Analysis
HTS 3701.20.00 covers instant print film under heading 3701 (photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed, of any material other…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 2 ten-digit suffixes, reported in number of items.
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 3.7%. The costliest confusion would be with 3701.99.60 (other: other) at duty-free, a difference of 3.7 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 3.7% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 37 (74th percentile of 37 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $370 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 13 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 3.7%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
For statistics it divides in two: 3701.20.00.30 for for color photography (polychrome) and 3701.20.00.60 for other. Both pay the same duty; the suffix records which kind was imported.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 25%, 6.8 times the general rate.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3701.10.00 | 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: for X-ray | 3.7% |
| 3701.30.00 | 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: other plates and film, with any side exceeding 255 mm | Free |
| 3701.91.00 | For color photography (polychrome) | 3.7% |
| 3701.99.30 | Other: dry plates | Free |
| 3701.99.60 | Other: other | Free |