## Common ground
All options describe sweat bands—headwear worn to absorb sweat during physical activity.
## Options at a glance
**3926.20 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from plastic, often rigid or molded.
- **Typical examples:** Hard plastic headbands with sweat-absorbing pads.
- **Best fit when:** The band is stiff, molded, or made of synthetic plastic without textile or rubber components.
**4016.99 – Vulcanised rubber (non-hard)**
- **Defining trait:** Made from soft, flexible vulcanised rubber, not hard rubber.
- **Typical examples:** Soft rubber sweatbands used in sports.
- **Best fit when:** The band is elastic and made entirely of rubber without textile or metal parts.
**5609.00 – Rubber core with man-made yarns**
- **Defining trait:** Features a rubber core wrapped in synthetic braided yarns.
- **Typical examples:** Sweatbands with stretchy, textured outer layer over a rubber core.
- **Best fit when:** The band has a visible braided or woven synthetic cover over a rubber core.
**6117.80 – Knitted textile**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed using knitted fabric, typically soft and stretchy.
- **Typical examples:** Stretchy, breathable headbands made from polyester or cotton knit.
- **Best fit when:** The band is made of woven or knitted fabric with no rubber core.
**6217.10 – Non-knitted textile**
- **Defining trait:** Made from woven or non-knitted fabric (e.g., felt, terry cloth).
- **Typical examples:** Sweatbands from cotton fabric, felt, or terry toweling.
- **Best fit when:** The material is flat, non-stretchy, and not knitted.
**9505.90 – Festive/entertainment use**
- **Defining trait:** Designed for costumes, events, or fun purposes (not functional sweat absorption).
- **Typical examples:** Halloween headbands, samba feather headbands, themed hair scrunchies.
- **Best fit when:** The product is clearly decorative, not intended for athletic use.
**9615.1X – Base metals**
- **Defining trait:** Made from metal (e.g., aluminum, steel), often with a rigid structure.
- **Typical examples:** Metal headbands with sweat-absorbing pads or clips.
- **Best fit when:** The band has a metallic frame or base.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Construction | Primary Use | Flexibility |
|-------|----------------|--------------|--------------|-------------|
| 3926.20 | Plastic | Molded | Functional | Rigid |
| 4016.99 | Rubber | Solid | Functional | Flexible |
| 5609.00 | Rubber + synthetic yarn | Braided wrap | Functional | Stretchy |
| 6117.80 | Knitted textile | Knit | Functional | Elastic |
| 6217.10 | Woven textile | Flat fabric | Functional | Low stretch |
| 9505.90 | Mixed (non-functional) | Decorative | Entertainment | Varies |
| 9615.1X | Metal | Rigid frame | Functional/Decorative | Rigid |
## How to choose
- Is it made of plastic? → 3926.20
- Is it soft rubber without fabric or metal? → 4016.99
- Does it have a rubber core wrapped in braided synthetic yarn? → 5609.00
- Is it knitted (stretchy, looped fabric)? → 6117.80
- Is it woven or flat textile (not knitted)? → 6217.10
- Is it for Halloween, carnival, or costume use? → 9505.90
- Does it contain base metal (e.g., aluminum, steel)? → 9615.1X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A sweat band with a metal frame and fabric cover could fit both 6117.80 and 9615.1X.
- A knitted band with rubber core might overlap 6117.80 and 5609.00.
- **Priority:** Choose based on the product’s MAIN function—functional (sweat absorption) vs. decorative. If unclear, use the dominant material or construction