2002 (9) TMI 487 - AT - Customs

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Eligibility for additional duty exemption under Customs Notification No. 29/97.
2. Interpretation of "goods required for the manufacture of textile garments (including knitwear)".
3. Validity of circulars issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) in restricting the exemption.
4. Applicability of Supreme Court and Tribunal decisions in interpreting the notification.
5. Relevance of Central Excise Tariff classifications.
6. Consideration of industrial and commercial norms in defining manufacturing processes.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Eligibility for Additional Duty Exemption:
The appeals focused on the eligibility for additional duty exemption for various machines imported under the EPCG scheme for manufacturing textile garments, including knitted garments, as per Customs Notification No. 29/97. The authorities had rejected the appellants' claims for exemption, arguing that the imported machines were not directly required for manufacturing knitted garments.

2. Interpretation of "Goods Required for the Manufacture of Textile Garments (Including Knitwear)":
The appellants argued that the machines imported were essential for manufacturing textile garments and should qualify for exemption. They contended that the notification's language was clear and unambiguous and should be interpreted based on its plain meaning. The appellants relied on several judgments to support their view that the term "manufacture" should encompass all processes integral to producing the final product.

3. Validity of CBEC Circulars:
The appellants challenged the CBEC circulars that restricted the exemption to machines directly used in manufacturing garments. They argued that administrative circulars could not curtail the benefits provided by a statutory notification. The Tribunal agreed, stating that the notification should be interpreted as worded, without additional restrictions imposed by circulars.

4. Applicability of Supreme Court and Tribunal Decisions:
The appellants cited multiple Supreme Court and Tribunal decisions to argue that the term "manufacture" includes all integral processes necessary for producing the final product. The Tribunal agreed, referencing cases like J.K. Cotton Mills and Rajasthan State Chemical Works, which emphasized that manufacturing involves a series of interconnected processes.

5. Relevance of Central Excise Tariff Classifications:
The Revenue argued that fabrics and garments are classified under different chapters in the Central Excise Tariff, implying they are distinct products. The Tribunal found this argument irrelevant, stating that the classification does not determine whether fabric production is part of garment manufacturing.

6. Consideration of Industrial and Commercial Norms:
The Tribunal considered industrial norms and commercial practices, noting that high-quality garment production often starts with knitting the fabric. The Tribunal reviewed technical details and industry standards, concluding that knitting and processing fabrics are integral to manufacturing knitted garments.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal allowed the appeals, ruling that the machines in question are required for manufacturing textile garments, including knitted garments, and thus qualify for the additional duty exemption under Notification No. 29/97. The impugned orders were set aside, granting consequential relief to the appellants.