2001 (7) TMI 479 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues: Assessable value determination of slides manufactured and consumed captively, inclusion of depreciation charges and indirect overhead charges.

Assessable Value Determination:
The central issue in the appeal was the determination of the assessable value of slides manufactured and consumed captively in the production of cigarettes. Both parties agreed that the valuation had to be done under Rule 6(b)(ii) of the Central Excise Valuation Rules using the cost construction method. The dispute remaining was the inclusion of depreciation charges and indirect overhead charges in the assessable value of the slides.

Depreciation Charges Inclusion:
The appellants argued, based on Accounting Standard AS 6, that depreciation and indirect overhead should not be considered for determining the value of slides. They contended that depreciation, as per AS 6, is not a cost but an amount set aside for asset replacement. The Assistant Commissioner highlighted that depreciation is an overhead expenditure related to production and should be included in the cost of production. The Commissioner's order relied on Circular No. 258/92/96-CX, stating that depreciation is linked to fixed assets, which are part of production. The Tribunal directed the Assistant Commissioner to reevaluate the case considering the appellants' claim that machinery was fully depreciated.

Indirect Overhead Charges Inclusion:
Regarding indirect overhead charges, the Tribunal emphasized that the cost of production under Rule 6(b)(ii) must consider both direct production expenses and administrative overheads. The Assistant Commissioner's order justified the allocation of administrative costs to manufacturing activities, as per costing practices. Citing a previous case, the Tribunal held that administrative overheads related to captively consumed goods should be added to the assessable value. Thus, the inclusion of indirect overhead charges in the assessable value of the slides was upheld.

In conclusion, the Tribunal's decision focused on the proper determination of the assessable value of slides manufactured and consumed captively. It addressed the contentious issues of including depreciation charges and indirect overhead charges in the valuation process, providing detailed analysis based on legal provisions, accounting standards, and precedents.