HSN code 3706 is the Customs Tariff heading for cinematographic film, exposed and developed, whether or not incorporating sound track or consisting only of sound track, in Chapter 37 (Photographic or cinematographic goods). Goods of this heading are taxed at 5% or 18%, depending on the exact description: 2 rate entries name this heading. Rates are from 9/2025-Central Tax (Rate), as amended, as of 2026-10-21.
GST rate entries for HSN 3706
These are the entries of the current GST rate notifications whose column (2) names heading 3706 or one of its sub-headings or tariff items. The description is the notification's own wording; the goods must match it for the rate to apply.
| HSN scope | Description of goods (notification wording) | GST | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3706 | Photographic plates and films, exposed and developed, whether or not incorporating sound track or consisting only of sound track, other than feature films | 5% | 9/2025-CT(R), Schedule I, S. No. 259 |
| 3706 | Cinematographic film, exposed and developed, whether or not incorporating sound track or consisting only of sound track | 18% | 9/2025-CT(R), Schedule II, S. No. 86 |
Goods of heading 3706 that do not match any description above fall under the residual entry, Schedule II S. No. 639 ("Goods which are not specified in Schedule I, III, IV, V, VI or VII"), at 18%, unless an "Any Chapter" entry or the nil-rated list of Notification 10/2025-Central Tax (Rate) covers them by description.
CGST, SGST and IGST split for HSN 3706
The rate notifications fix the central tax (CGST). State tax (SGST, or UTGST in a Union territory without a legislature) is levied at the same rate under the matching state notifications, and IGST on an inter-State supply equals the two together.
| Total GST | CGST | SGST / UTGST | IGST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 2.5% | 2.5% | 5% |
| 18% | 9% | 9% | 18% |
Worked example: a ₹1,000 sale under HSN 3706
- At 5%: taxable value ₹1,000.00. Within your state, CGST ₹25.00 + SGST ₹25.00 = ₹50.00, invoice total ₹1,050.00. To a buyer in another state, IGST ₹50.00, the same total.
- At 18%: taxable value ₹1,000.00. Within your state, CGST ₹90.00 + SGST ₹90.00 = ₹180.00, invoice total ₹1,180.00. To a buyer in another state, IGST ₹180.00, the same total.
For any other amount, the GST calculator gives the same split, and works backwards from a tax-inclusive price.
Choosing the right entry under 3706
Heading 3706 carries 2 different rates, so the 4-digit code alone does not tell you the tax. Read the description in column (3) of each entry against your goods, and where an entry names a sub-heading or tariff item (6 or 8 digits), compare your goods' full code. The more specific description wins over a general one under the rules of interpretation that the notification applies.
How to write HSN 3706 on an invoice
Notification 78/2020-Central Tax sets the number of HSN digits on a tax invoice by the aggregate turnover of the previous financial year. Up to ₹5 crore, print at least 4 digits (3706) on invoices to registered buyers; HSN may be left off invoices to unregistered buyers. Above ₹5 crore, print 6 digits on every tax invoice. Many sellers print the full 8-digit tariff item anyway, because it matches the shipping bill for exports and shows which entry you used, which matters for 3706 because its rate changes with the description.
Charge CGST and SGST when the buyer is in your state and IGST when the place of supply is another state. The invoice also needs your GSTIN, the buyer's GSTIN for B2B sales, the invoice number and date, the quantity, the taxable value and the tax at each rate. The HSN-wise summary in GSTR-1 is built from the same codes, so set the code once per item in your billing software. Make a one-off bill with the free GST invoice generator, or bill every day in FundRaksha Book, which stores the HSN and rate on each item and splits the tax for you.
Other headings in Chapter 37
Chapter 37 of the Customs Tariff is Photographic or cinematographic goods. This list has 7 of its headings, each with its own page. See all Chapter 37 headings.