1999 (12) TMI 641 - AT - Central Excise

Issues Involved:

1. Classification of EPROMs and their inclusion in the assessable value of STD/PCO units.
2. Applicability of exemption under Notification 84/89-C.E. for software.
3. Bar of limitation for the demand of duty.
4. Inclusion of advertising expenses in the assessable value.
5. Inclusion of freight and insurance charges in the assessable value.
6. Imposition of penalty and confiscation of goods.

Issue-wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Classification of EPROMs and their inclusion in the assessable value of STD/PCO units:

The appellant manufactured STD/PCO units which included EPROMs containing essential data for the unit's functioning. The appellant did not include the cost of recorded EPROMs in the value of the STD/PCO units, claiming they were exempt under Heading 8524.90 by Notification 84/89-C.E. The Department contended that the EPROMs were integral to the STD/PCO units and should be classified under Heading 8517, thus their cost should be included in the assessable value. The tribunal concluded that the EPROMs are essential parts of the STD/PCO units and their value should be included in the final cost of the machine as they are necessary for its operation.

2. Applicability of exemption under Notification 84/89-C.E. for software:

The appellant argued that the software on the EPROMs qualifies for exemption under Heading 8524. The tribunal clarified that Heading 8524 is for recorded media and the EPROMs, being integrated circuits, fall under Heading 8542. Since the exemption was for software classifiable under Heading 8524, it did not apply to the EPROMs in question. The tribunal emphasized that the EPROMs, whether recorded or unrecorded, are classified under Heading 8542, thus not eligible for the exemption.

3. Bar of limitation for the demand of duty:

The notice demanding duty for the period from October 1988 to April 1993 was issued on 19-10-1993. The tribunal noted that the classification list filed by the appellant had been approved by the department, indicating no suppression of facts or intention to evade duty. Consequently, the demand for the period beyond six months was barred by limitation. Additionally, applying the Supreme Court's ruling in CCE v. Cotspun Ltd., the tribunal held that the demand for the period within six months also could not be sustained.

4. Inclusion of advertising expenses in the assessable value:

The notice also proposed recovery of duty for advertising expenses reimbursed by the appellant to its dealers. The tribunal referred to the Supreme Court's judgment in Philips India v. CCE, which held that advertising expenses incurred by dealers are not includible in the assessable value as they promote both the marketability of the excisable goods and the dealer's interest. The tribunal found this ratio applicable to the appellant's case.

5. Inclusion of freight and insurance charges in the assessable value:

The tribunal addressed the issue of additional charges collected for freight and insurance. The Supreme Court in Baroda Electric Meter Co. v. CCE ruled that such charges, if not actually incurred, do not form part of the assessable value. The tribunal found the departmental representative's efforts to distinguish the case inappropriate and held that the demand on this count was not sustainable.

6. Imposition of penalty and confiscation of goods:

Given the conclusions on the classification and valuation issues, the tribunal set aside the penalty of Rs. 2 lakhs imposed on the appellant and the confiscation of seized goods.

Judgment:

The tribunal dismissed Appeal 1330/95 and allowed Appeal 1186/96, providing consequential relief after recalculating the duty due as indicated.

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