## Common ground
All options are types of cosmetic cups defined by their material composition.
## Options at a glance
**3924.90 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from synthetic polymer materials like polyethylene or polypropylene.
- **Typical examples:** Disposable makeup containers, shampoo sample cups, plastic beauty jars.
- **Best fit when:** The cup is lightweight, flexible, or molded with a smooth surface typical of plastic.
**4419 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed entirely from solid wood without inlays or decorative layers.
- **Typical examples:** Hand-carved wooden soap dishes, rustic facial cleanser holders.
- **Best fit when:** The cup is made from natural wood with visible grain and no added materials.
**4420.90 – Wood, marquetry or inlaid wood**
- **Defining trait:** Features decorative wood patterns or inlays (e.g., different colored woods).
- **Typical examples:** Ornate cosmetic boxes with intricate wood designs, luxury vanity trays.
- **Best fit when:** The cup has visible artistic wood inlays or layered patterns.
**4823.6X – Paper or paperboard**
- **Defining trait:** Made from paper-based materials, often recyclable and disposable.
- **Typical examples:** Kraft paper makeup sample cups, cardboard cosmetic organizers.
- **Best fit when:** The cup is thin-walled, foldable, or made from layered paper.
**6911.90 – Porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fine ceramic fired at high temperatures; glossy and brittle.
- **Typical examples:** Elegant facial cream jars, porcelain makeup compacts.
- **Best fit when:** The cup is hard, white, translucent, and has a glazed finish.
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from clay-based materials, often unglazed or matte; less refined than porcelain.
- **Typical examples:** Handmade terracotta cosmetic bowls, rustic skincare jars.
- **Best fit when:** The cup has a rougher texture, earthy color, and is not glazed.
**7013.2X – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent or translucent, made from silica-based material; breakable but reusable.
- **Typical examples:** Glass serum bottles, clear makeup containers.
- **Best fit when:** The cup is see-through and has a smooth, hard surface.
**7323.9X – Iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from metal; typically durable, heavy, and non-porous.
- **Typical examples:** Stainless steel facial scrub containers, vintage metal cosmetic tins.
- **Best fit when:** The cup is metallic, magnetic, and feels heavy.
## Key differences
| Material | Texture/Feel | Transparency | Durability | Decorative Features |
|----------------|------------------|--------------|------------|---------------------|
| Plastic | Smooth, flexible | Varies | Moderate | Minimal |
| Wood | Natural grain | Opaque | Low | None |
| Inlaid wood | Patterned | Opaque | Medium | High (artistic) |
| Paperboard | Thin, crinkly | Opaque | Low | Minimal |
| Porcelain | Hard, glossy | Translucent | High | Smooth finish |
| Ceramic | Rough, matte | Opaque | Medium | Minimal |
| Glass | Smooth, hard | Transparent | High | None |
| Iron/Steel | Cold, heavy | Opaque | Very high | Minimal |
## How to choose
1. Is it made of plastic? → 3924.90
2. Is it made of wood with visible grain but no inlays? → 4419
3. Does it have decorative wood inlays or patterns? → 4420.90
4. Is it paper-based and thin/foldable? → 4823.6X
5. Is it white, glossy, and see-through? → 6911.90
6. Is it earthy-colored, matte, and clay-like? → 6912.00
7. Is it transparent and hard? → 7013.2X
8. Is it metallic, heavy, and magnetic? → 7323.9X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A **porcelain cup with a wood base** could fit both 6911.90 and 4419; prioritize the dominant material.
- **Glass and ceramic** may look similar; glass is transparent, ceramic opaque.
- **Paperboard vs. plastic**: Thin, flimsy = paper; flexible, durable = plastic.
- If multiple materials are used, choose based on the **main structural material** or **primary function**