ!)
β Mistake 2: Not specifying "medium format"
π Consequence: Misclassification β higher duty or delay
β Mistake 3: Using generic terms like "film" without color/exposure state
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine correct HS Code β ιθΏ or η½ζ¬Ύ
β Mistake 4: Declaring "motion picture film" when it's "photographic film"
π Consequence: Wrong category β 3706 vs 3701/3702 β tariff mismatch
β Best Practice:
"Color Medium Format Film (Unexposed), 6x7cm, 120 Roll, ISO 400, Kodak Portra, Model XYZ, USITC 3702.55.00.60"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification = Cost Savings & Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Expose State First, Color Second, Format Third!"
πΉ "HS Code Decides Tax, 35% vs 5%, Declaration Matters!"
π Pro Tip:
If your film originates from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Japan, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions, with tariffs as low as 0%~5%.
Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Classification) to avoid clearance risks.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Submit Product Photos + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, efficient export, and maximized profits!
β¨ Professional Classification, Start Today!
πΌ Every Cost You Save Deserves Precision Calculation!
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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.