## Common ground
All options are containers used for preserving or sterilising jars, regardless of material.
## Options at a glance
**3924.10 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from synthetic polymer, lightweight and often flexible.
- **Typical examples:** Food storage jars with plastic lids, reusable silicone-lined jars.
- **Best fit when:** Need lightweight, shatterproof, low-cost containers for home use.
**4419 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Made from natural wood; typically used in traditional or decorative applications.
- **Typical examples:** Wooden barrels for fermentation, rustic food storage boxes.
- **Best fit when:** Aesthetic or traditional preservation method (e.g., pickling in wooden barrels).
**6911.10 – Porcelain/China**
- **Defining trait:** Fired clay with a glossy, non-porous surface; high heat resistance and elegance.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative jars for spices or preserved fruits, antique storage vessels.
- **Best fit when:** High-end, decorative use where appearance matters more than function.
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Unglazed or glazed fired clay; durable and heat-resistant but heavier.
- **Typical examples:** Traditional pickle jars, fermentation crocks.
- **Best fit when:** Long-term storage or fermenting foods requiring moisture control.
**7010.90,7013.4X – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent, non-reactive, and excellent for visual inspection and sterilisation.
- **Typical examples:** Mason jars, canning jars, laboratory storage.
- **Best fit when:** Sterilisation via boiling, food preservation with visibility, or long-term storage.
**7323.9X – Iron/Steel**
- **Defining trait:** Metallic; strong and heat-conductive but prone to rust without coating.
- **Typical examples:** Enamel-coated steel canning pots, industrial sterilisation vessels.
- **Best fit when:** High-heat processing or industrial-scale preservation.
## Key differences
| Material | Transparency | Heat Resistance | Reactivity | Weight |
|--------------|--------------|------------------|------------|--------------|
| Plastic | Yes (clear) | Low | Moderate | Light |
| Wood | No | Medium | High | Medium |
| Porcelain | No | High | Low | Heavy |
| Ceramic | No | High | Low | Heavy |
| Glass | Yes | High | Very Low | Heavy |
| Iron/Steel | No | Very High | High | Very Heavy |
## How to choose
- Is the container transparent for monitoring contents? → 7010.90,7013.4X
- Does it need to withstand boiling or high heat? → 6911.10, 6912.00, 7323.9X, 7010.90
- Is it for industrial or large-scale use? → 7323.9X
- Is appearance or tradition important? → 4419, 6911.10
- Is lightweight and shatterproof needed? → 3924.10
## Overlaps & pitfalls
Glass (7010.90) and ceramic (6912.00) both resist heat and are non-reactive—choose based on transparency. Plastic may be mistaken for glass if clear, but lacks heat resistance. Iron/steel is often enamel-coated; if uncoated, it’s not suitable for food contact. If the product's **main function** is sterilisation or long-term preservation with visibility, prioritize glass