2002 (5) TMI 754 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved:
Classification of Aluminium cans lids imported by M/s. Rajasthan Breweries Ltd. under sub-heading 8309.90 or 7612.90 of the Customs Tariff Act.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Issue of Classification:
- The primary issue in this appeal was the classification of Aluminium cans lids imported by M/s. Rajasthan Breweries Ltd. The Revenue contended that the lids should be classified under sub-heading 8309.90, while the Commissioner (Appeals) classified them under sub-heading 7612.90 along with the cans.

2. Arguments by the Revenue:
- The Revenue argued that the lids should be classified under sub-heading 8309.90 as per Rule 3(a) of the Interpretative Rules, which states that the heading providing the most specific description should be preferred. They emphasized that the lids fall under the specific entry of "stoppers, caps, and lids of base metal" under Heading 83.09.

3. Arguments by the Respondent:
- The Respondent's counsel argued that the lids are parts of the cans and should be classified along with the Aluminium cans under sub-heading 7612.90. They highlighted that the lids do not have general use elsewhere and should be considered part of the cans.

4. Judgment and Reasoning:
- The Tribunal analyzed the rival Headings of 76.12 and 83.09. It noted that the import consisted of Aluminium cans and lids together, indicating that the primary import was cans for filling beer. The Tribunal concluded that since the import was cans with lids and not separate items, they should be classified as cans under sub-heading 7612.90, rejecting the Revenue's appeal.

5. Precedents and Interpretative Rules:
- Reference was made to previous judgments and Interpretative Rules to support the classification decision. The Tribunal emphasized that the mere separate valuation of lids in invoices does not automatically mean separate import of goods. The decision was based on the specific circumstances of the case.

6. Final Decision:
- The Tribunal dismissed the Revenue's appeal and upheld the classification of Aluminium cans with lids under sub-heading 7612.90 of the Customs Tariff Act. The judgment focused on the nature of the import and the specific details of the goods imported by M/s. Rajasthan Breweries Ltd.

This detailed analysis outlines the arguments presented by both parties, the legal reasoning behind the judgment, and the final decision reached by the Tribunal regarding the classification of Aluminium cans lids under the Customs Tariff Act.