Section VI · Products of the chemical or allied industries

Chapter 37: Photographic or cinematographic goods

Chapter 37 of the Harmonized System has 7 four-digit headings, from 37.01 to 37.07. Each heading is split further into six-digit subheadings, then into national 8- and 10-digit commodity codes.

Headings in chapter 37

HeadingDescription
37.01Photographic 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 packs
37.02Photographic film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in rolls, sensitised, unexposed
37.03Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles, sensitised, unexposed
37.04Photographic plates, film, paper, paperboard and textiles, exposed but not developed
37.05Photographic plates and film, exposed and developed, other than cinematographic film
37.06Cinematographic film, exposed and developed, whether or not incorporating soundtrack or consisting only of soundtrack
37.07Chemical preparations for photographic uses (other than varnishes, glues, adhesives and similar preparations); unmixed products for photographic uses, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use

Classifying goods in chapter 37

Start with the chapter and section notes: they are legally binding and often decide what is included or excluded. Then choose the heading whose wording best describes your product (GRI 1), and work down to the six-digit subheading before choosing the national commodity code.

The six-digit code is shared internationally. The UK and EU add digits for their own tariffs and statistics, and the US uses its own 10-digit HTS lines, so always confirm the final code in the tariff of the country you are importing into.

Official sources

Check chapter 37 in the UK Trade Tariff, the EU TARIC and the US HTS.