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2006 (3) TMI 523 - AT - Central ExciseClassification of goods - milk shake mix (MSM) and soft serve mix (SSM) - Classification under Chapter sub-Heading 0404.90 or under Chapter sub-Heading 1901.19 - HELD THAT:- In the present case except the stabilizers which are added in the milk is sugar which is stabilizing agent and dextrose which is also sugar. There are only addition of stabilizers. The dispute of the department is that stabilizers are emulsifiers and these are changing the characteristics of the products and its body and texture and gives smoothness to the products. This finding of the Commissioner is based on reply to question No. 9 of the statement dated 26-7-2000 of Shri Mr. P. Sree Sree. The Revenue has strongly relied upon this statement in support of their contention. In addition to that, the Revenue has argued that ageing process is also being done which is for packed ice cream mix. We find that the appellants claim is that the stabilizers are added for keeping the products stabilize during its storage and transport and its shelf life. The product stabilizers are emulsifier and maintains consistency of the products. They are not adding additional quality to the products. We find that this is squarely decided in case of Nestle India Limited v. CCE, [2001 (3) TMI 157 - CEGAT, COURT NO. IV, NEW DELHI] by this Tribunal. In the said decision, it is made clear that the milk product will go to the Heading 19.01 only if it contains other ingredients not permitted by Heading 04.01 to 04.04. We find that in the present case no other ingredients except permissible stabilizers have been added. Addition of stabilizers is essential to maintain the consistency and shelf life of the products. HSN Explanatory Note also qualifies the addition of stabilizers without changing its classification from Chapter 4 to 19. The ratio of the decisions relied upon by the Revenue has no relevance to the present dispute. We, therefore, classify the products SSM and MSM under sub-heading 0404.90 of the Central Excise Tariff. The other two products i.e. coffee creamer and cream packed are also classified under sub-heading 0404.904. There is no reason given in the impugned order for classifying the product under Chapter 19. This is not disputed by the Revenue. We, therefore, set aside the order of the Commissioner and classify the products under sub-heading 0404.90. The appeal is accordingly allowed with consequential relief, if any, to the appellants.
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