1999 (10) TMI 141 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Classification of goods under Central Excise Tariff - Whether goods are classifiable under Heading 7412.00 or Heading 84.15.

Analysis:
The appeal before the Appellate Tribunal CEGAT, New Delhi involved a dispute regarding the classification of goods under the Central Excise Tariff. The case originated from a classification list filed by the respondents for their product "Fully Machined Castings of Pipe Flanges in gun metal," claiming classification under sub-heading 7412.20 as copper tubes or pipe fittings. However, the adjudicating authority classified the goods under Heading 84.15 as parts of Air-Conditioning Machines. The Collector of Central Excise, in the Order-in-Appeal, held that the goods should be classified under Heading 7412.00 of the Central Excise Tariff.

The appellant, represented by a learned JDR, argued that the goods in question were specifically manufactured for M/s. Voltas Ltd. as per their specifications for an Air-conditioning Plant. The JDR contended that the Collector of Central Excise erred in classifying the products as parts of a refrigeration system instead of Air-Conditioning Machines. Referring to previous tribunal decisions, the JDR argued that the goods should be classified under Heading 84.15 as parts of Air-Conditioning Machinery. The JDR relied on the case law of Forge & Forge Ltd. v. Collector of Central Excise, Rajkot, and C.C.E., Chandigarh v. G.S. Auto International to support the classification under Heading 84.15.

Upon hearing the arguments and examining the appeal papers, the Tribunal found that the goods, described as Fully Machined Casting of Pipe Flanges in Gun metal, were supplied to M/s. Voltas Ltd. for use in their Air-Conditioning Plant as per specific design requirements. The Tribunal noted that the goods were not for a Refrigeration System but were known as Refrigeration Pipe Flanges used in Air-Conditioning Plants. Citing the precedent set in previous cases, the Tribunal concluded that the goods were rightly classifiable under Chapter Heading 84.15 as parts of Air-Conditioning machinery. Consequently, the impugned order was set aside, and the appeal was allowed in favor of the appellant.

In summary, the judgment by the Appellate Tribunal CEGAT, New Delhi resolved the issue of classification of goods under the Central Excise Tariff, determining that the Fully Machined Castings of Pipe Flanges in gun metal were correctly classifiable under Heading 84.15 as parts of Air-Conditioning machinery based on their specific use in an Air-Conditioning Plant as per supplied designs and specifications.