## Common ground
All options describe decorative or functional letters, numbers, or designs made from different materials or technologies.
## Options at a glance
**3919,3920,3921,3926.90 – Made of plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed primarily from synthetic polymers (plastics).
- **Typical examples:** Plastic signs, lettering on banners, molded number plates.
- **Best fit when:** The item is lightweight, flexible, or mass-produced using injection molding.
**4421.99 – Made of wood**
- **Defining trait:** Crafted from natural wood or wood-based materials.
- **Typical examples:** Hand-carved signs, wooden numerals for decoration, wooden nameplates.
- **Best fit when:** The item has a natural grain appearance or is handcrafted.
**6914.10 – Made of porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Fired at high temperatures; hard, glossy, and often used in formal settings.
- **Typical examples:** Porcelain name plaques, decorative tiles with letters.
- **Best fit when:** The item is durable, non-porous, and has a refined, elegant finish.
**6914.90 – Made of ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Fired clay-based material; may be glazed or unglazed.
- **Typical examples:** Glazed wall signs, ceramic number tiles, artistic lettering.
- **Best fit when:** The item is decorative, hand-painted, or has a rustic or artisanal look.
**7020.00 – Made of glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent or translucent; often etched, printed, or coated.
- **Typical examples:** Glass name signs, illuminated lettering, frosted window decals.
- **Best fit when:** The item is clear, reflective, or used in display settings.
**8310.00 – Made of base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from iron, steel, aluminum, or other non-precious metals.
- **Typical examples:** Metal nameplates, industrial signage, engraved numbers.
- **Best fit when:** The item is strong, durable, and used in industrial or outdoor environments.
**8531.20 – Digital**
- **Defining trait:** Uses electronic display technology (e.g., LED, LCD) to show content.
- **Typical examples:** Electronic signs, digital clocks with numbers, animated displays.
- **Best fit when:** The item changes content dynamically or is powered by electricity.
**9405.6X – Illuminated**
- **Defining trait:** Emits light, either internally (LEDs) or via external sources.
- **Typical examples:** Neon-style signs, backlit lettering, illuminated storefront signs.
- **Best fit when:** The item is designed to be visible in low-light conditions.
## Key differences
| Option | Material | Technology | Light Output | Durability |
|-------|----------|------------|--------------|------------|
| 3919... | Plastic | None | No | Low–Medium |
| 4421.99 | Wood | None | No | Medium |
| 6914.10 | Porcelain | None | No | High |
| 6914.90 | Ceramic | None | No | High |
| 7020.00 | Glass | None | No | Medium–High |
| 8310.00 | Metal | None | No | Very high |
| 8531.20 | N/A | Digital display | No (unless combined) | Medium |
| 9405.6X | Varies | Light source | Yes | Varies |
## How to choose
- Is it made of plastic? → 3919,3920,3921,3926.90
- Is it made of wood? → 4421.99
- Is it porcelain or china? → 6914.10
- Is it ceramic (not porcelain)? → 6914.90
- Is it glass? → 7020.00
- Is it metal (non-precious)? → 8310.00
- Does it use electronic display technology? → 8531.20
- Is it lit up (internal or external light source)? → 9405.6X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A digital sign may also be illuminated (e.g., LED display) — prioritize **digital** if it changes content; otherwise, use **illuminated**.
- Glass or metal signs can be illuminated — define by primary function: **digital** > **illuminated** > material.
- “Ceramic” and “porcelain” are often confused; porcelain is a type of ceramic but harder and more vitrified. Use 6914.10 only for true porcelain.
- If multiple traits apply, choose based on the product’s **main function or defining feature**