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2019 (2) TMI 834 - AAR - GST


Issues Involved:
1. Classification of the supply as goods or services.
2. Determination of the applicable GST rate.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Classification of the Supply:
The applicant is engaged in designing, providing, installing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining solar energy-based bore well water pumping systems and Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants. The applicant sought clarification on whether this activity should be classified as a supply of goods or services.

The applicant argued that the supply of RO plants, along with installation, commissioning, and maintenance, constitutes a single supply, thus falling under the ambit of composite supply. The applicant contended that the predominant element is the supply of RO plants, making it a supply of goods under HSN code 8421, taxable at 18%. Alternatively, if considered a works contract service, the applicant suggested a tax rate of 12% under Entry 3(iii) of Notification No. 11/2017-CT (Rate).

2. Determination of Applicable GST Rate:
The jurisdictional officer agreed with the applicant's classification as a composite supply but emphasized that it should be treated as a supply of services. The Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) analyzed the definitions and provisions under the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017.

Findings and Conclusion:
- Composite Supply: As per Section 2(30) of the CGST Act, a composite supply involves two or more taxable supplies of goods or services naturally bundled and supplied in conjunction with each other, with one being the principal supply.
- Principal Supply: Defined under Section 2(90) as the predominant element of a composite supply.
- Works Contract: Defined under Section 2(119) as a contract involving the construction, erection, installation, etc., of any immovable property.

The AAR observed that the supply in question is a composite supply, as it involves multiple taxable supplies naturally bundled together. The principal supply in this case is the service component, as the activities involve significant installation and commissioning work, making it a works contract.

The AAR referenced the General Clauses Act, 1897, and CBEC Circular No. 58/1/2002-CX to determine the nature of immovable property. It concluded that the RO plant installation, being attached to the earth and not easily dismantled, qualifies as immovable property.

Ruling:
The activity of supply, design, installation, commissioning, and testing of the RO plant, along with operation and maintenance (O&M) work, constitutes a works contract of composite supply. This composite supply is predominantly a supply of services. As it is undertaken for a Government Department (PHED, Rajasthan), the applicable tax rate falls under Entry 3(iii) with HSN Code 99544, taxable at IGST 12% (CGST 6%, SGST 6%).

Conclusion:
The ruling clarifies that the applicant's activities are classified as a composite supply of services under a works contract, with the applicable GST rate being 12%.

 

 

 

 

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