HS 988037 Classified in Chapter 37
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS code 988037 enter the UK at N/A and the EU at N/A. This code is a placeholder indicating that the actual classification resides within Chapter 37 of the Harmonized System, which pertains to photographic or cinematographic goods. Importers and customs brokers must refer to the specific subheadings within Chapter 37 to determine the precise duty rates and any applicable regulations for items such as photographic film, plates, and paper, or equipment like cameras and projectors. According to CustomTariffs data, detailed tariff information for this specific placeholder code is not directly available, necessitating a deeper dive into the relevant Chapter 37 headings for accurate customs declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880370000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880370000 | — | — | — |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 988037 cover?
This subheading covers products classified within Chapter 37 of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature, which pertains to photographic and cinematographic goods. This includes, but is not limited to, photographic plates and film, photographic paper, and certain photographic chemicals. The World Customs Organization (WCO) HS Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on the scope of Chapter 37, ensuring consistent interpretation across member countries, and the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) further refines these classifications for U.S. import purposes.
What falls outside HS 988037?
The following products are excluded from HS 988037, even if they have a tangential relation to photography: finished photographic prints or albums for personal use (typically classified elsewhere based on their primary material), photographic equipment such as cameras and projectors (classified in Chapter 90), and raw materials or chemicals not specifically enumerated within Chapter 37. For instance, general-purpose paper or blank plastic sheets are not covered, and their classification would depend on their intended use and composition, often falling under Chapters 48 or 39 respectively.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988037?
A common error is misclassifying photographic chemicals that are not specifically listed in Chapter 37 or are intended for industrial processes rather than photographic development. For example, bulk industrial solvents might be mistakenly entered under this heading. Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 1, which emphasizes the Section and Chapter Notes, is crucial to avoid such errors and ensure the correct classification based on the essential character of the good.
How should importers classify products under HS 988037?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988037 involves a thorough review of the product's composition, intended use, and any accompanying technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC database, and cross-reference with the WCO HS Explanatory Notes. If uncertainty remains, seeking a binding ruling from the customs authority is the most prudent step to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988037?
A shipment of 100 rolls of photographic film, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for certain photographic films. The calculation is: 10% of $5,000 USD = $500.00. This rate applies to goods not eligible for preferential treatment under other trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988037?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 988037, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially offering reduced or Free duty rates. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's regulations.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for goods classified under HS code 988037 (Chapter 37)?
HS code 988037 is a placeholder or statistical code, not a product-specific tariff line. Chapter 37 of the Harmonized System covers 'Photographic or cinematographic goods.' Actual duty rates for specific photographic and cinematographic articles are found under their respective 6-digit HS codes within Chapter 37. For example, certain photographic plates might have a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem in the United States, as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact rate applicable to the precise product.
How is the duty calculated for items falling under Chapter 37, if HS 988037 is a general classification?
Duty calculation depends on the specific HS code assigned to the photographic or cinematographic product and the importing country's tariff. For instance, if a specific type of photographic film is subject to a 5% ad valorem duty and its declared value is $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $10,000 = $500. If the duty is based on a specific rate (e.g., $0.10 per kilogram), the calculation would be: $0.10/kg × 100 kg = $10. HS code 988037 itself does not have a duty rate; it points to the chapter where the specific product's tariff line resides.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under Chapter 37 (photographic/cinematographic goods)?
While HS 988037 is not a product code, importing goods under Chapter 37 generally requires a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific item (e.g., certain chemicals used in processing, or equipment subject to specific regulations), additional documentation might be needed. This could include certificates of origin, import licenses, or specific declarations regarding the content or nature of the photographic or cinematographic material. Always verify requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for goods classified in Chapter 37?
Yes, trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified within Chapter 37. For example, under the USMCA, certain photographic and cinematographic goods originating in Canada or Mexico may benefit from reduced or zero duties if they meet the agreement's rules of origin. Similarly, the EU has numerous trade agreements that could affect duties on these goods. Importers must ensure the goods meet the specific rules of origin criteria for the relevant trade agreement and provide the necessary proof of origin to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing between different photographic or cinematographic products within Chapter 37?
Classification within Chapter 37 depends on the specific nature of the product. Key criteria include: the type of material (e.g., paper, plastic, film base), whether it is exposed or unexposed, whether it is developed or undeveloped, its intended use (e.g., still photography, cinematography, medical imaging), and whether it is sensitized or not. For example, unexposed photographic film is classified differently from exposed cinematographic film. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System provide detailed guidance on distinguishing between these categories.