## Common ground
All are containers used for brewing or serving tea, coffee, or percolated beverages.
## Options at a glance
**6911.10 – Porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fine, vitrified ceramic with a smooth, white finish; often decorative and heat-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Traditional Chinese teapots, Wedgwood-style coffee pots.
- **Best fit when:** The product is elegant, non-porous, and primarily valued for aesthetics or traditional use.
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay (non-vitrified or semi-vitrified), typically more rustic or utilitarian than porcelain.
- **Typical examples:** Rustic stoneware teapots, handmade coffee pots.
- **Best fit when:** The product is unglazed or has a coarse texture, used for everyday brewing.
**7013.10,7013.4X – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent material allowing visibility of liquid level and brewing process; usually heat-resistant borosilicate glass.
- **Typical examples:** French press-style coffee makers, clear teapots with infusers.
- **Best fit when:** The user wants to see the brewing process or prefers a modern, minimalist design.
**7323.9X – Iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from metal (often stainless steel or cast iron), durable and heat-conductive; may include insulated or double-walled designs.
- **Typical examples:** Stainless steel coffee pots, cast iron percolators.
- **Best fit when:** The product is heavy-duty, used for high-heat brewing, or designed for outdoor/industrial use.
## Key differences
| Feature | Porcelain/China | Ceramic | Glass | Iron/Steel |
|------------------|-----------------|---------|-------|------------|
| Material | Fine vitrified clay | Fired clay | Transparent glass | Metal (iron/steel) |
| Heat retention | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Visibility | No | No | Yes | No |
| Aesthetic | Elegant | Rustic | Modern | Industrial |
## How to choose
- Is the material fine, white, and smooth? → 6911.10
- Is it made of clay, unglazed or coarse-textured? → 6912.00
- Can you see through it while brewing? → 7013.10,7013.4X
- Is it metal (especially stainless steel or cast iron) and heavy-duty? → 7323.9X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A glass pot with a ceramic handle may still be classified as glass (7013). A porcelain pot with metal fittings is still porcelain (6911.10). If multiple materials are present, the primary material determines classification. No option takes priority—use the dominant material or function