Audio-visual news or audio-visual views materials including news clippings

Exposed developed cinematographic film, audio-visual news materials

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 3706 10 91 (Audio-visual news or audio-visual views materials including news clippings) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), with import permitted subject to policy condition 1 of Chapter 37. No additional sectoral PGA clearance is mandated beyond the DGFT policy overlay at the bill-of-entry stage.

What this is

HSN code

3706 10 91

Chapter

37 · Photographic or cinematographic goods

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 37, policy condition 1

Customs documentation

Policy condition declaration from DGFT
Import compliance documentation from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the import satisfies policy condition 1 of Chapter 37 of the ITC (HS) Schedule before filing the bill of entry. Non-compliance with the stated policy condition renders the consignment liable to detention and refusal of out-of-charge by the proper officer.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 37, policy condition 1
2
Ensure all required documentation demonstrating compliance with the Chapter 37 policy condition is uploaded in e-Sanchit prior to filing. The proper officer will verify documentary compliance before granting out-of-charge.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 37, policy condition 1

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that 35 mm or wider cinematographic film used for audio-visual news materials is freely importable without reference to the ITC (HS) Chapter 37 policy condition. Policy condition 1 of Chapter 37 is a binding restriction at the bill of entry; consignments presented without documentation satisfying that condition are detained pending a DGFT clarification, which can trigger significant demurrage and ground rent at the port of import.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3706 10 91 require BIS certification?

No, exposed and developed cinematographic film is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed solely by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with import permitted subject to policy condition 1 of Chapter 37.

What does policy condition 1 of Chapter 37 require at the bill of entry?

The regulatory record records the condition as operative but does not reproduce its full text; importers should consult the current ITC (HS) Schedule, Chapter 37, policy condition 1 and confirm documentary compliance with DGFT before shipment.

Does the width threshold of 35 mm affect the applicable policy condition?

Yes. HSN 3706 10 91 sits within the 35 mm or more width subheading; film of narrower width falls under a separate 8-digit line and its own policy overlay, so correct width declaration on the bill of entry is essential to avoid misclassification.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.