1997 (1) TMI 212 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Classification of flavoured snuff under Heading 2404.50 or 2404.60; Interpretation of Chapter Note 2 of Chapter 24 regarding re-packing and labelling; Applicability of previous tribunal's decision in Lachman Das Behari Lal case; Effect of pending appeal before the Hon. Supreme Court on the decision.

Analysis:
The appeal revolved around the classification of flavoured snuff under either Heading 2404.50 or 2404.60. The appellants argued that their product should be classified under the latter sub-heading, entitling them to a refund claim. They contended that the processing and addition of flavors converted raw snuff into a new product marketed as a preparation of snuff, aligning with Heading 2404.60's description of "preparations containing snuff in any proportion." This argument was supported by a previous tribunal decision in the Lachman Das Behari Lal case, where a similar issue was resolved based on Section 2(F), chapter notes, and the manufacturing process.

The Department, however, maintained that the product should be classified under Heading 2404.50 as it remained fundamentally snuff of tobacco even after the addition of perfumes. They argued that any processing or repackaging rendering the product marketable to consumers amounted to manufacturing under Chapter Note 2 of Chapter 24. The Department's stance was challenged by the appellants, emphasizing that they had purchased duty-paid raw snuff under Heading 2404.50, and no further duty could be demanded if the product still fell under the same classification.

The Tribunal considered the arguments presented and referred to the precedent set by the Lachman Das Behari Lal case. Despite an appeal filed against the previous decision, the absence of a stay order from the Hon. Supreme Court allowed the Tribunal to follow the established ratio and make a decision based on the existing interpretation. The Tribunal concluded that the appellants' product, subjected to processing, flavor addition, and repackaging, constituted a new marketable commodity falling under Heading 2404.60, aligning with the previous decision's rationale. Consequently, the Tribunal accepted the appeals, affirming the classification of the flavoured snuff under Heading 2404.60.

The judgment highlighted the significance of prior tribunal decisions, the interpretation of chapter notes, and the impact of ongoing appeals on current cases. By analyzing the manufacturing process, marketability, and classification criteria, the Tribunal resolved the classification dispute, emphasizing consistency with established precedents and legal interpretations.