Tribunal Upholds Classification of "Modified Maleic Resins" under Tariff Heading 3907.50

COMMISSIONER OF C. EX., HYDERABAD Versus BAKELITE HYLAM LIMITED

COMMISSIONER OF C. EX., HYDERABAD Versus BAKELITE HYLAM LIMITED - 1998 (98) E.L.T. 218 (Tribunal) Issues Involved:
1. Classification of "Modified Maleic Resins" under Tariff Heading 3907.50 or 3907.91.
2. Interpretation of Chapter Notes 5 and 14 of Chapter 39.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Classification of "Modified Maleic Resins" under Tariff Heading 3907.50 or 3907.91:
The primary issue in this appeal is whether "Modified Maleic Resins" should be classified under Tariff Heading 3907.50 or 3907.91. The lower appellate authority classified the goods under Tariff Heading 3907.50, while the Revenue argued for classification under Tariff Heading 3907.91. The relevant tariff headings are as follows:
- Tariff Heading 3907.50: Alkyd resins including maleic resins and fumeric resins.
- Tariff Heading 3907.91: Other Polyesters Unsaturated.

The original authority observed that chemically modified polymers should be classified under the heading appropriate to the unmodified polymer, as per Note 5. However, Note 14 introduces two conditions for classification: (1) the chemically modified polymers should not be more specifically covered by any other sub-heading, and (2) there should be no residual sub-heading named "other" in the series of sub-headings concerned. The original authority concluded that since there is a sub-heading "other" (3907.91) in the series, the product should be classified under 3907.91.

The lower appellate authority disagreed, noting that the sub-classification 3907.91 becomes relevant only when classifying "other polyesters" and not maleic resins. It referenced the HSN Explanatory Notes, which state that chemically modified polyethers should be classified under the same heading as the unmodified polymer unless a more specific sub-heading exists. Thus, the lower appellate authority concluded that the modified maleic resins should be classified under 3907.50.

2. Interpretation of Chapter Notes 5 and 14 of Chapter 39:
- Chapter Note 5: Chemically modified polymers are to be classified under the heading appropriate to the unmodified polymer unless they are graft copolymers.
- Chapter Note 14: Copolymers and chemically modified polymers should be classified under the same sub-heading as the unmodified polymer unless more specifically covered by another sub-heading or if there is a residual sub-heading named "other."

The Revenue argued that due to the existence of sub-heading 3907.91 ("other polyesters"), the modified maleic resins should be classified under this sub-heading. They also pointed out the Chemical Examiner's report, which classified the goods as unsaturated polyesters, and noted that the assessee had previously classified the product under 3907.91 during 1991-92.

The respondents contended that their goods were previously classified under 3907.50 by the Tribunal, which considered expert evidence and Chapter Note 5. They argued that Chapter Note 14 does not prevent classification under 3907.50, as there is no specific sub-heading for the modified maleic resins.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal considered both sides' arguments and the relevant chapter notes. It observed that Tariff Heading 3907.50 specifically covers maleic resins and that the original authority's classification under 3907.91 was based on a misinterpretation of Chapter Note 14. The Tribunal concluded that the modified maleic resins should be classified under 3907.50, as there is no specific sub-heading for these goods, and the existence of "other polyesters" under 3907.91 does not apply to maleic resins. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the lower appellate authority's classification under 3907.50.