1997 (4) TMI 231 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Benefit of Modvat credit for fuel used in generating steam for processing wooden sheets to manufacture hardboards.

Analysis:
The appeals involved a common issue regarding the eligibility of Modvat credit for the fuel used in generating steam for processing wooden sheets to manufacture hardboards during the period of December 1994 to June 1995. The lower authority had denied the Modvat credit on the grounds that the steam, being an exempted final product, rendered the inputs ineligible for the credit under Rule 57C. The appellant argued that the fuel was an eligible input as per Rule 57A and cited precedents to support the claim that the use of fuel for generating heat to facilitate manufacturing processes qualifies for Modvat credit. The appellant contended that since the steam was an intermediate product used in the manufacture of the final product, the Modvat credit should be allowed. Reference was made to decisions by various regional benches of the Tribunal to support the argument that inputs used for generating steam, even if the steam itself is exempted, should still qualify for Modvat credit.

The Department, represented by the SDR, supported the reasoning of the lower authority in denying the Modvat credit based on the classification of steam as an exempted final product.

Upon considering the arguments from both sides, the Tribunal observed that the use of steam in the manufacturing process of hardboard was acknowledged, but the denial of Modvat credit was based on the classification of steam as a final product exempted from duty. The Tribunal emphasized the need to determine whether the processes involving the inputs, such as fuel for generating steam, were integral to the overall manufacturing process of the final product. It was noted that if the generation of steam was deemed integral to the manufacturing process, as in the case of the hardboards, the steam could be considered an intermediate product. The Tribunal referred to a precedent from the East Regional Bench to establish that the classification of an intermediate product as exempted does not preclude the eligibility for Modvat credit on inputs used in its production. The Tribunal reasoned that the legislative intent behind notifying certain inputs for Modvat credit was to ensure their eligibility regardless of the exempted status of the intermediate product. The decision highlighted that the operation as a whole in the factory should be considered, and Modvat credit should not be restricted unless the exempted final product was cleared without duty payment. Drawing on a previous case involving the purification of water for generating steam, which was exempted, the Tribunal concluded that the appellants were entitled to the benefit of Modvat credit for the fuel used in generating steam for manufacturing hardboards. Consequently, the appeal of the appellants was allowed with consequential relief granted.