Low Sensitivity 35mm Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3707100090 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3707100005 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3701996060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3701910060 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3702540030 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Low Sensitivity 35mm Film (ISO 50-100)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Low Sensitivity Film"?
Low Sensitivity 35mm Film (typically ISO 50, 100) refers to color negative, black-and-white, or slide film used for professional photography, industrial inspection, or archival purposes. In international trade, these products are strictly regulated under Chapter 37 (Photographic or Cinematographic Goods).
The classification depends heavily on the chemical state and physical form of the product:
Photographic Emulsions (Uncut/Unprocessed):
Chemical preparations used for sensitisng surfaces. These are raw materials, often sold in bulk containers or small vials for industrial processing.
Photographic Films (Cut/Processed):
Finished rolls of flexible base coated with light-sensitive emulsion. These are consumer/professional goods ready for use in cameras.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a liquid/semi-liquid chemical mixture intended to sensitize other materials β Classified under 3707.10
- If the product is a physical roll of film (coated base) β Classified under 3701.xx or 3702.xx
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring finished film as "emulsion" can lead to severe penalties due to tariff evasion attempts.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Base Tariff | Add. Tariff (US) | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3707.10.00.90 |
Sensitizing emulsions, other (Not specified for film) | Bulk chemical emulsions for industrial coating | 3.0% | +25% (Sec 301) +10% (122) | 38.0% |
3707.10.00.05 |
Sensitizing emulsions for unspecified color film | Raw chemical materials for film manufacturing | 3.0% | +25% (Sec 301) +10% (122) | 38.0% |
3701.99.60.60 |
Sensitised film, other, non-paper/non-textile base | High-grade plastic-based film for special photography | 0.0% | +25% (Sec 301) +10% (122) | 35.0% |
3701.91.00.60 |
Colour photographic film, other material type | Color negative/slide film with specific non-standard base | 3.7% | +25% (Sec 301) +10% (122) | 38.7% |
3702.54.00.30 |
Other sensitised film, black & white or other, roll format | Standard 35mm B&W or Color film rolls (Catch-all) | 3.7% | +25% (Sec 301) +10% (122) | 38.7% |
π Key Reminder:
- Emulsions (3707): Are chemicals. If you are importing raw film chemicals, use 3707.
- Finished Film (3701/3702): Are goods. If you are importing boxes of 35mm film for cameras, use 3701 or 3702.
- Non-Standard Base: If the film base is not standard cellulose acetate or polyester (e.g., special plastic or composite), 3701.99.60.60 or 3701.91.00.60 may apply.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3707.10.00.90 / 3707.10.00.05 ββ Sensitizing Emulsions (Chemicals)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Under Section 301) |
| 122-Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific to certain chemical/pharmaceutical related goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Strictly controlled) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3707.10 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β 122-Clause |
π Explanation:
- These are raw materials. The base tariff is low (3%), but the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% 122-Clause tariff push the total to 38%.
- Warning: If you mistakenly declare finished film as "emulsion" to avoid higher tariffs on film, customs will reclassify and impose penalties.
π― 2. 3701.99.60.60 ββ Sensitised Film, Other, Non-Paper/Textile
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Under Section 301) |
| 122-Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3701.99 β Section 301 β 122-Clause |
π Note:
- This code is for non-standard bases (e.g., specialty plastics).
- If your 35mm film uses a standard polyester or acetate base, do NOT use this code. Use 3701.91 or 3702.54 instead.
π― 3. 3701.91.00.60 / 3702.54.00.30 ββ Standard & Other Sensitised Films
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Under Section 301) |
| 122-Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3701/3702 β Section 301 β 122-Clause |
π Note:
- 3701.91.00.60: For Color Film with specific material requirements.
- 3702.54.00.30: A catch-all for sensitised film rolls (including 35mm B&W or Color) that donβt fit other specific subheadings.
- Most Common Code: For standard 35mm Color Negative Film (ISO 100),3702.54.00.30or3701.91.00.60is most likely.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include ISO speed (50/100), format (35mm), type (Color/B&W), and base material |
| β Chemical Composition Report | βοΈ | If claiming "Emulsion" (3707), provide SDS (Safety Data Sheet) |
| β Product Photos (Packaging & Label) | βοΈ | Show brand, model, expiration date, and "Sensitised Film" label |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "35mm Colour Negative Film, ISO 100" β Do not use vague terms like "Photographic Supplies" |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Match invoice exactly |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Required for Section 301 duty application |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Base Material Matters, Emulsion vs. Film, Don't Mix Up, Or Customs Will Block You!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Finished 35mm Roll (Standard Base) | 3702.54.00.30 or 3701.91.00.60 |
Declare as "Chemical Emulsion" β 38.0% + Penalties |
| Raw Emulsion (Liquid/Semi-solid) | 3707.10.00.90 |
Declare as "Film Roll" β 38.7% + Rejection |
| Special Plastic Base Film | 3701.99.60.60 |
Declare as standard film β 38.7% (Overpaid) |
| Packaged with Cameras | Split Declaration | Bundle with cameras β Incorrect classification |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Expired Film | Still subject to 38-38.7% tariff. No duty exemption for expiration. |
| Film for Industrial Inspection | If used for non-photographic industrial X-ray, may qualify for different HS code (e.g., 9022). Provide usage proof. |
| OEM/Private Label | Provide authorization letter to avoid IP issues at customs. |
| Small Sample Shipments | Even for samples, duties apply. No de minimis exemption for Chinese-origin photographic goods. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3702.54.00.30 |
38.7% | No special certs, but strict labeling | High duty due to 301 + 122 clauses |
| π¨π³ China | 3702.54.00.00 |
6.5% | None | Lower duty, no surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3702.54.00 |
0% | CE (if applicable), REACH | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 3702.54.00 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment with EU |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3702.54.00 |
0% | PSE (if electronic) | Low duty, no surcharges |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for importing Chinese-origin 35mm film due to Section 301 (25%) and 122-Clause (10%) surcharges.
- Total landed cost will be 38-38.7% higher than FOB price.
- Consider supply chain diversification (Vietnam, Thailand) if volume is high, though origin rules apply.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "35mm Film" as "Photographic Chemicals"
π Consequence: Customs detects physical film β Seizure + Fine.
β Error 2: Ignoring the "Base Material" for 3701.99.60.60
π Consequence: Standard polyester base film misclassified β Overpayment or Rejection.
β Error 3: Using Vague Descriptions like "Photographic Supplies"
π Consequence: Customs assigns highest duty rate arbitrarily β 38.7% or higher.
β Error 4: Not Separating Emulsion from Film
π Consequence: Mixed shipment causes confusion β Delay in Release.
β Correct Practice:
"35mm Colour Negative Sensitised Film, ISO 100, Polyester Base, 36 Exposures, Boxed, Brand XYZ, Manufactured in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Cost Savings, Smooth Clearance
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Film vs. Emulsion, Base Type Matters!"
πΉ "35mm Standard Roll: 38.7% Tax!"
πΉ "Raw Emulsion: 38.0% Tax!"
πΉ "Special Plastic Base: 35.0% Tax!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your film is originally from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may avoid IEEPA/Section 301 tariffs (check rules of origin).
- Apply for Advance Ruling from CBP if unsure about the base material or chemical composition.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Licensed Customs Broker
π Provide Detailed Product Specs (Base Material, ISO, Format)
π Ensure Accurate HS Code to Avoid 38.7% Surprise Bills!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Counts β Optimize Your Supply Chain Today!
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.