Photographic plates, film, paper, paperboard and textiles; exposed but not developed

HS code 370400 covers a diverse range of photographic materials, including plates, film, paper, paperboard, and textiles that have been exposed but not yet developed. This industry plays a crucial role in the broader photography and imaging sector, providing the essential raw materials and substrates required for capturing and preserving visual information. As digital photography continues to evolve, the demand for these specialized photographic products remains strong, particularly in fields such as scientific research, medical imaging, and fine art photography.

The production of photographic materials under HS code 370400 typically involves a series of complex chemical and mechanical processes. Raw materials, such as silver halide compounds, are coated onto various substrates like glass, plastic, or paper. These coated materials are then exposed to light, creating a latent image. Further processing, including chemical development, fixing, and washing, is required to transform the latent image into a visible, permanent photograph.

The main inputs for the production of photographic materials under HS code 370400 include silver halide compounds, photographic emulsions, various plastic and paper substrates, as well as specialized machinery for coating, exposing, and processing the materials. Additionally, the industry relies on a range of chemical solutions, such as developers, fixers, and stabilizers, to ensure the proper development and preservation of the photographic images.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 370400 are photographic plates, film, paper, paperboard, and textiles that have been exposed but not yet developed. These materials are then consumed by a variety of downstream industries, including 370110 Photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitized, unexposed of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles, 370190 Photographic plates, film, paper, paperboard and textiles, exposed and developed, and 370210 Photographic film in rolls, sensitized, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles.