Film Canister
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3702310100 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3701910060 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920992000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3702100060 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3701300000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
πΈ Film Canister & Photographic Rolls (Photographic Film Materials)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know What "Film" Really Is?
A Film Canister typically refers to the container for photographic film rolls, but in international trade classification, the HS Code depends on the material, form, and function of the film itself inside the canister.
In the global market, photographic film is categorized primarily under Chapter 37 (Photographic or Cinematographic Goods). The classification hinges on: - Format: Roll (reel) vs. Sheet (flat). - Sensitivity: Light-sensitive (exposed/unexposed) vs. Non-sensitive (plastic canisters only). - Size: Standard (under 255mm) vs. Oversized (over 255mm).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Roll Form (Light-sensitive) β Chapter 37 (e.g., 3701, 3702).
- Roll Form (Non-sensitive plastic/paper canister only) β Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- Sheet/Flat Form β Chapter 37 (if light-sensitive).
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 specific HS Codes for photographic film and related materials:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3702.31.01.00 | Roll Form: Non-paper, non-textile light-sensitive material (Standard Film Rolls). | Classic 35mm/120 film rolls, unexposed/reel form. | 38.7% | Base: 3.7% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 301/122: 10% |
| 3701.91.00.60 | Flat Form: Color Photographic Film (Sensitive Material). | Color negative film, slides, or flat sheets (up to 255mm). | 38.7% | Base: 3.7% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 301/122: 10% |
| 3920.99.20.00 | Plastic Material: Roll/Film/Sheet form (Non-sensitive plastic). | Empty canisters, backing films, or non-sensitive plastic rolls. | 39.2% | Base: 4.2% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 301/122: 10% |
| 3702.10.00.60 | Roll Form: Unexposed/Exposed Light-sensitive Film (General Catch-all). | "Other" film rolls not fitting specific sub-categories. | 38.7% | Base: 3.7% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 301/122: 10% |
| 3701.30.00.00 | Oversized Sheet: >255mm flat film or Instant Print Film. | Large format photography, instant prints (Polaroid-style), industrial film. | 35.0% | Base: 0.0% + Add-on: 25.0% + Section 301/122: 10% |
π Critical Insight:
- Roll vs. Flat: 3702 series is strictly for rolled film; 3701 is for flat/sheet film. - Material Conflict: If the product is just a plastic canister without light-sensitive emulsion, it falls under 3920 (Plastics), slightly higher tax. - Size Matters: 3701.30 is for >255mm or instant prints; standard rolls are 3701/3702.
π° Part 3: 2026 Tariff Rate详解 (Detailed Breakdown)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3702.31.01.00 & 3701.91.00.60 & 3702.10.00.60
(Standard Film Rolls & Color Film)
Total Tax: 38.7%
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.7% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 / Add-on | +25.0% (USITC Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific "122 Clause" tariff, often related to national security/emergency powers) |
| Total Tax | 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Denied. Cannot ship via small parcel exemption). |
| Legal Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β USITC:3702/3701 |
π Explanation:
- 25.0% is the standard punitive tariff on Chinese consumer goods under Section 301.
- 10.0% is an additional layer (Section 122) often applied to specific strategic materials.
- Total 38.7% means for a $100 roll of film, you pay $38.70 in duties alone!
π― 2. 3920.99.20.00
(Plastic Film/Canister Material)
Total Tax: 39.2%
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 4.2% (Plastics are slightly higher base) |
| Section 301 / Add-on | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax | 39.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
π Note:
- Even if the film is just a plastic backing or empty canister, the tax is nearly identical to light-sensitive film.
- Why? Because "Plastic" is also a high-priority target for Section 301 tariffs.
π― 3. 3701.30.00.00
(Large Format / Instant Print)
Total Tax: 35.0%
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0.0% (This is the only code with 0% base duty!) |
| Section 301 / Add-on | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax | 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
π Advantage:
- This code has a 0% Base Rate, making it 3.7% cheaper than standard rolls.
- Apply to: Instant photo paper (Polaroid), large format sheets (>255mm).
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Light-Sensitive", "Emulsion Type", and "Roll/Flat Form". |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Prove if it's "Photographic Emulsion" (37) or "Plastic" (39). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the canister, the roll, and the emulsion layer. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If not from China, Section 301 tariffs may not apply! |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must not say "Plastic Canister" if it contains film! |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Form Defines Function, Material Defines Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35mm Color Film (Roll) | 3702.31.01.00 |
3920.99.20.00 |
Risk: If declared as plastic, customs may re-classify to 37, but risk delay. |
| Empty Plastic Canister | 3920.99.20.00 |
3702.31.01.00 |
Risk: Overpaying? No, but if you claim "light-sensitive" and it's empty, it's fraud. |
| Instant Print Film | 3701.30.00.00 |
3701.91.00.60 |
Risk: Higher tax (38.7% vs 35%). |
| Large Format Sheet (>255mm) | 3701.30.00.00 |
3702.10.00.60 |
Risk: 3702 is for rolls; sheet is 3701. |
π Pro Tip:
- Do NOT declare "Film Canister" alone. Declare "Photographic Film, 35mm Roll". - Do NOT mix "Plastic" and "Film" in one declaration without separating them.
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Film | Provide client order + design specs to justify "special use" (maybe lower tax?). |
| Unexposed vs. Exposed | Exposed film (developed) might be classified differently (Waste/Recycling). Always declare "Unexposed" for 3701/3702. |
| Shipping via Courier | No De Minimis! Even small orders of film will hit the 38.7% tax. |
| Origin Change | If film is made in Vietnam/Mexico, Section 301 (25%) might be waived! Verify Origin. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China) | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3702.31.01.00 |
38.7% | FDA/USDA (if chemical) | Highest Tax due to 301+122. |
| π¨π³ China | 3702.31.01.00 |
3.7% | CCC | No Add-on Tax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3702.31.01.00 |
3.7% | CE | No Section 301. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3702.31.01.00 |
3.7% | PSE | Low tax. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3702.31.01.00 |
3.7% | RCM | No Section 301. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with the 25% + 10% surcharge.
- European/Asian markets have low base rates (3.7%).
- Strategy: If shipping to US, optimize logistics or use China-free supply chain.
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Film Canister" as "Plastic Container" when it contains film.
π Result: Customs re-classes to 3702 (38.7%) + Penalties.
β Mistake 2: Declaring "Instant Film" as "35mm Roll".
π Result: Missed 35% vs 38.7% tax saving (3.7% difference on high volume).
β Mistake 3: Assuming "Small Quantity" = Free Shipping (De Minimis).
π Result: Film is blocked from De Minimis! Even 1 roll pays 38.7%.
β Correct Approach:
"Photographic Film, Color Negative, 35mm, 36 Exposures, Unexposed, Roll Form, Model XYZ"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Precision is Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Roll = 3702, Flat = 3701, Plastic = 3920."
πΉ "USA Tax = 38.7% (3.7%+25%+10%), No Exemption!"
πΉ "Instant Print = 35% (0%+25%+10%)."
π Pro Tip:
If your film is originally from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, apply for Origin Verification to avoid the 25% Section 301 tariff!
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) before shipping to US.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Specs + Get Pre-Ruling
π Ensure your film rolls, clear US customs, maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent saved is a profit earned!
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.