## Common ground
All options are furniture fire screens classified under HS Code 9403, differing only in material composition.
## Options at a glance
**9403.20 – Base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed primarily from iron, steel, or other metallic alloys.
- **Typical examples:** Iron grilles, steel mesh screens, welded metal frames.
- **Best fit when:** The screen is heavy-duty, heat-resistant, and designed for industrial or high-heat settings.
**9403.60 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Made from solid or laminated wood, often finished for aesthetic appeal.
- **Typical examples:** Carved wooden screens, rustic-style fireplace guards.
- **Best fit when:** The screen emphasizes traditional design, home décor, or natural material use.
**9403.70 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from synthetic polymers like polypropylene or polycarbonate.
- **Typical examples:** Lightweight, molded plastic screens; transparent or colored panels.
- **Best fit when:** The screen is lightweight, low-cost, or intended for temporary use.
**9403.82 – Bamboo**
- **Defining trait:** Made from bamboo, a fast-growing grass with natural strength and flexibility.
- **Typical examples:** Woven bamboo screens, eco-friendly fireplace guards.
- **Best fit when:** The product emphasizes sustainability, Asian-inspired design, or natural texture.
**9403.83 – Rattan**
- **Defining trait:** Crafted from rattan, a tropical vine known for durability and pliability.
- **Typical examples:** Woven rattan screens, beach-house style fire guards.
- **Best fit when:** The screen has a woven, organic look and is used in casual or tropical interiors.
**9403.89 – Other materials (cane, osier, etc.)**
- **Defining trait:** Made from natural fibers like cane, willow (osier), or similar pliable plant materials.
- **Typical examples:** Woven cane screens, handcrafted garden-style guards.
- **Best fit when:** The material is not wood, bamboo, or rattan but still a natural fiber used in weaving.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Texture/Structure | Common Use Case |
|--------------|---------------------|------------------------|--------------------------|
| 9403.20 | Metal (base) | Rigid, solid | Industrial, high heat |
| 9403.60 | Wood | Solid, carved | Home décor, traditional |
| 9403.70 | Plastic | Molded, lightweight | Temporary, budget use |
| 9403.82 | Bamboo | Natural, woven | Eco-friendly, modern |
| 9403.83 | Rattan | Woven, flexible | Tropical, casual style |
| 9403.89 | Other fibers (cane) | Woven, pliable | Handcrafted, rustic |
## How to choose
- Is the screen made of metal? → 9403.20
- Is it primarily wood? → 9403.60
- Is it plastic or molded synthetic? → 9403.70
- Is it made from bamboo? → 9403.82
- Is it made from rattan? → 9403.83
- Is it woven from cane, osier, or similar natural fiber? → 9403.89
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlaps:** Bamboo and rattan may be confused; both are natural fibers used in weaving. However, bamboo is a grass, rattan a vine—distinct materials.
- **Pitfalls:** "Other materials" (9403.89) includes cane and osier but excludes bamboo/rattan, which have dedicated codes. If unsure, check if the material is explicitly listed elsewhere.
- **Priority rule:** Use the most specific material code. If the product is made of bamboo, use 9403.82—not 9403.89—even if it’s woven