1998 (7) TMI 646 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
1. Interpretation of Notification 207/88-C.E. regarding the benefit to segments of saw blades under Tariff Heading 82.02.
2. Applicability of Tribunal judgments in similar cases.
3. Effect of subsequent amendment through Notification 63/91.
4. Interpretation of Chapter Note 2 of Chapter 82 regarding parts of base metal articles.

Issue 1 - Interpretation of Notification 207/88-C.E.:
The key issue in this case was whether segments of saw blades, falling under Tariff Heading 82.02, were entitled to the benefit of Notification 207/88-C.E. The original authority denied the benefit, stating that the notification only covered goods strictly as described in Tariff Heading 82.02 and not parts of those goods. However, the lower appellate authority allowed the benefit to the segments, relying on previous judgments and the similarity between the goods described in the notification and Tariff Heading 82.02.

Issue 2 - Applicability of Tribunal Judgments:
The learned SDR for the appellant argued that the notification exempted only saw blades, not their parts, and that the parts could not be extended the benefit of the notification. He highlighted a previous Tribunal judgment in BHEL's case, which supported the Revenue's stance. The Tribunal observed that while an exception introduced by the Hon'ble President in the BHEL case suggested equating expressions in notifications with those in Tariff Headings, it was not applicable in this scenario, as parts were not equated with the goods in Tariff sub-heading 8202.00.

Issue 3 - Effect of Subsequent Amendment:
The respondent's director pointed out that Notification 207/88 was further amended by Notification 63/91, which exempted all goods falling under Tariff sub-heading 8202.00, clarifying the position. However, the Tribunal held that this amendment could not be given retrospective effect and only applied from the date of issuance, as it reflected a change in government policy regarding exemptions.

Issue 4 - Interpretation of Chapter Note 2:
The Tribunal analyzed Chapter Note 2 of Chapter 82, which provided a formula for determining the classification of parts of base metal articles. It concluded that parts were separately recognizable commodities and should be assessed independently. The Tribunal also rejected reliance on the Winter Misra Diamond Tools case, stating that it did not discuss the applicability of Section Notes or Chapter Notes to notifications.

In conclusion, the Tribunal set aside the lower appellate authority's decision and allowed the Revenue's appeal, ruling that the benefit of Notification 207/88-C.E. could not be extended to the segments of saw blades. The Tribunal's decision was based on a careful interpretation of the notification, Tariff Headings, and relevant legal principles, emphasizing that parts were not equated with the goods in this case.