Photographic plates and film in the flat — HTS 3701
Photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, whether or not in packs
Chapter 37 › Heading 3701
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 3701 is a four-digit product category for sensitized, unexposed photographic plates and film that are in the flat form. It generally covers products made from materials other than paper, paperboard, or textiles, as well as certain instant print film in the flat form, whether or not it is packaged in packs.
The heading is only the starting point. To select the specific 8-digit HTSUS code, follow the subheadings that distinguish the product by characteristics such as the film or plate material, photographic use or type, dimensions, and whether it is instant film or another product covered by the heading. Read all subordinate descriptions and notes, because the correct code depends on the product as imported, not just its marketing name.
What to check
- Confirm that the item is flat, sensitized, and unexposed when imported; exposed film or finished prints may belong elsewhere.
- Identify the base material and product type, such as photographic film, a plate, or instant print film, and compare them with the subheading descriptions.
- Check the product’s dimensions, intended use, packaging, and technical specifications against the requirements of the candidate 8-digit codes.
- Exclude products whose support is paper, paperboard, or textiles unless the tariff text specifically directs otherwise.
- Keep product literature, supplier specifications, and photographs available, and ask a customs broker or classification specialist to review any borderline case.
HTS heading 3701 summary
Photographic plates and film in the flat is a 4-digit product category containing 3 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3701.10.00 👉 | For X-ray | 3.7% | Free | 25% |
| 3701.20.00 👉 | Instant print film | 3.7% | Free | 25% |
| 3701.30.00.00 👉 | Other plates and film, with any side exceeding 255 mm | Free | — | 25% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 3701?
Photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, whether or not in packs. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.