2002 (3) TMI 314 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved:
1. Inclusion of the value of cartridges in determining the assessable value of manufactured goods.
2. Whether cartridges are integral parts of the main item.
3. Examination of whether cartridges were fitted to the main item at the time of clearance.

Issue 1: Inclusion of the value of cartridges:
The appellant argued that the value of cartridges should not be included in determining the assessable value of the goods manufactured and cleared. Citing a Tribunal decision, the appellant contended that bought-out items not fitted or attached to the goods before clearance should not have their value included. The appellant emphasized that in this case, the cartridges were not fitted to the main item at the time of clearance. However, the respondent highlighted that the cartridges were integral parts of the Micro Filtration System (MFS) and should be included in the assessable value. The Tribunal referred to previous cases where the value of integral parts was deemed includible in the main item's value. Ultimately, the Tribunal agreed that only the value of cartridges integral to the MFS should be considered for the assessable value calculation.

Issue 2: Cartridges as integral parts:
The Tribunal analyzed whether the cartridges were integral parts of the MFS. The respondent argued that since the cartridges were necessary for the purification of water in the MFS, their value should be included. The Tribunal referred to precedents where integral parts were deemed includible in the main item's value. It was noted that only a specific quantity of cartridges was required for the original equipment, with the remaining cartridges supplied as spares. The Tribunal agreed that only the value of cartridges integral to the MFS should be taken into account for determining the assessable value.

Issue 3: Examination of fitting at the time of clearance:
A crucial point of contention was whether the cartridges were fitted to the main item at the time of clearance. The Commissioner's order did not provide a clear finding on this matter. The appellant vehemently argued that the cartridges were not fitted. Due to this factual discrepancy, the Tribunal decided that a detailed examination was necessary. Consequently, the matter was remanded to the adjudicating authority for a fresh examination and decision, providing an opportunity to the party. All connected issues were left open for further consideration.

In conclusion, the judgment addressed the inclusion of cartridge value in the assessable value of manufactured goods, the determination of cartridges as integral parts, and the need for a detailed examination regarding the fitting of cartridges at the time of clearance. The Tribunal emphasized the importance of considering only the value of cartridges integral to the main item for assessing the duty liability.