## Common ground
All options are floor-standing filing cabinets made for storing documents, differing only in material.
## Options at a glance
**9403.10 – Base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed primarily from steel, iron, or other base metals.
- **Typical examples:** Steel file cabinets with welded frames and metal drawers.
- **Best fit when:** Durability, security, or industrial use is prioritized.
**9403.30 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Made from solid wood or wood-based panels (e.g., plywood).
- **Typical examples:** Wooden filing cabinets with veneer finishes, often used in offices or homes.
- **Best fit when:** Aesthetic appeal, traditional look, or natural material preference is key.
**9403.70 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Primarily made from synthetic plastics (e.g., polypropylene, ABS).
- **Typical examples:** Lightweight, stackable plastic file cabinets for temporary or light-duty use.
- **Best fit when:** Low weight, resistance to moisture, or low cost is important.
**9403.82 – Bamboo**
- **Defining trait:** Made from bamboo, a fast-growing grass used as a sustainable wood substitute.
- **Typical examples:** Eco-friendly filing cabinets with natural bamboo finishes.
- **Best fit when:** Sustainability, eco-conscious design, or unique natural texture is desired.
**9403.83 – Rattan**
- **Defining trait:** Crafted from rattan, a tropical vine used in woven furniture.
- **Typical examples:** Handwoven rattan file cabinets with openwork sides and organic style.
- **Best fit when:** Decorative, artisanal, or tropical-themed interiors are intended.
**9403.89 – Other materials**
- **Defining trait:** Made from non-metal, non-wood, non-plastic materials like cane, osier, or similar natural fibers.
- **Typical examples:** Woven cane cabinets, willow baskets with filing functionality.
- **Best fit when:** The material is not metal, wood, plastic, bamboo, or rattan, but still natural and flexible.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Durability | Sustainability | Aesthetic Style |
|--------|----------------|------------|----------------|------------------|
| 9403.10 | Metal | High | Medium | Industrial |
| 9403.30 | Wood | Medium-High | Low-Medium | Classic, warm |
| 9403.70 | Plastic | Low-Medium | Low | Modern, minimal |
| 9403.82 | Bamboo | Medium | High | Eco, natural |
| 9403.83 | Rattan | Low | High | Artisanal, tropical |
| 9403.89 | Cane/osier/fiber | Low | Very high | Handcrafted, openwork |
## How to choose
- Is the cabinet made of steel or iron? → 9403.10
- Is it made of solid wood or wood panels? → 9403.30
- Is it primarily plastic (e.g., molded or lightweight)? → 9403.70
- Is it made from bamboo? → 9403.82
- Is it woven from rattan? → 9403.83
- Is it made from cane, osier, or similar flexible natural fibers? → 9403.89
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Bamboo and rattan may be confused with wood; however, bamboo is a grass, rattan a vine—both are distinct under HS codes.
- Plastic cabinets may resemble wood or metal in appearance but are defined by material composition.
- No option overlaps significantly if material is correctly identified.
- If unsure, prioritize the **main structural material** over finish or decorative elements