Peeled chopped packed garlic classified under HSN 07032000 as fresh garlic, no GST liability under section 97(2)

The AAR Gujarat ruled that peeled, chopped and packed garlic falls under HSN 07032000 (fresh or chilled garlic) rather than 20055900. The Authority declined to determine whether the processing constitutes manufacture, stating this question falls outside their jurisdiction under section 97(2) of CGST Act. The explanatory notes for Chapter 07 specifically include peeled and chopped vegetables as remaining within the fresh category. Since the product classifies under HSN 07032000, no GST liability arises for the applicant.

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1. ISSUES PRESENTED and CONSIDERED

The core legal questions considered by the Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) were:

• Whether the activity of peeling, chopping, and packing garlic amounts to manufacture under GST law;
• The correct classification of peeled, chopped, and packed garlic under the Customs Tariff Headings - whether it falls under heading 07032000 (fresh garlic) or 20055900 (prepared/preserved vegetables);
• Whether the applicant is required to discharge Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the supply of peeled, chopped, and packed garlic.

2. ISSUE-WISE DETAILED ANALYSIS

Issue 1: Whether peeling, chopping & packing garlic amounts to manufactureRs.

Relevant legal framework and precedents: The applicant sought a ruling on whether the described process constitutes manufacture under GST law. However, the scope of advance ruling under Section 97(2) of the CGST Act does not explicitly include the question of whether a process amounts to manufacture.

Court's interpretation and reasoning: The AAR noted that the definition or determination of "manufacture" is not among the specified matters on which advance ruling can be sought under Section 97(2) of the CGST Act. Therefore, the Authority refrained from providing a ruling on this question.

Conclusion: The question of whether peeling, chopping, and packing garlic amounts to manufacture was not answered by the Authority.

Issue 2: Classification of peeled, chopped & packed garlic under tariff headings 07032000 or 20055900Rs.

Relevant legal framework and precedents: The classification was to be determined in accordance with the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, as incorporated under GST law by notification No. 1/2017-Central Tax (Rate). The Authority applied the General Rules of Interpretation and relevant Chapter and Section Notes of the Customs Tariff Schedule.

The relevant tariff headings were:

• Chapter 07, Heading 0703: "Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks and other alliaceous vegetables, fresh or chilled."
• Chapter 20, Heading 2005: "Other vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen, other than products of heading 2006."

Court's interpretation and reasoning: The applicant argued that the garlic, after undergoing processes such as quality inspection, moisture removal, crushing, peeling, sorting, chopping, and packing, is no longer fresh and should be classified under Chapter 20 as a prepared vegetable.

The Authority examined the explanatory notes of Chapter 07, which clarify that the chapter includes vegetables whether fresh, chilled, frozen, provisionally preserved, or dried, and explicitly states that vegetables may be "whole, sliced, chopped, shredded, pulped, grated, peeled or shelled" and still be classified under this chapter. The notes also clarify that packaging, including airtight containers or Modified Atmospheric Packaging, does not change classification if the product remains within the scope of the chapter.

No laboratory report or scientific evidence was provided by the applicant to demonstrate that the garlic had undergone a change in character sufficient to remove it from Chapter 07.

Therefore, the Authority concluded that peeled and chopped garlic remains classified under Heading 0703, specifically tariff item 07032000 for garlic.

Key evidence and findings: The flow chart of the process, list of machinery, and wastage ratio (yield of 75-80%) were considered but did not establish a change in the essential character of the garlic.

Application of law to facts: The process described (peeling, chopping, packing) is recognized within the scope of Chapter 07 as it does not amount to preparation or preservation methods that would shift classification to Chapter 20.

Treatment of competing arguments: The applicant's contention that the garlic is processed and not fresh was rejected due to lack of supporting evidence and the authoritative explanatory notes.

Conclusion: Peeled, chopped, and packed garlic falls under tariff heading 07032000.

Issue 3: Whether the applicant is required to discharge GST on peeled, chopped & packed garlicRs.

Relevant legal framework and precedents: The GST rates applicable were examined as per the notifications dated 28.6.2017, which incorporate the Customs Tariff Schedule into the GST regime.

Court's interpretation and reasoning: The tariff heading 07032000 (garlic, fresh or chilled) attracts a nil GST rate as per the GST Tariff Schedule. Since the product falls under this heading, the supply of peeled, chopped, and packed garlic is exempt from GST.

Key evidence and findings: The classification under 07032000 was determinative of the GST liability.

Application of law to facts: Since the product is classified under a nil-rated tariff heading, the applicant is not liable to discharge GST on the supply.

Treatment of competing arguments: The applicant's argument for classification under Chapter 20, which would attract GST at 12%, was rejected.

Conclusion: The applicant is not required to discharge GST on peeled, chopped, and packed garlic.

3. SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS

The Authority ruled as follows:

"(a) The ruling as to whether the activity of peeling, chopping & packing of garlic amounts to manufacture is not answered in terms of paragraph 13."

"(b) Peeled, chopped & packed garlic falls under HSN 07032000."

"(c) The applicant is not required to discharge GST since Peeled, chopped & packed garlic falls under HSN 07032000."

Core principles established include:

• The classification of goods under GST follows the Customs Tariff Act and its explanatory notes, including the General Rules of Interpretation;
• Processes such as peeling, chopping, and packing do not necessarily amount to manufacture or change the classification of fresh vegetables if the essential character remains unchanged;
• Vegetables that are peeled or chopped but remain essentially fresh are classified under Chapter 07, not Chapter 20;
• GST liability is determined based on the correct classification of goods, and fresh garlic under heading 07032000 attracts nil GST.

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