## Common ground
All options describe blotting pads made from different materials, differing only in their primary composition.
## Options at a glance
**3926.10 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from synthetic plastic polymers (e.g., polyethylene, PVC).
- **Typical examples:** Disposable plastic blotting pads for ink or oil.
- **Best fit when:** The pad is flexible, waterproof, and used in industrial or lab settings.
**4205.00 – Leather or composition leather**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from genuine or synthetic leather (e.g., bonded leather).
- **Typical examples:** Luxury desk blotting pads, vintage-style writing accessories.
- **Best fit when:** The pad has a soft, durable surface with a premium feel and appearance.
**4420.90 – Wood, marquetry or inlaid wood**
- **Defining trait:** Made from solid wood or decorative wood layers; may be carved or inlaid.
- **Typical examples:** Ornamental wooden blotting pads on antique desks.
- **Best fit when:** The pad is part of a decorative, high-end furniture piece.
**4820.90 – Paper or paperboard**
- **Defining trait:** Made from absorbent paper materials; often disposable.
- **Typical examples:** Standard office blotting pads, blotter sheets for ink pens.
- **Best fit when:** The pad is thin, single-use, and designed for quick absorption.
**6914.10 – Porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired ceramic with a glazed surface; non-absorbent.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative porcelain blotting pads (rare).
- **Best fit when:** The pad is ornamental, not functional for absorption.
**6914.90 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay or ceramic material; may be unglazed or textured.
- **Typical examples:** Artistic or historical blotting pads with a rough surface.
- **Best fit when:** The pad is artistic, non-absorbent, and used as a display item.
**7114 – Incorporating jewellery, precious metal, etc.**
- **Defining trait:** Contains embedded precious metals, gemstones, or jewelry elements.
- **Typical examples:** Blotting pads with gold inlays or diamond accents.
- **Best fit when:** The pad is a luxury or collectible item, not primarily functional.
**8304.00 – Base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Made from non-precious metals like steel, aluminum, or brass.
- **Typical examples:** Metal-backed blotting pads with a textured surface.
- **Best fit when:** The pad has a metallic base for durability or design.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Absorbency | Durability | Primary Use |
|-------|----------------|------------|------------|--------------|
| 3926.10 | Plastic | Low | High | Industrial, disposable |
| 4205.00 | Leather | Medium | High | Premium, long-term use |
| 4420.90 | Wood | Low | Medium | Decorative |
| 4820.90 | Paper | High | Low | Office, single-use |
| 6914.10 | Porcelain | None | High | Ornamental |
| 6914.90 | Ceramic | None | High | Artistic |
| 7114 | Decorative metal/gem | N/A | High | Luxury/collectible |
| 8304.00 | Base metal | Low | High | Functional design |
## How to choose
- Is the pad made of paper or paperboard? → 4820.90
- Is it primarily plastic or synthetic? → 3926.10
- Does it feel like leather or have a bonded surface? → 4205.00
- Is it made of wood or decorative wood layers? → 4420.90
- Is it glazed ceramic or porcelain, non-absorbent? → 6914.10 or 6914.90
- Does it contain gold, silver, or gemstones? → 7114
- Is it made of steel, aluminum, or brass? → 8304.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A paper pad with a metal frame could fit both 4820.90 and 8304.00.
- Porcelain and ceramic pads are similar; use 6914.10 for glazed, 6914.90 for unglazed or textured.
- If multiple traits apply (e.g., paper with gold inlay), prioritize the **main function**: absorbency → 4820.90; luxury → 7114.
- No priority rule is specified—choose based on the product’s **primary purpose**