The appellant imported parts, components, and accessories at a ...

Customs duty exemption on imported parts for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, not just final power banks.

Case Laws     Customs

October 19, 2024

The appellant imported parts, components, and accessories at a concessional rate of customs duty under Notification No. 50/2017-Cus dated 30.06.2017, Entry No. 512, for manufacturing Lithium-ion batteries. However, it was alleged that the imported goods were used for manufacturing power banks instead. The term "manufacture" in the notification must be interpreted considering Rule 3(e) of the IGCR Rules, 2017. A cell is a single unit that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, while a battery is a group of cells. The term "manufacture" in Rule 3(e) is satisfied when a battery emerges as a distinct product from its components, i.e., individual lithium cells and others. The exemption under Entry No. 512 is available when the imported parts and components are used in the manufacture of lithium batteries, not necessarily as the final product. Since the appellant used the imported goods to manufacture Lithium-ion batteries, which were then captively used to manufacture power banks, the appellant is entitled to the exemption under Entry No. 512. The amendment made vide Notification Nos. 02/2019-Cus and 03/2019-Cus dated 29.01.2019 manifests that before the amendment, the subject goods were exempted under Notification No.

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