Classification of Sugarfree Chewing Gums: Residuary Heading Prevails

The Tribunal held that sugarfree chewing gums were correctly classified under the residuary sub-heading 2106 90 99 instead of as diabetic foods under Subheading 2106 90 91. The demand for duty was deemed unsustainable as the products were not marketed as diabetic foods, leading to the rejection of the duty demand. Consequently, the impugned orders were set aside, and the appeals were allowed in favor of the appellant.

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Issues:
Classification of sugarfree chewing gum under Sub-heading 2106 90 99 or Subheading 2106 90 91 of the Central Excise Tariff Act for the period of dispute (April 2006 to December 2007).

Analysis:
The judgment involves an appeal challenging the classification of sugarfree chewing gum by the assessee under Sub-heading 2106 90 99 against the department's classification as diabetic food under Subheading 2106 90 91. The Commissioner of Central Excise had classified the product as diabetic food, attracting duty and demanding differential duty for two periods, along with interest and penalty. The appellant argued that the product was not meant for diabetic patients, despite being sugarfree, and was not marketed as diabetic food. The department contended that the goods should be classified as diabetic foods based on certain decisions and marketing as sugarfree chewing gums. The Tribunal considered the submissions and found that the subject products fell under Heading 2106 of the Central Excise Tariff Act, specifically under the residuary heading "---other". The dispute was regarding the sub-classification of the goods under different sub-headings, including diabetic foods.

The Tribunal examined the HSN Explanatory Notes, which included sweets, gums, and similar items for diabetics containing synthetic sweetening agents instead of sugar under Heading 21.06. While the subject products contained synthetic sweetening agents and were rightly classified under Heading 2106, the classification as "diabetic foods" required evidence of medical prescription and marketing as such. The Revenue failed to provide evidence to justify the classification as diabetic foods under Subheading 2106 90 91. The Tribunal concluded that the subject products were not marketed as diabetic foods, leading to the rejection of the impugned demand of duty.

In light of the above findings, the Tribunal held that the sugarfree chewing gums were correctly classified by the appellant under the residuary sub-heading 2106 90 99, rendering the demand of duty unsustainable. As a result, the impugned orders related to the subject goods were set aside, and the appeals were allowed.

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