1997 (8) TMI 192 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
1. Interpretation of common inputs for final products under Chapter Headings 84 and 85 of the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.
2. Validity of maintaining a consolidated RG 23 A Part II Register for availing relaxation.
3. Disallowance of credit on inputs by the Assistant Collector.
4. Adjudication of the show cause notice issued to the Respondents.
5. Appeal by Revenue challenging the lower Appellate Authority's decision.

Analysis:
1. The judgment involves a dispute regarding the classification of common inputs used in the manufacture of final products falling under Chapter Headings 84 and 85 of the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. The Respondents utilized inputs such as copper wires, polyester films, stampings, and capacitors in the production of Room Coolers, ceiling fans, Washing Machines, and other domestic appliances. The Assistant Collector contended that not all inputs could be considered common across all final products, leading to a disallowance of credit on certain inputs.

2. The Respondents maintained a consolidated RG 23 A Part II Register as per the relaxation provided by the Board's letter, allowing for the utilization of common inputs in the final products. The condition required the filing of a monthly statement and RT 12 Return. The lower Appellate Authority acknowledged that common inputs were used in the manufacture of non-dutiable final products, and the Respondents cleared their final products only after paying the duty.

3. The Assistant Collector disallowed a specific amount of credit on inputs, citing discrepancies in the timing of credit taken and declaration filed. However, the judgment upheld that the Respondents were entitled to the credit amount in question, emphasizing the proper utilization of common inputs and the absence of a one-to-one correlation for Modvat credit utilization.

4. The adjudication of the show cause notice issued to the Respondents centered on the eligibility of the Respondents to claim credit on inputs used in the manufacturing process. The judgment highlighted that the declaration filed by the Respondents under Rule 57G included details of inputs and final products, confirming the usage of wires, stampings, capacitors, and polyester films across all final products.

5. The Revenue appealed the decision of the lower Appellate Authority, challenging the allowance of credit on inputs by the Collector (Appeals). However, the judgment concluded that the Respondents were rightfully entitled to the credit amount, as the utilization of common inputs across various final products justified the credit availed by the Respondents. The appeal by Revenue was rejected, affirming the order of the Collector (Appeals) in favor of the Respondents.