Exemption for diamond segments upheld where binding tariff classification precedent extended Notification No. 207/88 coverage.

Diamond segments were treated as parts of saws and saw blades under the relevant tariff heading on the basis of the explanatory notes, bringing them within Notification No. 207/88. The Tribunal followed an earlier binding decision on the same product classification, noting that the Revenue's challenge to that ruling had already been dismissed by the Supreme Court. Applying that ratio to identical facts, the Tribunal held that the exemption benefit was available to diamond segments and rejected the Revenue's appeal.

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Issues: Whether the benefit of Notification No. 207/88 was available to diamond segments.

Analysis: The Tribunal held that diamond segments are parts of saws and saw blades and would fall under the relevant tariff heading on the basis of the explanatory notes. The same view had already been applied in an earlier Tribunal decision, and the Revenue's challenge to that decision had been dismissed by the Supreme Court. Following that ratio, the present appeal was decided in the same manner.

Conclusion: The benefit of Notification No. 207/88 was available to diamond segments, and the Revenue's appeal was rejected.

Ratio Decidendi: Where an earlier binding decision has held that a product falls within the relevant tariff heading and is covered by the exemption notification, the same benefit must be extended in subsequent identical matters.

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