## Common ground
All options describe snuff boxes based on their primary material or decorative features.
## Options at a glance
**4202.9X – Leather or composite materials**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from leather, plastic sheeting, textiles, vulcanized fibre, or paperboard, or covered with such materials.
- **Typical examples:** A leather-bound snuff box with fabric lining; a plastic-covered cardboard box.
- **Best fit when:** The box is soft, flexible, or made from layered non-rigid materials.
**4420.90 – Wood, marquetry, or inlaid wood**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from solid wood or decorative wood layers (marquetry/inlay).
- **Typical examples:** A carved walnut snuff box; a box with intricate wood inlays.
- **Best fit when:** The main structure is wood-based, even if decorated.
**6802.2X,6802.9X – Stone**
- **Defining trait:** Made from natural stone (e.g., marble, slate).
- **Typical examples:** A carved granite snuff box; a polished limestone case.
- **Best fit when:** The material is hard, heavy, and visibly mineral-based.
**6913.10 – Porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired ceramic with a vitreous (glass-like) surface.
- **Typical examples:** A fine porcelain snuff box with painted decoration.
- **Best fit when:** The material is smooth, white, and translucent when held to light.
**6913.90 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay, but not vitrified (less glossy, more porous).
- **Typical examples:** A rustic earthenware snuff box; a hand-fired clay case.
- **Best fit when:** The material feels coarse or unglazed, unlike porcelain.
**7113 – With jewellery, precious metal, or gold-plated metal**
- **Defining trait:** Contains or is clad in precious metals (gold, silver) or gemstones.
- **Typical examples:** A gold-plated snuff box with a diamond inlay; a silver-mounted case.
- **Best fit when:** The item has significant value due to precious materials.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Surface Finish | Durability | Decorative Value |
|--------|---------------------|--------------------|------------|------------------|
| 4202.9X | Flexible/soft | Varies | Low | Medium |
| 4420.90 | Solid wood | Smooth, carved | High | High |
| 6802.2X,6802.9X | Stone | Hard, polished | Very high | High |
| 6913.10 | Porcelain/china | Glossy, vitrified | Medium | Very high |
| 6913.90 | Ceramic (earthenware)| Matte, porous | Low | Medium |
| 7113 | Precious metals/gems| Shiny, ornate | High | Very high |
## How to choose
- Is the box made of wood or inlaid wood? → 4420.90
- Is it made of stone (e.g., marble, slate)? → 6802.2X,6802.9X
- Is it smooth, white, and translucent? → 6913.10
- Is it rough, porous, or unglazed? → 6913.90
- Is it made of leather, plastic sheeting, or paperboard? → 4202.9X
- Does it contain gold, silver, or gemstones? → 7113
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A snuff box may combine materials (e.g., wooden base with gold inlay), fitting both 4420.90 and 7113. In such cases, **choose based on the main material** unless the precious metal or gemstones define its value. If unclear, prioritize the dominant material. The term "ceramic" includes porcelain, but 6913.10 is for high-fired vitrified types; use 6913.10 for fine china, 6913.90 for coarse pottery