## Common ground
All options are types of eye baths based on the material they are made from.
## Options at a glance
**3924.90 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from synthetic plastic, typically lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Disposable or reusable plastic eye wash stations used in labs or clinics.
- **Best fit when:** The product is lightweight, non-metallic, and likely intended for single-use or low-cost reuse.
**6911.90 – Porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay with a glazed, non-porous surface; often decorative or traditional.
- **Typical examples:** Antique or vintage eye baths in medical museums or historical settings.
- **Best fit when:** The item is ceramic, glazed, and has a classic or ornamental appearance.
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay, but not necessarily glazed; may be more utilitarian than porcelain.
- **Typical examples:** Simple, unglazed earthenware-style eye baths used in older medical practices.
- **Best fit when:** The material is clay-based, porous, and lacks a glossy finish.
**7324.90 – Iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from ferrous metal; may be prone to rust unless coated.
- **Typical examples:** Heavy-duty industrial eye baths in factories or workshops.
- **Best fit when:** The product is metallic, heavy, and built for durability in harsh environments.
**7418.20 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from copper, which resists corrosion and has antimicrobial properties.
- **Typical examples:** High-end or specialized eye baths in medical facilities with hygiene focus.
- **Best fit when:** The product is visibly copper-colored and used where sanitation is critical.
**7615.20 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and often anodized for durability.
- **Typical examples:** Modern, portable eye baths in labs or field medical units.
- **Best fit when:** The product is light, shiny, and used in mobile or sensitive environments.
**7907.00 – Zinc**
- **Defining trait:** Made from zinc; less common, often used for protective coatings or specialized applications.
- **Typical examples:** Rare, possibly coated or alloyed eye baths; not typical for medical use.
- **Best fit when:** The product is clearly made of zinc (e.g., bluish-gray, heavy, with a distinct metallic smell).
## Key differences
| Material | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Common Use Case | Appearance |
|--------------|----------|------------------------|------------------------|--------------------|
| Plastic | Light | High | Disposable/low-cost | Translucent/colorful |
| Porcelain | Medium | Very high | Historical/ornamental | Glazed, white |
| Ceramic | Medium | Moderate | Traditional | Unglazed, earthy |
| Iron/Steel | Heavy | Low (unless coated) | Industrial | Dark, metallic |
| Copper | Medium | High | Hygiene-focused | Reddish-brown |
| Aluminium | Light | High | Portable/mobility | Shiny, silver |
| Zinc | Heavy | Moderate | Specialized/niche | Bluish-gray |
## How to choose
- Is it made of plastic? → 3924.90
- Is it glazed and white, like old porcelain? → 6911.90
- Is it unglazed and earthy-looking? → 6912.00
- Is it heavy and dark metallic? → 7324.90
- Is it reddish-brown and shiny? → 7418.20
- Is it light, silver, and shiny? → 7615.20
- Is it bluish-gray and unusually heavy? → 7907.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Porcelain (6911.90) and ceramic (6912.00) may overlap; porcelain is a type of ceramic, but glazed vs. unglazed is key.
- Copper and aluminum can look similar when polished—check color and weight.
- Zinc is rare; if unsure, avoid 7907.00 unless confirmed.
- No priority rule given—choose based on the **main material** and **most distinctive trait** (e.g., glazing, color, weight)