## Common ground
All options describe tongs used for handling food in kitchen or dining settings.
## Options at a glance
**3924.10 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from synthetic polymer (plastic), often lightweight and heat-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Silicone-tipped kitchen tongs, disposable plastic serving tongs.
- **Best fit when:** The product is non-metallic, flexible, or designed for single-use or low-heat cooking.
**4419 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Crafted from natural wood, often with a traditional or rustic appearance.
- **Typical examples:** Wooden salad tongs, bamboo serving tongs.
- **Best fit when:** The material is visibly natural, untreated, or used in eco-friendly or artisanal kitchenware.
**6911.10 – Porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay with a glazed, delicate finish; fragile and decorative.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative serving tongs for formal table settings.
- **Best fit when:** The product is ornamental, not intended for heavy use, and has a fine ceramic appearance.
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from non-metallic inorganic material fired at high temperatures; durable but brittle.
- **Typical examples:** Oven-safe ceramic tongs with heat-resistant handles.
- **Best fit when:** The product is robust, heat-resistant, and made of stoneware or similar ceramic.
**7013.10,7013.4X – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent or translucent, made from fused silica; fragile but visually striking.
- **Typical examples:** Clear glass tongs for serving salads or desserts.
- **Best fit when:** The product is see-through and used in presentation-focused settings.
**7114 – Incorporating jewellery or precious metal**
- **Defining trait:** Features gold, silver, gemstones, or metal cladding; primarily decorative.
- **Typical examples:** Luxury tongs with gold-plated handles or embedded crystals.
- **Best fit when:** The product is clearly a high-end accessory, not functional as primary kitchenware.
**8215 – Base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Made from iron, steel, aluminum, or other non-precious metals; durable and commonly used.
- **Typical examples:** Stainless steel tongs, cast iron serving tongs.
- **Best fit when:** The product is strong, heat-resistant, and designed for regular kitchen use.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Durability | Heat Resistance | Aesthetic Use |
|-------|----------------|------------|------------------|----------------|
| 3924.10 | Plastic | Low | Moderate | Functional |
| 4419 | Wood | Medium | Low-Moderate | Rustic/Traditional |
| 6911.10 | Porcelain | Low | High | Decorative |
| 6912.00 | Ceramic | High | High | Functional-Decorative |
| 7013.XX | Glass | Very Low | Moderate | Visual Appeal |
| 7114 | Precious Metal | Medium | High | Luxury/Decorative |
| 8215 | Base Metal | High | High | Practical |
## How to choose
- Is the material visibly plastic? → 3924.10
- Is it made from wood or bamboo? → 4419
- Is it glazed, fragile, and decorative? → 6911.10
- Is it solid ceramic (not porcelain), heat-resistant? → 6912.00
- Is it transparent or see-through? → 7013.10/7013.4X
- Does it contain gold, silver, or gemstones? → 7114
- Is it made of steel, aluminum, or iron? → 8215
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Glass and porcelain/ceramic** may look similar; glass is transparent, while porcelain is opaque.
- **Ceramic (6912.00)** and **porcelain (6911.10)** are both fired clay but differ in composition and use.
- **7114** applies only if precious metal or jewelry is a key feature—otherwise, base metal (8215) is correct.
- If multiple traits apply (e.g., stainless steel with gold plating), prioritize the **main function**: functional → 8215; decorative → 7114