Documentary shots, and films certified as such by the Central Board of Film Certification

Developed cinematographic film, documentary certified by CBFC

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 3706 90 20 (Documentary shots and films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under policy condition 1 of Chapter 37. Import is permitted subject to compliance with that policy condition at the bill-of-entry stage.

What this is

HSN code

3706 90 20

Chapter

37 · Photographic or cinematographic goods

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Policy condition declaration from DGFT
CBFC certification from CBFC

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that the imported film carries a valid Central Board of Film Certification certificate establishing documentary status before filing the bill of entry. Import is permitted under ITC (HS) policy condition 1 of Chapter 37, and the CBFC certification is the operative document establishing the HSN classification.
ITC (HS) import policy condition 1 of Chapter 37
2
Ensure the bill of entry reflects the CBFC-certified documentary classification and that all supporting documentation is available for customs examination. Absence of valid CBFC certification at the bill-of-entry stage may result in reclassification to a higher-duty or Restricted tariff line.
ITC (HS) import policy condition 1 of Chapter 37

A word of counsel

The classification of the film as a documentary certified by the Central Board of Film Certification is a condition precedent to the ITC (HS) permitted status under this tariff line — not a post-clearance formality. Importers who file bills of entry for developed cinematographic film without securing CBFC documentary certification in advance risk reclassification to an adjacent restricted CTI, attracting detention and potential confiscation of the consignment.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3706 90 20 require BIS certification?

No, developed cinematographic film falls outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under policy condition 1 of Chapter 37, conditioned on Central Board of Film Certification documentary status.

What does ITC (HS) policy condition 1 of Chapter 37 require for this tariff line?

Import is permitted provided the film is certified as documentary footage by the Central Board of Film Certification; the policy condition is satisfied by producing that certification at the bill-of-entry stage.

What happens if the CBFC documentary certification is not available at the time of import?

Without valid CBFC certification, the consignment does not meet the policy condition for the permitted ITC (HS) status under HSN 3706 90 20 and is liable to reclassification, detention, or refusal of out-of-charge by the proper officer.

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