1996 (10) TMI 282 - AT - Customs

Imported capacitors classified under Heading 85.03 for exemption under Notification No. 67/86-C.E.

The Tribunal classified imported capacitors under Heading 85.03 for exemption purposes as they were suitable for use with electric motors, qualifying for ... Additional Customs duty Issues:1. Classification of imported capacitors under specific headings for exemption eligibility.2. Interpretation of Notification No. 67/86-C.E. regarding exemption for electric motors and parts.3. Applicability of countervailing duty (CVD) on imported capacitors classified under 85.32.4. Consistency in granting exemption benefits across different custom houses.5. Legal principles governing the classification of parts under exemption notifications.Detailed Analysis:1. The appeal concerns the classification of imported capacitors under specific headings for exemption eligibility. The Collector (Appeals) classified the capacitors under Heading 85.32, stating they were not part of a motor but capacitors covered by that heading. The appellants argued that the capacitors should be considered parts of electric motors falling under Chapter 85 for exemption under Notification No. 67/86-C.E. They relied on previous judgments emphasizing that as long as the part falls within specified headings, the exemption should apply. The Tribunal examined the classification and held that the capacitors, being suitable for use with electric motors, should be classified under Heading 85.03 for exemption purposes.2. The interpretation of Notification No. 67/86-C.E. regarding exemption for electric motors and parts was crucial. The notification exempts electric motors and parts falling under specific chapters from excise duty, subject to certain conditions. The appellants argued that the capacitors, used as component parts in electric motor manufacture, should be eligible for exemption under the notification. The Tribunal agreed, noting that the capacitors were indeed used in the production of electric motors falling under Chapter 85, thus qualifying for the exemption.3. The issue of countervailing duty (CVD) on imported capacitors classified under 85.32 was also addressed. The appellants contended that since electric motors and parts were exempt from excise duty under Notification No. 67/86, the imposition of CVD would be unjustified. Citing legal precedents, the Tribunal held that if articles exempt from excise duty, CVD should not be levied. The Tribunal emphasized that the liability to pay CVD depends on excise duty liability, and in this case, where excise duty exemption applied, CVD imposition was unwarranted.4. The matter of consistency in granting exemption benefits across different custom houses was raised. The Tribunal noted that in previous cases, benefits were granted to importers by various custom houses, indicating a practice of granting exemptions for similar items. Citing a specific case where benefits were extended to importers, the Tribunal emphasized that denying benefits based on custom house differences would be unjust.5. Finally, the Tribunal discussed legal principles governing the classification of parts under exemption notifications. Referring to past judgments, the Tribunal highlighted the need to interpret exemption notifications liberally, ensuring that parts designed for articles falling under specified headings qualify for exemption. The Tribunal applied these principles to the case at hand, upholding the appellants' entitlement to the exemption under Notification No. 67/86-C.E. Consequently, the impugned order was set aside, and the appeal was allowed with consequential relief.