A specialised cable-laying vessel, designed and equipped for...

A specialised cable-laying vessel, designed and equipped for laying/repairing submarine cables, was held to fall under Heading 8906 and classifiable under CTI 89069000, as it is neither a cargo/passenger vessel nor excluded by any specific heading; classification was determined accordingly. Since the vessel fell under Heading 8906 and was imported for cable-laying operations and not for breaking up, it qualified for full BCD exemption under Sl. No. 555 of Notification No. 50/2017-Cus; exemption was allowed. IGST exemption under Sl. No. 557C was also available for vessels of Chapter 89 imported for cable-laying in Indian Customs waters, as Condition No. 105 was satisfied where purchasers, as IoR for cables/other goods, discharged applicable duties; exemption was allowed subject to strict compliance. - AAR

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