1996 (7) TMI 216 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Admissibility of Modvat credit on Aluminium Oxide used in the manufacturing process of piston rings and cylinder liners.

Analysis:
The main issue in this case was the admissibility of Modvat credit on Aluminium Oxide used in the manufacturing process of piston rings and cylinder liners. The Revenue argued that since Aluminium oxide was used only in preparing raw materials and not directly in the final product, Modvat credit should not be allowed. On the other hand, the Respondents contended that Aluminium oxide was an essential component in the manufacturing process and entered the stream of manufacture at the initial stage itself, making it admissible for Modvat credit.

The Tribunal referred to various precedents to determine the admissibility of inputs in the manufacturing process. In the case of C.C.E. v. Ballarpur Industries Ltd., the Supreme Court held that even if an input is burnt up and does not retain its identity in the end product, it can still be considered a raw material if it is essential for the manufacturing process. Similarly, in C.C.E. v. Eastend Paper Industries Ltd., anything that forms part of the manufacturing process or is required to make the article marketable is deemed to be a raw material.

The Tribunal also discussed the meaning of the phrase "in relation to" in the context of the manufacturing process. Referring to the case of Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Ltd. v. C.C.E., it was held that processes preparatory to the manufacturing stream or related to preparing materials essential for the manufacturing process could be considered for Modvat credit.

Furthermore, the Tribunal cited cases such as C.C.E. v. Swaraj Mazda, where inputs essential for making the final product marketable were deemed admissible. Examples of other inputs like Phosphoric Acid and Hydrochloric Acid used in different industries were also mentioned to support the admissibility of such inputs in the manufacturing process.

Ultimately, the Tribunal found that Aluminium Oxide was indeed used in the manufacturing process of piston rings and cylinder liners by removing impurities from the scraps through a chemical reaction. As Aluminium Oxide entered the stream of manufacture and was essential for the manufacturing process, the Tribunal rejected the Revenue appeal and upheld the impugned order in favor of the Respondents.