Prime movers are not consumer goods; imported engines and pumps were not liable to confiscation for lack of licence.

Imported Honda engines and a water pump, being general-purpose prime movers that could function only when attached to another device, were held not to be consumer goods under the Exim Policy. Because they did not directly satisfy human needs and operated only as components of a generator, pump or compressor, they did not fall within the category requiring an import licence. On that basis, the goods were not liable to confiscation for alleged licence violation.

---

---

Issues: Whether the imported Honda engines and water pump, being prime movers capable of functioning only when attached to another device, were consumer goods requiring an import licence under the relevant Exim Policy.

Analysis: The goods were found to be general purpose engines and a water pump which could not function on their own and could operate only when attached to a generator, pump or compressor. Goods of this nature do not directly satisfy human needs and do not fall within the category of consumer goods.

Conclusion: The imported goods were not consumer goods and were not liable to confiscation on the footing that they required a licence.

---