Low Noise Film Roll
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5603949070 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5603149090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3702390100 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3702980000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920100000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920200055 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¬ Low Noise Film Roll (Photographic & Industrial)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Low Noise Film Roll"?
A "Low Noise Film Roll" typically refers to sensitized, unexposed photographic film designed for high-fidelity imaging (e.g., cinema, scientific, or medical applications) where noise reduction (grain minimization) is critical. It is not printed material, paper, or textile-based.
In international trade, it is classified under Chapter 37 (Photographic or Cinematographic Goods) with specific sub-headings based on:
- Film width (β€105mm vs. >35mm)
- Perforation status (perforated vs. non-perforated)
- Material composition (cellulose, polyester, etc.)
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Non-perforated film β€105mm β HS Code 3702.39.01.00 (Base Tariff: 0%, Additional: 0%)
- Perforated or wider film (>35mm) β HS Code 3702.98.00.00 (Base Tariff: 0%, Additional: 0%)
- Plastic-based films (e.g., PET rolls) β May fall under Chapter 39 if not photographic (e.g., 3920.10.00.00).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenarios | Perforation | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3702.39.01.00 | Non-perforated photographic film rolls (β€105mm), unexposed, other than paper/textile | Cinematography, high-resolution scanning, scientific imaging | β Non-perforated | β€105mm |
| 3702.98.00.00 | Perforated or wider photographic film rolls (>35mm), unexposed | Professional cinema, large-format photography, industrial inspection | β Perforated or >35mm | >35mm |
| 5603.94.90.70 | Non-woven filaments (>150g/mΒ²), coated/laminated | Note: Not photographic film β misclassification risk | β Not applicable | N/A |
| 5603.14.90.90 | Man-made filament non-wovens (>150g/mΒ²) | Note: Not photographic film β misclassification risk | β Not applicable | N/A |
| 3920.10.00.00 | Ethylene polymer plastic sheets/films (non-cellular) | Note: Plastic films without sensitization β not photographic | N/A | N/A |
| 3920.20.00.55 | Propylene polymer plastic sheets/films | Note: Plastic films without sensitization β not photographic | N/A | N/A |
π Critical Warning:
- Photographic film must be sensitized (chemically treated for light sensitivity) to qualify for Chapter 37.
- Non-sensitized plastic films (e.g., PET packaging, industrial wraps) fall under Chapter 39 and incur higher taxes (29.2%).
- Non-woven textiles (Chapter 56) are NOT photographic film β misclassification leads to 25% additional taxes.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Base + Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: China (CN)
β Import Destination: USA (US) (Example)
β Effective Date: 2026
π― 1. HS Code 3702.39.01.00 (Non-perforated β€105mm)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tax (USITC/Section 301) | 0% |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (if >$800 value) |
| Legal Reference | HTSUS 3702.39.01.00 |
π Why 0%?
- This is a specialized photographic film with no base tariff under China-US trade agreements.
- No Section 301/IEEPA taxes apply as it is not a strategic material.
π― 2. HS Code 3702.98.00.00 (Wider/Perforated >35mm)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Additional Tax (USITC/Section 301) | 0% |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (if >$800 value) |
| Legal Reference | HTSUS 3702.98.00.00 |
π Why 0%?
- Same as above β sensitized photographic film is tax-exempt in the US.
β οΈ 3. HS Code 3920.10.00.00 (Ethylene Polymer Plastic Film β NOT Photographic)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Additional Tax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax | 29.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Reference | HTSUS 3920.10.00.00 |
π Why 29.2%?
- Non-sensitized plastic film (e.g., packaging, industrial wrap) is NOT photographic film.
- Section 301 tariff (25%) applies to China-origin plastic products.
- Critical Risk: If you misdeclare plastic film as "photographic," customs will reclassify and charge 29.2%.
β οΈ 4. HS Code 5603.94.90.70 / 5603.14.90.90 (Non-woven Textiles)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax | 25.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Reference | HTSUS 5603.94.90.70 / 5603.14.90.90 |
π Why 25%?
- Non-woven textiles (e.g., filters, medical fabrics) are NOT photographic film.
- Section 301 tariff (25%) applies to China-origin textiles.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Tips (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | β | Must state: "Sensitized, unexposed photographic film" + material type |
| Chemical Composition Report | β | Prove sensitization (e.g., silver halide, organic dyes) |
| Width Measurement Certificate | β | Verify β€105mm or >35mm (non-perforated vs. perforated) |
| Photo of Film Roll | β | Show packaging, brand, and "Sensitized" label |
| Commercial Invoice | β | Clearly state HS Code and "Photographic Film" |
| Certificate of Origin | β | If not China, avoid Section 301 taxes |
β οΈ Critical:
- DO NOT call it "plastic film" or "non-woven" β it MUST be "sensitized photographic film".
- DO NOT mix with non-sensitized plastic rolls β this triggers 29.2% tax.
β 2. Classification Strategy
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitized film, β€105mm, non-perforated | 3702.39.01.00 | 0% |
| Sensitized film, >35mm, perforated | 3702.98.00.00 | 0% |
| Non-sensitized plastic film (e.g., PET) | 3920.10.00.00 | 29.2% |
| Non-woven textile roll (e.g., medical fabric) | 5603.94.90.70 | 25% |
π₯ "Golden Rule":
"If it's not sensitized, it's not photographic film!"
- Sensitized = Silver halide, organic dyes, or other light-sensitive chemicals.
- Non-sensitized = Plain plastic, paper, or textile = Chapter 39/56.
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Film | Provide chemical formula + sensitization proof |
| Mixed Rolls (Photographic + Plastic) | Separate declaration β never combine |
| Medical Imaging Film | Still Chapter 37 if sensitized |
| Industrial Inspection Film | Still Chapter 37 if sensitized |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3702.39.01.00 / 3702.98.00.00 |
0% | FDA (if medical) | No Section 301 tax |
| π¨π³ China | 3702.39.01.00 |
0% | CCC | No additional tax |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3702.39.01.00 |
0% | CE | No additional tax |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3702.39.01.00 |
0% | PSE | No additional tax |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3702.39.01.00 |
0% | RCM | No additional tax |
π Key Insight:
- USA, EU, Japan, Australia all apply 0% tariff to sensitized photographic film.
- Only misclassified plastic/textile films (Chapter 39/56) face 25-29.2% taxes.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Avoidance Guide
β Mistake 1: Calling "plastic film" "photographic film"
π Result: 29.2% tax + customs penalty
β Mistake 2: Declaring non-sensitized rolls as "sensitized"
π Result: Rejection + 25% tax (Section 301)
β Mistake 3: Mixing photographic film with non-sensitized plastic
π Result: Entire shipment reclassified to 29.2% tax
β Mistake 4: Using "Low Noise" as the only product name
π Result: Customs rejects β must specify "Sensitized Photographic Film"
β Correct Approach:
"Sensitized Photographic Film Roll, 35mm, Non-Perforated, Low Noise, Chemical: Silver Halide, Model XYZ, FCC Certified"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision is Profit
π― Golden Rules:
πΉ "Sensitized = Chapter 37 (0%)"
πΉ "Non-Sensitized = Chapter 39/56 (25-29.2%)"
πΉ "Width & Perforation = Key to Sub-Classification"πΉ "If you're not sure, get a pre-ruling from customs!"
π Pro Tip:
If your film is from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for Section 301 exemptions (0% tax).
Always request a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) from customs before shipping!
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact customs brokers + Provide chemical reports + Apply for HS Code pre-ruling
π Avoid 29.2% tax, clear goods faster, maximize profit!
β¨ Precision in Classification = Savings in Taxes!
πΌ Every dollar saved starts 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.