Photographic or cinematographic goods (chapter 37): which countries import it
Chapter 37 covers photographic and cinematographic goods: sensitised film, plates, paper and chemical preparations. Global imports exceed USD 8.2 billion…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 37 covers photographic and cinematographic goods: sensitised film, plates, paper and chemical preparations. Global imports exceed USD 8.2 billion annually, led by China, the US and South Korea. Spain exports to established markets in Europe and beyond; tariffs vary by destination and product type.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 37
- Sector
- Technology and Electronics
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 3,716,198,940 |
| United States | 1,572,401,256 |
| South Korea | 1,146,350,861 |
| Germany | 735,354,958 |
| Ireland | 689,026,699 |
| Netherlands | 488,875,585 |
| United Kingdom | 372,376,704 |
| France | 371,434,409 |
| Hong Kong SAR China | 348,553,427 |
| Singapore | 342,834,342 |
| Israel | 289,460,000 |
| Japan | 279,620,625 |
| Italy | 266,032,427 |
| Belgium | 242,885,760 |
| India | 237,980,635 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packsHeading 3701
- Photographic film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in rolls, sensitised, unexposedHeading 3702
- Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; sensitised, unexposedHeading 3703
- Photographic plates, film, paper, paperboard and textiles, exposed but not developedHeading 3704
- Photographic plates and film; exposed and developed, other than cinematographic filmHeading 3705
- Cinematographic film; exposed and developed, whether or not incorporating sound track or consisting only of sound trackHeading 3706
- Chemical preparations for photographic uses (other than varnishes, glues, adhesives and similar preparations); unmixed products for photographic uses, put up in measured portions or for retail saleHeading 3707
Trade fairs in this sector
- CES®
- embedded world Exhibition & Conference
- IFA Berlin
- Light + Building
- MWC Barcelona
What you need to know to export photographic goods
Chapter 37 products range from sensitised but unexposed film (headings 3701–3703) to developed photographs and cinematographic material (3705–3706), plus chemical preparations for photographic use (3707). Each heading has distinct technical specifications and end uses.
For instant print film and professional cinematographic stock, intellectual property and brand protection matter: counterfeit products are common in some markets. Verify your importer's authorisation status before shipment.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between headings 3705 and 3706?
Heading 3705 covers photographic plates and film that are exposed and developed, but not cinematographic—typically stills photography. Heading 3706 is for cinematographic film, whether it includes sound or not. The distinction matters for tariff classification and regulatory requirements in some markets.
How do I know which heading my product falls under?
Headings depend on three factors: whether the film or paper is sensitised or developed, whether it's for cinema or still photography, and the material (film, paper, textile). The list of headings in this chapter shows the legal distinctions. If in doubt, contact your chamber of commerce or a customs broker to confirm the code before export.
Bring this analysis to your product
Create your free account: Exporta.ai reads your website, detects your HS code and tells you which markets to export to, with official data.