## Common ground
All options are bed pans made from different solid, non-metallic or metallic materials.
## Options at a glance
**3924.90 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from synthetic polymer (plastic), typically lightweight and disposable or reusable.
- **Typical examples:** Disposable plastic bed pan, reusable polypropylene pan.
- **Best fit when:** Lightweight, low cost, or single-use needs.
**4016.99 – Rubber**
- **Defining trait:** Made from natural or synthetic rubber; flexible and often used in medical settings.
- **Typical examples:** Flexible rubber bed pan, foldable rubber pan.
- **Best fit when:** Flexibility or portability is needed (e.g., for transport or storage).
**6911.90 – Porcelain or China**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay with a glazed surface; non-porous and durable.
- **Typical examples:** Traditional porcelain bed pan, hospital-grade china pan.
- **Best fit when:** High hygiene, durability, and aesthetic quality are required.
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Similar to porcelain but may include unglazed or semi-vitreous types; often heavier.
- **Typical examples:** Heavy-duty ceramic bed pan, decorative medical-use ceramic.
- **Best fit when:** Durable, heat-resistant, or traditional use (e.g., in older hospitals).
**7017 – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent, non-porous, and easy to clean; fragile.
- **Typical examples:** Clear glass bed pan, medical-grade transparent pan.
- **Best fit when:** Visibility of contents or sterilization is critical.
**7324.90 – Iron or Steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from ferrous metal; heavy and very durable.
- **Typical examples:** Heavy steel bed pan, industrial-grade metal pan.
- **Best fit when:** Long-term use in high-demand environments (e.g., military or emergency care).
**7418.20 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from copper; antimicrobial properties but rare and expensive.
- **Typical examples:** Antimicrobial copper bed pan (rare, experimental).
- **Best fit when:** Specialized use where antimicrobial surface is a priority.
**7615.20 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight metal with good corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Lightweight aluminum bed pan, portable medical pan.
- **Best fit when:** Need for light weight and durability in transport or mobility settings.
## Key differences
| Material | Weight | Durability | Hygiene (non-porous) | Common Use Case |
|--------------|---------|------------|------------------------|--------------------------|
| Plastic | Light | Low–Medium | Yes | Disposable, home use |
| Rubber | Light | Medium | Yes | Flexible, portable |
| Porcelain | Heavy | High | Yes | Hospitals, hygiene focus |
| Ceramic | Heavy | High | Yes (glazed) | Traditional, durable |
| Glass | Medium | Low (fragile)| Yes | Visibility, sterilization|
| Iron/Steel | Very heavy | Very high | Yes | Industrial, long-term |
| Copper | Medium | Medium | Yes (antimicrobial) | Experimental, niche |
| Aluminium | Light | High | Yes | Mobility, transport |
## How to choose
- Is the pan intended for single use or disposal? → 3924.90
- Does it need to be flexible or foldable? → 4016.99
- Is it used in a hospital with high hygiene standards and durability needs? → 6911.90 or 6912.00
- Do you need to see the contents clearly? → 7017
- Is it for heavy-duty, long-term use? → 7324.90 or 7615.20
- Is antimicrobial property a key feature? → 7418.20
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Porcelain (6911.90) and ceramic (6912.00) are similar; porcelain is a type of ceramic, so overlap exists. Use 6911.90 for glazed, high-quality types.
- Glass (7017) and metal pans may both be non-porous but differ in fragility vs. strength.
- Copper (7418.20) is rare; most "copper" bed pans are likely not standard—verify actual material.
- No clear priority: choose based on the product’s **main function** (e.g., hygiene, portability, durability)