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2024 (2) TMI 1303 - AT - Central ExciseSSI Exemption - classification of goods - manufacturing articles of rubber - goods conforming to description corresponding to tariff item 4008 1110 of Schedule to Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 was sought to be re-classified against tariff item 4008 1190 of Schedule to Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 - HELD THAT:- Taking up the issue of classification as it is contingent upon resolution thereto that the discarding of claim for exemption available to ’small scale industry (SSI) will become relevant. At the outset, particular emphasis laid on the rigours of classification, within the framework of General Rules for Interpretation of the Schedule appended to Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 and judicial determination, which forecloses admission in statements from having anything but peripheral influence on the exercise. In the absence of any exposition of description corresponding to the proposed classification, it is well nigh impossible to approve the manner in which the adjudicating authority has proceeded. Though there is elaborate discussion on the purported evidence, such as formulation found in private records, admission in statements that these reflected reality and samples sent for testing, the key to the findings are the reports of tests from Deputy Chief Chemist, Vadodara on the composition of the ‘end product’ as being polyethylene. This, along with the conclusion that the product is ‘not rubber’, led to the re-classification insofar as the appellant-assessees are concerned. While the presence of ‘polyethylene’ does fulfill the requirements of note 1 in chapter 39 of Schedule to Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 and has not been controverted, there is abundantly less certainty on the conclusion in the test report of ‘no rubber’ especially when concatenated with the findings in the impugned order that ‘rubber’ was consumed in the production process. The grounds of appeal preferred in the challenge mounted by Revenue to the impugned order confirms the need for re-determination. On the outcome of fresh determination also rests the appropriateness of penalty imposed on the individual-appellant. For those purposes, the impugned order is set aside and notice restored to the original authority for fresh decision on claim of appellant-assessees. Matter remanded on issue insofar as appellant - assessee is concerned, the appropriate disposal of this appeal of Revenue too is re-determination of the dispute by the original authority - the appeals allowed by way of remand.
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