2024 (2) TMI 572 - AT - Customs

Classification of Fibreglass Bags Upheld, Limitation Period Ruling Partially Favors Appellant in Customs Tariff Dispute.

The Kerala Minerals & Metals Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Customs, Thiruvananthapuram

The Tribunal upheld the reclassification of 'HUY Glass 1105 Membrane Bags' under Customs Tariff Heading 8421, agreeing with the authorities that the bags, ... Classification of imported goods - Huy glass 1105 M-Membrane Bags (Filter Bags) - to be classified under Customs Tariff Heading 5911 9090 or under Customs Tariff Heading 8421? - applicability of limitation applicable under Section 28(1)(a) - HELD THAT:- The articles of glass fibres are excluded from Chapter 59 and 8421 specifically includes air purifiers and therefore, the goods admittedly which are made of 100% glass fibres and which is meant for filtering the gaseous items are rightly classifiable under CTH 8421. Applicability of limitation applicable under Section 28(1)(a) - HELD THAT:- The Commissioner (A) has held that Section 28(1)(a) empowers them to issue notice within one year in the case of Government, any individual, educational, research or charitable institution or hospital. Hence, the appellant being a State Government Undertaking, the notice issued within one year was a valid notice. The appellant is incorporated as a company under the Companies Act, 1956 and though they are State Government Undertaking are incorporated as a company under the Companies Act, 1956. The Hon’ble Kerala High Court in THE FOOD CORPORATION OF INDIA VERSUS THE ANGAMALI MUNICIPALITY AND ORS. [1994 (3) TMI 410 - KERALA HIGH COURT] rejected the claim of FCI that it is not liable to pay tax, the Hon’ble High Court observed But the Act has given the Corporation an individuality, apart from the Government, so that it cannot be equated with the central government though it may be an agency or instrumentality thereof. Considering the fact that the appellant was registered under the Companies Act, 1956, the question of considering as Government undertaking for issuance of notice is rejected - the impugned order is upheld as far as the classification is concerned and rejected on the ground of limitation - Appeal allowed in part. Issues Involved:1. Classification of imported product 'HUY Glass 1105 Membrane Bags (Filter Bags)'2. Applicability of limitation period under Section 28(1)(a) for issuing notice to State Government UndertakingSummary:Classification Issue:The appellant, a State Government-owned limited company engaged in mining and manufacturing Titanium Dioxide, imported 'Huy glass 1105 M-Membrane Bags' classified under Customs Tariff Heading 5911 9090. However, upon scrutiny, it was found that the bags were made of fibreglass non-woven material, leading to a reclassification under Customs Tariff Heading 8421. The Commissioner (Appeals) upheld the differential duty demand, prompting the appellant to appeal. The appellant argued that the bags should be classified under Heading 59, similar to cloth used in paper making machines. The authorities contended that the bags, made of fibreglass material, were rightly classified under Heading 8421 for filtering titanium dioxide powder. The Tribunal agreed with the authorities, citing specific exclusion of glass fibre articles from Chapter 59 and inclusion in Chapter 8421, thereby confirming the correct classification under CTH 8421.Limitation Period Issue:Regarding the limitation period under Section 28(1)(a), the Commissioner (Appeals) justified issuing the notice within one year, as applicable to State Government Undertakings. However, the appellant, though a State Government Undertaking, was registered under the Companies Act, 1956. Citing a Kerala High Court case, it was argued that being registered under the Companies Act, the appellant cannot be considered a Government undertaking for notice issuance purposes. Consequently, the impugned order was upheld on the classification issue but rejected based on the limitation ground. The appeal was partially allowed, with the judgment pronounced on 09.01.2024.