## Common ground
Both are physical business cards used for professional identification, but differ in material and construction.
## Options at a glance
**4911.99 – Paper-based**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from paper or paperboard, typically printed using standard inkjet, laser, or offset methods.
- **Typical examples:** Standard office business cards, glossy cardstock cards, embossed paper cards.
- **Best fit when:** The card is thin, flexible, and made from paper-based material with printed text/images.
**8310.00 – Metal-based**
- **Defining trait:** Made from base metals (e.g., aluminum, steel) and often laser-engraved or etched rather than printed.
- **Typical examples:** Thin aluminum business cards, stainless steel name badges, metallic table signs with engraved contact info.
- **Best fit when:** The card is rigid, metallic in feel, and has a durable, industrial appearance.
## Key differences
| Feature | 4911.99 (Paper) | 8310.00 (Metal) |
|------------------|------------------------|--------------------------|
| Material | Paper/paperboard | Base metal (e.g., steel, aluminum) |
| Durability | Low to moderate | High |
| Production | Printing | Engraving/laser etching |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Rigid |
## How to choose
- Is the card made of paper or paperboard? → 4911.99
- Is it made of metal (e.g., aluminum, steel) and rigid? → 8310.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A card could be both metal and printed (e.g., a metal card with printed text), but the **primary material** determines classification. If the base is metal, it belongs in 8310.00 even if printed. The key is whether the card’s core structure is paper or metal—choose based on the **main structural material**, not secondary features like printing