Consumer goods classification under import policy extends to ready-to-use imports sold unchanged, even for industrial repair use.

Imported goods packed in ready-to-use consumer form and sold without further processing may fall within the Import-Export Policy definition of consumer goods, even where they are used by industrial consumers for repair purposes. On the admitted facts, the Tribunal treated the packing, condition, and direct usability of the goods as supporting customs classification as consumer goods rather than industrial chemicals, and held that a specific import licence was required. The appeal therefore failed.

---

---

Issues: Whether the imported goods were consumer goods covered by the Import-Export Policy, 1992-97 and therefore required a specific import licence, or whether they were industrial chemicals not so covered.

Analysis: The goods were found to be in ready-to-use condition, packed in small consumer packing, and sold in the same form as imported without further processing or repacking. The policy definition of consumer goods includes goods that directly satisfy human needs without further processing, and the Tribunal held that the expression was wide enough to cover goods meant for repair purposes even where the consumer may be an industrial user. On the admitted facts, the nature of packing and use supported the classification made by the customs authorities.

Conclusion: The imported goods were consumer goods under the policy and their import required a specific licence. The appeal failed.

Ratio Decidendi: Goods that are imported in ready-to-use form, sold in the same condition, and capable of direct use without further processing may be classified as consumer goods under the import policy, even if they are used by industrial consumers for repair purposes.

---