Examination of "Qualifying Ship" : Clause 235(i) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025 Vs. Section 115VD of the Income-tax Act, 1961

Clause 235 Interpretation.

Income Tax Bill, 2025

Introduction

Clause 235(i) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, and Section 115VD of the Income-tax Act, 1961, both serve as cornerstone provisions in the legislative framework governing the taxation of shipping companies under the special tonnage tax regime in India. These provisions define the term "qualifying ship," which is pivotal for determining eligibility for the tonnage tax option-a favorable method of computing taxable income for shipping companies. The definition of "qualifying ship" not only determines the scope of entities that can avail themselves of the tonnage tax scheme but also reflects the legislative intent to incentivize specific segments of the shipping industry while excluding others. The evolution from Section 115VD to Clause 235(i) is not merely a matter of legislative redrafting; it encapsulates significant policy considerations, adaptation to industry changes, and a response to international best practices. As the maritime sector evolves with technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in global trade patterns, the legal definitions and exclusions within these provisions must remain dynamic and responsive. This commentary undertakes a comprehensive analysis of Clause 235(i) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, juxtaposed with Section 115VD of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The objective is to dissect each element of the statutory definitions, interpret their implications, and assess their practical impact on stakeholders. Further, the commentary will highlight the legislative intent, explore ambiguities, and offer a comparative perspective to elucidate the trajectory of legal reform in this domain.

Objective and Purpose

The primary objective of both Clause 235(i) and Section 115VD is to delineate the boundaries of what constitutes a "qualifying ship" for the purposes of the tonnage tax regime. The tonnage tax scheme was introduced to provide a simplified and predictable method of taxation for shipping companies, thereby enhancing their global competitiveness and encouraging the growth of the Indian shipping industry. The legislative intent behind these provisions is twofold:

1. To ensure that only genuine shipping operations, which contribute to the core objectives of maritime transport, benefit from the concessional tax regime.
2. To exclude vessels and activities that do not align with the primary purpose of the tonnage tax, such as those providing services typically available on land, fishing, recreation, or offshore installations.

The historical context is rooted in the need to align Indian tax law with international practices, particularly in the wake of liberalization and the increasing integration of the Indian maritime industry with global shipping networks. The evolution of the definition reflects ongoing policy efforts to fine-tune the regime in response to industry feedback and changing operational realities.

Detailed Analysis of Clause 235(i) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025

Clause 235(i) defines "qualifying ship" as follows:

"(i) 'qualifying ship' means a ship or inland vessel, as the case may be, if- (i) it is a seagoing ship or vessel or inland vessel, as the case may be, of fifteen net tonnage or more; (ii) it is a ship registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, or a ship registered outside India in respect of which a licence has been issued by the Director-General of Shipping u/s 406 or 407 of said Act or an inland vessel registered under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 (24 of 2021), as the case may be; and (iii) a valid certificate in respect of such ship or inland vessel, as the case may be, indicating its net tonnage is in force, but does not include: (A) a seagoing ship or vessel or inland vessel, as the case may be, if the main purpose for which it is used is the provision of goods or services of a kind normally provided on land; (B) fishing vessels; (C) factory ships; (D) pleasure crafts; (E) harbour and river ferries; (F) offshore installations; and (G) a qualifying ship which is used as a fishing vessel for more than thirty days during a tax year;"

Let us analyze each constituent element:

1. Positive Conditions for Qualification

1. Seagoing Ship or Vessel or Inland Vessel of Fifteen Net Tonnage or More
   The threshold of fifteen net tonnage ensures that only vessels of a certain size, and thereby economic significance, are eligible. This is consistent with international standards, which often exclude smaller vessels from tonnage tax regimes due to administrative convenience and to focus on commercial shipping.
2. Registration Requirement
   The provision requires that the ship must be registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, or, if registered outside India, must possess a licence issued by the Director-General of Shipping u/ss 406 or 407 of the same Act. For inland vessels, registration under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, is mandated. This ensures regulatory oversight and compliance with safety and operational norms.
3. Valid Certificate Indicating Net Tonnage
   The requirement of a valid certificate in force serves as an objective criterion to verify the vessel's tonnage and operational status. It adds a layer of regulatory authentication, reducing the risk of misclassification.

2. Exclusions from the Definition

The provision explicitly excludes the following categories:

1. Provision of Goods or Services Normally Provided on Land
   This exclusion targets vessels whose primary function is not maritime transport but the provision of ancillary services (e.g., floating hotels, restaurants, casinos), thereby preventing misuse of the tonnage tax regime.
2. Fishing Vessels
   Fishing activities are not considered part of the core shipping business targeted by the tonnage tax regime. The exclusion is both categorical and further reinforced by a specific clause regarding dual-purpose vessels.
3. Factory Ships
   These are vessels engaged in processing activities, typically related to fishing. Their exclusion aligns with the policy to restrict the tonnage tax regime to pure transport activities.
4. Pleasure Crafts
   Vessels used for sport or recreation are excluded to ensure that the tax benefit is not extended to non-commercial or luxury activities.
5. Harbour and River Ferries
   These vessels typically operate over short distances and are often subsidized or regulated as part of public transport infrastructure, hence their exclusion.
6. Offshore Installations
   Offshore platforms and similar installations, which may have some mobility, are excluded as their primary function is not transportation.
7. Vessels Used as Fishing Vessels for Over Thirty Days
   This nuanced exclusion addresses dual-use vessels, ensuring that a ship primarily engaged in fishing, even if otherwise qualifying, does not benefit if used for fishing activities for more than thirty days in a tax year.

3. Interpretation of Key Terms

• "Seagoing Ship" is further defined in Clause 235(j) as a ship certified as such by the competent authority of any country, introducing an element of international comity and recognition of foreign certifications.
• "Inland Vessel" is defined with reference to the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, ensuring alignment with the latest legislation governing inland waterways.

4. Ambiguities and Potential Issues

• The phrase "main purpose for which it is used is the provision of goods or services of a kind normally provided on land" could be subject to interpretational disputes, especially in cases of multipurpose vessels or those with mixed-use operations.
• The thirty-day threshold for fishing activities may require robust record-keeping and monitoring to ensure compliance and prevent abuse.
• The provision does not explicitly address emerging vessel types (e.g., hybrid vessels, floating renewable energy platforms), which may necessitate future legislative or regulatory clarification.

Comparative Analysis with Section 115VD of the Income-tax Act, 1961

Section 115VD, as amended, reads substantially similar to Clause 235(i) in its positive conditions and exclusions. The key elements are:

"115VD. For the purposes of this Chapter, a ship or inland vessel, as the case may be, is a qualifying ship if- (a) it is a sea going ship or vessel, or inland vessel, as the case may be, of fifteen net tonnage or more; (b) it is a ship registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, or a ship registered outside India in respect of which a licence has been issued by the Director-General of Shipping u/s 406 or section 407 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 or an inland vessel registered under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, as the case may be; (c) a valid certificate in respect of such ship or inland vessel, as the case may be, indicating its net tonnage is in force, but does not include- (i) a sea going ship or vessel or inland vessel, as the case may be, if the main purpose for which it is used is the provision of goods or services of a kind normally provided on land; (ii) fishing vessels; (iii) factory ships; (iv) pleasure crafts; (v) harbour and river ferries; (vi) offshore installations; (vii) [omitted]; (viii) a qualifying ship which is used as a fishing vessel for a period of more than thirty days during a previous year."

1. Substantive Similarities

Both provisions:

• Set a minimum threshold of fifteen net tonnage.
• Require registration under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, or the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, or appropriate licensing for foreign-registered vessels.
• Mandate a valid certificate indicating net tonnage.
• Exclude the same categories of vessels and activities, including those providing land-based services, fishing vessels, factory ships, pleasure crafts, harbour/river ferries, offshore installations, and ships used for fishing for more than thirty days.

2. Notable Differences and Developments

• Legislative Recasting and Modernization
  Clause 235(i) is part of a wholesale recasting of the tonnage tax regime in the Income Tax Bill, 2025, reflecting a more integrated and updated legislative approach. The language is modernized, and cross-references are updated to align with recent legislative developments, such as the Inland Vessels Act, 2021.
• Omission of "Dredgers"
  Earlier versions of Section 115VD included "dredgers" in the list of exclusions (as clause (vii)), but this was omitted by the Finance Act, 2005. Clause 235(i) does not include dredgers as a separate category, maintaining the current position.
• Terminological Refinement
  The new provision consistently uses "as the case may be" to accommodate both ships and inland vessels, reflecting a deliberate effort to ensure inclusiveness and clarity.
• Integration with Related Definitions
  Clause 235(i) is part of a broader suite of definitions in Clause 235, which collectively define the tonnage tax regime. This integrated approach enhances coherence and reduces interpretational uncertainty.
• Temporal Language
  Section 115VD refers to "previous year" for the thirty-day fishing activity threshold, while Clause 235(i) uses "tax year," aligning terminology with contemporary legislative usage.

3. Policy Continuity and Change

The transition from Section 115VD to Clause 235(i) evidences policy continuity in the core definition and exclusions, indicating satisfaction with the existing framework's effectiveness. However, the recasting also signals a willingness to modernize the legislative architecture, streamline definitions, and ensure alignment with related statutes.

Practical Implications

1. For Shipping Companies

• Eligibility for Tonnage Tax: The precise definition of "qualifying ship" is critical for businesses seeking to opt into the tonnage tax regime. Companies must ensure strict compliance with registration, certification, and operational use requirements.
• Operational Planning: Companies operating dual-use vessels (e.g., cargo and fishing) must monitor and document usage carefully to avoid disqualification due to the thirty-day rule.

2. For Regulators and Tax Authorities

• Compliance and Enforcement: The clarity of the definition facilitates enforcement and reduces scope for disputes. However, ambiguities regarding "services normally provided on land" may necessitate interpretational guidance.
• Inter-Agency Coordination: The reliance on registration and certification under other statutes (Merchant Shipping Act, Inland Vessels Act) underscores the need for coordination between tax authorities and maritime regulators.

3. For the Maritime Industry

• Incentivization: The tonnage tax regime, as delimited by these provisions, continues to incentivize investment in commercial shipping, supporting India's ambitions to expand its maritime footprint.
• Exclusions: The exclusion of fishing, factory, and pleasure vessels ensures that the regime remains targeted and that fiscal benefits are not dissipated across unrelated sectors.

4. For Legal Practitioners

• Advisory Role: Legal advisors must remain vigilant regarding the evolving statutory language and ensure clients are apprised of the latest compliance requirements.
• Dispute Resolution: Potential disputes may arise over vessel classification, especially in cases of multipurpose or hybrid-use vessels.

Comparative Perspective: International and Domestic

Many jurisdictions with tonnage tax regimes (e.g., UK, Singapore, Greece) employ similar definitional frameworks, setting minimum tonnage thresholds and excluding non-transport vessels. The Indian approach, as reflected in both Section 115VD and Clause 235(i), is broadly consistent with international best practices, though the explicit thirty-day rule for dual-use vessels is a notable feature. Domestically, the alignment with the Merchant Shipping Act and Inland Vessels Act ensures coherence across regulatory regimes, reducing the risk of conflicting interpretations.

Conclusion

Clause 235(i) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, represents a careful and considered evolution of the definition of "qualifying ship" for the tonnage tax regime, building on the foundation laid by Section 115VD of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The provision maintains substantive continuity while modernizing language, integrating related definitions, and aligning with recent legislative developments. The definition's clarity and specificity serve to promote certainty, facilitate compliance, and ensure that the tonnage tax regime remains focused on its core policy objective: incentivizing commercial maritime transport while excluding unrelated or ancillary activities. However, certain ambiguities-particularly regarding mixed-use vessels and the interpretation of "services normally provided on land"-may require future judicial or administrative clarification. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, ongoing legislative vigilance will be necessary to ensure that the definition of "qualifying ship" remains fit for purpose, responsive to technological change, and aligned with both domestic policy objectives and international standards.

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Full Text:

Clause 235 Interpretation.

 

Dated: 10-5-2025