Commissioner Of Central Excise, MUMBAI-III v. RELIANCE SILICONES LTD.
2004-11-02
A.R.LAKSHMANAN, S.H.KAPADIA, S.N.VARIAVA
body2004
DigiLaw.ai
ORDER 1. This appeal is against the order of the Customs, Excise and Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal (in short "CEGAT"), Mumbai dated 24-2-1998. The question before us is whether three products manufactured by the respondents are to be classified under Tariff Item 27.10 or 39.10. 2. The respondents had filed classification lists as far back as on 7-3-1988 and 26-9-1988. These classification lists had been approved by the Assistant Commissioner. However, such approval was subject to chemical test report. 3. On 11-5-1992 samples were drawn and sent to the Deputy Chief Chemist for the purpose of obtaining a test report. This test report indicated that these products were silicone oil in primary form. The respondents demanded a second test. Another report was obtained on 2-12-1993 which held that these products were not silicone oil in primary form. It appears that the department called for a third report from the Chief Chemist. The Chief Chemist not only tested the products but also visited the factory to ascertain the manner of production. Thereafter, the Chief Chemist opined, by his report dated 30-5-1995, that these products were not silicone oils in primary form. 4. In spite of these reports, the Commissioner of Central Excise, by the order dated 27-5-1996, held that these products were classifiable under Tariff Item 39.10. The respondents filed an appeal before CEGAT which has been allowed by the impugned judgment. Noting the two subsequent test reports CEGAT has held that they are the best evidence. It has held that mere statements obtained from some dealers in the market cannot prevail over C these test reports. CEGAT has held that the product cannot be classified under Tariff Item 39.10. S. We see no infirmity in the judgment of CEGAT. Even otherwise we find that the question under consideration is covered by a decision of this Court in the respondents own case in Reliance Silicon (1) (P) Ltd. v. CCEI wherein it has been held that emulsions of this nature cannot form part of the d then Tariff Item 15-A(1) (which is now Tariff Item 39). 6. Under the circumstances, we see no reason to interfere. The appeal stands dismissed. There will be no order as to costs.