## Common ground
All options describe different types of number or licence plates based on material, technology, or function.
## Options at a glance
**3919,3920,3921,3926.90 – made of plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from plastic, commonly used for lightweight, cost-effective plates.
- **Typical examples:** Standard vehicle licence plates in many countries, temporary plates.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is non-metallic, flexible or rigid plastic, not electronic.
**4421.99 – made of wood**
- **Defining trait:** Crafted from wood, typically decorative or custom-made.
- **Typical examples:** Handmade vehicle plates, artistic or novelty plates.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is visibly wooden, carved or painted.
**6914.10 – made of porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay with a glazed, hard surface; often decorative.
- **Typical examples:** Antique-style plates, museum or collector items.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is ceramic-like, glossy, and fragile.
**6914.90 – made of ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay but not glazed; more utilitarian than porcelain.
- **Typical examples:** Industrial or rustic plates, non-glassy surface.
- **Best fit when:** The material feels coarse or unglazed, not shiny.
**7020.00 – made of glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent or translucent, often with etched or printed numbers.
- **Typical examples:** Glass licence plates used in some regions for visibility.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is see-through and shatter-resistant.
**8310.00 – made of base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from iron, steel, or other non-precious metals.
- **Typical examples:** Standard metal vehicle plates in most countries.
- **Best fit when:** The plate is metallic, rigid, and typically stamped.
**8531.20 – digital**
- **Defining trait:** Uses electronic display (e.g., LED or LCD) to show numbers.
- **Typical examples:** Electronic licence plates that change digits.
- **Best fit when:** The plate has a screen, battery, or digital interface.
**9405.6X – illuminated**
- **Defining trait:** Has built-in lighting (e.g., LED backlight) for visibility at night.
- **Typical examples:** Glow-in-the-dark or electrically lit plates.
- **Best fit when:** The plate emits light, especially in low-light conditions.
## Key differences
| Option | Material | Technology | Illumination | Use Case |
|-------|----------|------------|--------------|----------|
| 3919... | Plastic | None | No | Standard, low-cost |
| 4421.99 | Wood | None | No | Decorative |
| 6914.10 | Porcelain | None | No | Artistic |
| 6914.90 | Ceramic | None | No | Rustic/industrial |
| 7020.00 | Glass | None | No | High visibility |
| 8310.00 | Metal | None | No | Standard durable |
| 8531.20 | Any | Digital display | No (by default) | Dynamic, electronic |
| 9405.6X | Any | None | Yes | Night use |
## How to choose
- Is the plate made of plastic? → 3919...
- Is it made of wood or carved? → 4421.99
- Is it shiny, glazed, and fragile? → 6914.10
- Is it unglazed and coarse? → 6914.90
- Is it transparent or see-through? → 7020.00
- Is it metallic and rigid? → 8310.00
- Does it have a digital screen or changing numbers? → 8531.20
- Is it lit from within (e.g., LED)? → 9405.6X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A plate can be both **digital** and **illuminated** (e.g., electronic display with backlight), so both 8531.20 and 9405.6X may apply. If multiple traits fit, prioritize the **main function**: if it’s primarily electronic, use 8531.20; if lighting is key, use 9405.6X. No option is vague