## Common ground
All options are types of sign, name, address, or similar plates used for identification or information.
## Options at a glance
**3919,3920,3921,3926.90 – Made of plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from synthetic polymer materials (e.g., PVC, acrylic).
- **Typical examples:** Plastic name tags, outdoor address signs, durable indoor labels.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is lightweight, flexible, or molded; not metal, wood, or glass.
**4421.99 – Made of wood**
- **Defining trait:** Crafted from natural wood or wood-based composites.
- **Typical examples:** Wooden house numbers, rustic name plaques, carved signs.
- **Best fit when:** The material is visibly wooden, with grain texture and organic feel.
**4911.10 – Sign plates in the form of printed trade advertising material**
- **Defining trait:** Primarily used for marketing or promotional messaging; often mass-printed.
- **Typical examples:** Store window signs, product display cards, promotional banners.
- **Best fit when:** The plate’s main purpose is advertising, not identification.
**6914.10 – Made of porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Fired ceramic with a glossy, hard surface; often decorative.
- **Typical examples:** Porcelain house numbers, vintage-style name plates, art pieces.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is glazed, brittle, and has a high-end aesthetic.
**6914.90 – Made of ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Non-glossy or unglazed fired clay; less refined than porcelain.
- **Typical examples:** Handmade ceramic plaques, rustic wall signs, industrial markers.
- **Best fit when:** The material is earthenware-like, porous, or matte.
**7020.00 – Made of glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent or translucent; often etched, printed, or coated.
- **Typical examples:** Glass name plates, window signs, display labels.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is clear, reflective, or has a smooth, hard surface.
**8310.00 – Made of base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from iron, steel, aluminum, or other non-precious metals.
- **Typical examples:** Metal house numbers, industrial name tags, durable signage.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is metallic, heavy, and corrosion-resistant.
**8531.20 – Digital**
- **Defining trait:** Uses electronic display technology (e.g., LED, LCD) to show dynamic content.
- **Typical examples:** Electronic room signs, digital address displays, variable message boards.
- **Best fit when:** The plate changes text or images electronically.
**9405.6X – Illuminated**
- **Defining trait:** Has built-in lighting (LEDs, bulbs) to be visible in the dark.
- **Typical examples:** Nighttime address signs, illuminated name plates, safety exit signs.
- **Best fit when:** The plate glows or is lit from within.
## Key differences
| Option | Material | Display Type | Primary Use | Lighting |
|-------|----------|--------------|-------------|----------|
| 3919–3926.90 | Plastic | Static | General identification | No |
| 4421.99 | Wood | Static | Decorative/organic | No |
| 4911.10 | Paper/ink | Static | Advertising | No |
| 6914.10 | Porcelain | Static | Aesthetic/long-lasting | No |
| 6914.90 | Ceramic | Static | Handmade/industrial | No |
| 7020.00 | Glass | Static | Clear/reflective | No |
| 8310.00 | Base metal | Static | Durable/industrial | No |
| 8531.20 | Electronic | Dynamic | Variable info | No (but may include light) |
| 9405.6X | Any | Static or dynamic | Visibility in dark | Yes |
## How to choose
- Is the plate made of plastic? → 3919–3926.90
- Is it made of wood? → 4421.99
- Is it primarily for advertising? → 4911.10
- Is it porcelain or china (glazed, hard)? → 6914.10
- Is it ceramic (earthenware-like, matte)? → 6914.90
- Is it glass (transparent, smooth)? → 7020.00
- Is it metal (iron, steel, aluminum)? → 8310.00
- Does it show changing text/images electronically? → 8531.20
- Is it lit from within or glowing at night? → 9405.6X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A **digital illuminated plate** (e.g., LED display with backlight) could fit both **8531.20** and **9405.6X**.
- A **printed plastic sign** may seem like 4911.10, but if it's not advertising-focused, use **3919–3926.90**.
- If multiple traits apply, choose based on the **main function**: identification vs. advertising vs. illumination vs. digital display