2002 (11) TMI 143 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved: Whether the process of weather proof treatment/anti-corrosion treatment carried out by M/s. P.S.L. Corrosion Control Ltd. on steel rebars with the help of epoxy powder amounts to manufacture under Central Excise Act.

Summary:
In this appeal, the Revenue contended that the process of epoxy coating on steel rebars amounts to manufacture under the Central Excise Act, as it involves an elaborate and modern process resulting in a new product with enhanced value. The Revenue emphasized the differences between galvanization and epoxy coating processes, highlighting the substantial transformation and quality improvement achieved through epoxy coating. Various legal precedents were cited to support the argument that such processes amount to manufacture.

On the other hand, the Respondents argued that the epoxy coating process does not result in the emergence of a new commercial commodity, as the basic nature of the steel rebars remains unchanged. Citing the Supreme Court's decision in a similar case, the Respondents contended that the purpose of weather-proof treatment does not alter the essential characteristics of the steel rebars. Legal references and circulars were presented to support the argument that the process undertaken does not amount to manufacture under the Central Excise Act.

After considering both sides' submissions, the Tribunal applied the Supreme Court's criteria for determining manufacture, which require the emergence of a different commercial commodity or a change in the original commodity's purpose. The Tribunal found that the epoxy coating process did not result in the creation of a new product, as the steel rebars retained their essential characteristics after the treatment. The Tribunal rejected the Revenue's appeal, emphasizing that the process did not meet the criteria for being classified as manufacture under the Central Excise Act.