## Common ground
All options refer to metal containers used for packaging, specifically those made from sheet metal.
## Options at a glance
**7310.2X – Made of iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed primarily from tin-coated steel (tinplate), offering durability and corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Food cans (e.g., canned beans, soda cans), cosmetic tins, industrial packaging.
- **Best fit when:** The container is made of steel with a thin tin coating, commonly used for food and beverage storage.
**7612.90 – Made of aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Fabricated from aluminium sheet, lighter and more corrosion-resistant than steel but less rigid.
- **Typical examples:** Beverage cans (e.g., soft drinks), foil-lined packaging, lightweight food containers.
- **Best fit when:** The container is lightweight, non-magnetic, and made entirely of aluminium without a tin coating.
## Key differences
| Feature | 7310.2X (Tinplate) | 7612.90 (Aluminium) |
|---------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------|
| Base material | Steel with tin coating | Pure aluminium |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Magnetic properties | Magnetic | Non-magnetic |
| Corrosion resistance| Moderate (depends on coating) | High |
## How to choose
- Is the container made of steel with a shiny, silvery tin coating? → 7310.2X
- Is it lightweight and non-magnetic, often used for drinks or snacks? → 7612.90
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A container may appear similar (e.g., both are used for beverages), but the material is decisive: tinplate is steel-based; aluminium is not. If the product has a visible tin coating or is magnetic, it belongs in 7310.2X. If it’s lightweight and non-magnetic, it likely fits 7612.90. No clear priority—choose based on material composition