Indirect Taxation - 2002

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INTERMEDIATE  EXAMINATION (Old Syllabus)

INDIRECT TAXATION  - December 2002

Suggested  Answers

Q.1 (a) What is the relevant date for determination of rate of duty and tariff value under Central Excise Rules, 2001? (b) (i) A big ship carrying merchandize and stores enters the territorial waters of India but it cannot enter the port. In order to unload the merchandize lighter ships are employed. Stores are consumed on board the ship as well as by the small ships. Examine whether such consumption of stores attracts customs duty, quote relevant section and case law, if any. (ii) Stores are supplied to the above ships. Will such supplies be treated as exports and be entitled to drawback? (c) Describe the constitutional provisions under which Central Excise duty is imposed. (d) An officer of the Customs has reason to believe that a person has secreted gold/diamonds or documents about his person liable to confiscation. He wants to search him. The person requests the officer to take him to a Gazetted Officer or Magistrate. Should his request be acceded to? What precautions should be taken in such a search? (e) Describe constitutional provisions that restrict imposition of tax on sale of or purchase of goods. [ 4 x 5 = 20 marks]

Answer 1.(a)  As per rule 5(1), for all excisable Goods other than khandsari molasses,  the relevant date for determination of rate of duty or tariff value is the date of removal of goods from a factory or warehouse. In case of Khandsari molasses, relevant date is the date of receipt of goods into the factory of the procurer (buyer). [This is because duty on khandsari molasses is payable by procurer]. In case of goods falling under 61 and 62 (i.e. ready made garments), manufactured or produced or job work, the relevant date is the date of removal of such goods from the registered premises of raw material supplier. [as the raw material supplier is liable to pay duty].

Answer 1 (b)  (i) ‘Stores’ means goods for use in a vessel and includes diesel and spare parts and other articles and equipment. Bringing of ‘stores’ is treated as import. However, there is special provision for stores under Section 87. Imported stores consumed on board an ocean going vessel are exempt from import duty under Section 87. Since the ship is ocean going, stores consumed on board will not attract customs duty. Regarding the smaller ships which are employed to unload the cargo from the mother ship, there are termed as ‘transhippers’. There are also treated as ocean going vessels, as decided in UOI v. V M Salgaoncar AIR 1998 SC 1367 = 99 ELT 3 (SC). Hence, Stores consumed by small vessels would also be exempt from customs duty.

Answer 1 (b) (ii) Stores supplied to will be treated as export as per section 89 of Customs Act and hence will be eligible for duty drawback 

Answer 1 (c) Article 286 of the Constitution provides that no tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law. Article 246(1) of Constitution of India states that Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of matters enumerated in List I in the Seventh Schedule to Constitution. (Called ‘Union List’). As per Article 246(3), State Government has exclusive powers to make laws for State with respect to any matter enumerated in List II of Seventh Schedule to Constitution. Seventh schedule to Constitution (referred to in Article 246) indicates bifurcation of powers to make laws, between Union Government and State Governments. Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws in respect of matters given in list I of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution (called ‘Union List’’). Entry 84 of List I is as follows – ‘Duties of excise on tobacco and other goods manufactured or produced in India except alcoholic liquors for human consumption, opium, narcotic drugs, but including medicinal and toilet preparations containing alcoholic liquor, opium or narcotics’. This is the constitutional base for imposing central excise duty.

Answer 1 (d) The relevant section are 100,101 and 102 of Customs Act. Section 100 empowers Customs Officer to search a person if he has reason to believe that smuggled goods or document are secreted in his person. Section 102(2) of Customs Act lays down that the person being searched can request that the search should be carried out before a gazetted officer or magistrate. If such request is made, the person should be taken to the nearest Gazatted officer of Customs or a Magistrate. The Gazetted officer or Magistrate will decide whether the search should be done or to discharge the person. If search to be conducted, two persons should be brought as witnesses. The search is conducted before the ‘panchas’ and the seized articles are listed and signed. Female should be searched by a female only.

Answer 1 (e) Article 286(1) of the Constitution provides that no law of a State shall impose a tax on the sale or purchase of goods where such sale or purchase takes place (i) inside the State or (ii) in the course of import or export of goods.  Entry 92A of List I (Union List) reads, ‘Taxes on the Sale or purchase of goods other than newspapers, where such sale or purchase takes place in the course of Interstate trade or commerce’. Entry 54 of State List (List II) reads, ‘Tax on sale or purchase of goods other than newspapers except tax on interstate sale or purchase’.  Thus, inter state sale can be taxed only by Union Government while sale within the State can be taxed only by State Government. Article 366(29A) gives inclusive definition of ‘tax on the sale or purchase of goods’. It states that it includes a tax on hire purchase, leasing, sale of foods articles or drinks by way of or as part of service, transfer of property in goods involved in works contract etc.

Q 2. (a) H Ltd. purchased a Boring-Drilling machine at a cum-duty price of Rs. 32,14,476. The Excise duty rate charged on the said machine was @ 16%. The machine was purchased on 01.04.2000 and disposed of on 30.09.2002 for a price of Rs. 12 lakhs. The company was claiming depreciation @ 25% following Straight Line Method. Using the said information, answer the following questions: (i) What is the Excise duty paid on the machine? (ii) What is the Cenvat credit allowable under Cenvat Rules? (iii) What is the amount of Cenvat credit reversible or duty payable at the time of clearance of the said machinery? (b) Explain the provisions relating to confiscation and penalty under Rule 25 of Central Excise Rules. (c) Explain the penal provisions relating to vexatious search, seizures, etc. by Central Excise Officers. [8+4+4 = 16 marks]

Answer 2. (a) Cum-duty price Rs. 32,14,476

Hence, Basic Price i.e. Assessable value  = 32,14,476 * 100/116  = Rs. 27,71,100

Excise duty paid = Rs. 4,43,376, i.e. 16% of Rs 27,71,1000.

As per Cenvat Rules, 50% Cenvat credit can be availed in current financial year and balance 50% of Cenvat is allowable only in following financial year, if the capital Goods are in possession and use. Since the Capital goods were in use for six months in the year 2001-02, Cenvat of balance 50% is allowable.

Cenvat allowable in the year 2000-01 Rs. 2,21,688 and Cenvat allowable in the year 2001-02 Rs. 2,21,688.

As per Cenvat Credit Rules (as applicable upto 28-2-2003), an ‘amount’ equal to duty payable at the rate and value as applicable on the date of removal is payable. Hence, ‘amount’ payable at the time of disposal on 30-9-2002 is Rs. 12,00,000 * 16/100 i.e. Rs. 1,92,000/-.  [Note that w.e.f. 1-3-2003, the Cenvat Credit Rules have been amended, and an ‘amount’ equal to Cenvat credit availed on goods is payable. Hence, in this case, an amount of Rs 4,43,376 would have been payable, if clearance was after 1-3-2003].

Answer 2(b) Under rule 25(1)  of Central Excise Rules, following are offences : * Removing excisable goods in contravention of Excise Rules or notifications issued under the rules * Not accounting for excisable goods manufactured, produced or stored * Engaging in manufacture, production or storage of excisable goods without applying for registration certificate u/s 6 of CE Act * Contravening any provision of Central Excise Rules or notifications issued under these rules with intent to evade payment of duty. Rule 25 applies to any producer, manufacturer, registered person of a warehouse or a registered dealers. Penalty for violations prescribed in rule 25 is (a) confiscation of contravening goods (b) penalty upto  duty payable on such contravening goods or Rs. 10,000 whichever is higher.

Answer 2(c) - Section 22 of CEA provides that in case of vexatious search and seizure, the officer is punishable upto Rs. 2,000/-. Vexatious search means (a) searching without any reasonable ground (b) unnecessarily detaining, searching or arresting a person (c) unnecessarily seizing any movable property (d) committing injury to a person without reason.

Any person giving false information causing such search or arrest is also punishable with fine upto Rs. 2,000 and imprisonment upto two years or both.

Q 3. Distinguish between the following under Central Excise Law: (a) ‘Transfer of Cenvat credit’ and ‘Transitional provisions of Cenvat credit’. (b) ‘Exempted goods’ and ‘Nil rate goods’ (c) ‘Assessment of return’ and ‘Scrutiny of return’ (d) ‘Memorandum of appeal’ and ‘Memorandum of cross objections’. [4 x 4 = 16 marks]

Answer 3 (a) ‘Transfer of Cenvat Credit’ is covered by Rule 8 of Cenvat Credit Rules (ii) It deals with transfer of credit in the event of shifting of a factory to another site or transfer of factory in sale/merger/amalgamation/lease.  On the other hand, transitional Provisions of Cenvat Credit are covered by Rule 9 of Cenvat Credit Rules. These deal with payment of an amount equal to Cenvat credit on inputs lying in stock when an SSI assessee switches over from payment of duty to exemption scheme at the end of financial year.

Answer 3(b) Exempted goods are those goods that are exempted from payment of duty by way of exemption notification issued under Sec 5A of Central Excise Act read with Central Excise Tariff Act. The “Nil” rate goods are those goods on which no excise duty is payable, as under the relevant Central Excise Tariff heading or subheading, the duty payable is ‘Nil’. In other words, ‘’Nil’ rate duty means the Central Excise Tariff itself indicates ‘Nil’ rate, while in case of ‘exempted goods’, the tariff indicates a rate of duty, but the duty is exempt by issue of an exemption notification. Exemption may granted on condition or without conditions. ‘Nil’ rate as indicated in Tariff may also be with some condition of use etc., if the Tariff itself specifies such a condition.

Answer 3(c) Assessment means determining the tax liability. Thus, assessment involves verification of correctness of classification, value, rate of duty, eligibility of exemption notification benefits, amount of duty, etc. and then determine the duty payable. In Central Excise, ‘self assessment’ procedure is adopted, i.e. assessee himself decides the duty payable and pays the same. - -  ‘Scrutiny’ means close examination or examination of details. The departmental officers will scrutinize the return. They will check the returns and figures etc. for discrepancy if any. They may carry out surprise checks, apart from critical audit of private and statutory records of assessees by spot visit. However, the officers will not ‘assess’ the duty i.e. they will not determine duty payable on the basis of return submitted by assessee. Assessment order is not issued. However, if the officers are of opinion that there is short payment, show cause notice cum demand can be issued.

Answer 3 (d) A memorandum of appeal is relevant where an appeal is preferred before CEGAT. It shall be in prescribed form and it has to set forth concisely under district heads, the grounds of appeal which are to be consecutively numbered. - - A memorandum of cross objection is a statement filed by the respondent on receipt of copy of a notice from the Commissioner (Appeals) or Tribunal, in respect of an appeal filed by the other party. There are two parties to an appeal - one the assessee and other the excise department. If one party files an appeal, another will get notice of such appeal with a copy of appeal. The other party (assessee or department as the case may be) can file cross-objections. Provision of such cross objection has been made u/s 35B(4) of CEA and section 129A(4) of Customs Act. The ‘cross objection’ is in nature of ‘cross appeal’.

In an order appealed against, some points may be decided against appellant and some against respondent. However, assume that finally, decision was in favour of respondent. In such case, he may not normally file appeal even if some points were decided against him, as final decision was in his favour. Now, if appellant files appeal in respect of points decided against him, respondent can file cross-objections in respect of points which were decided against him, which is in nature of cross appeal. This can be done even if respondent himself has filed a separate appeal and also in cases where he had not filed appeal. - - Thus, ‘cross objection’ is not a reply to the points raised by opposite party, but appeal against points which were decided against the respondent.

Q 4. Write brief notes on any four of the following under Customs Act, 1962: (a) First appraisement (b) Procedure for filing appeal to Commissioner (Appeals) (c) Import under Duty Exemption Pass Book 1997-2002 (d) Legal position of instructions in manuals/trade circulars/public notices (e) Retrospective effect of rule/regulation notification even amended/repealed or superseded. [4 x 4 = 16 marks]

Answer 4(a) There are two systems of assessment. Section 17(2) of Customs Act provides for assessment after examination of goods and section 17(4) provides for assessment on basis of documents, followed by inspection and testing of goods. “First appraisement system” or 'first check procedure' is followed if the appraiser is not able to make assessment on the basis of documents submitted and deems that inspection is necessary. Goods are examined first and then these are assessed. This method is followed only if assessment is not possible on basis of documents. In “Second Appraisement System” or 'second check procedure', which is normally followed, assessment is done on basis of documents and then goods are examined. Section 17(4) of Customs Act specifically provides that if initially assessment is done on basis of documents, re-assessment can be done after examination or testing of goods or otherwise, if it is found subsequent to examination or testing or otherwise, that any statement made on Bill of Entry or any information supplied is not true in respect of matter relevant to assessment of duty.

First appraisement is generally carried out in following cases - * If complete documents are not submitted * Goods are to be tested for correct classification * Goods are re-imported * Goods are damaged or deteriorated and abatement is claimed  * Goods are abandoned and remission of duty is applied for * When goods are provisionally assessed * When importer himself requests for examination of goods before payment of duty.

Answer 4(b) Any person aggrieved by an order of an officer lower than the Commissioner, may appeal within 60 days from the date of communication of order to Commissioner (Appeals). The Commissioner (Appeals) can extend the time for filing appeal by 30 days, if proper cause is shown. Appeal should be in prescribed form No. EA-1 in duplicate and should be accompanied by a certified copy of the decision or order against which appeal is filed. The form requires to give name and address of appellant, details of order appealed against, description of goods, whether duty or penalty is deposited, whether appellant wants to be heard in person and relief claimed. Appeal should also state statement of facts and grounds of appeal. It should be properly verified. Required non-judicial stamps should be affixed to the appeal.

Answer 4 (c) Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) is one of the export promotion scheme. The scheme is similar to Cenvat credit scheme. The exporter gets credit when he exports the goods. The credit is on basis of rates prescribed. This credit can be utilised for payment of customs duty on imported goods. The objective of the scheme is to neutralise incidence of customs duty on the import content of export product. The neutralisation shall be provided by way of grant of duty credit against the export product. Under this scheme, exporters will be granted duty credit on the basis of notified entitlement rates. The entitlement rates will be notified by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The entitlement rates will be a % of FOB.  The entitlement rate will be fixed on basis of input output norms. Value addition achieved in export product will also be taken into account. DEPB is valid for 12 months for import of raw materials, intermediates, components, parts, packaging material etc. DEPB can be transferred only after realisation of export proceeds.

Answer 4(d) Legal position of instructions given by department in its manuals, trade circulars or public notices have no statutory force. The departmental circulars are not binding on assessee or quasi-judicial authorities. However, department itself, which has issued the circular, cannot take a stand contrary to the circular. Department can withdraw or amend the circular, but with prospective effect  The view is confirmed in Commissioner of Sales Tax v. Indra Industries 2000(6) SCALE 392 (SC 3 member bench)].

Answer 4(e) Section 38A of Central Excise Act provides that even if any rule, regulation, notification or order made under the Central Excise Act and Rules is amended, repealed, superseded or rescinded, it shall not (a) Revive anything not in force (b) Affect previous operation of any rule, order or notification amended (c) Affect rights, privilege, obligation acquired, accrued or incurred under such rule / notification / order / regulation. In short, even if any rule, notification, regulation or order is amended or rescinded; rights acquired and liabilities incurred during the period when the rule /notification / regulation / order was in force, will continue. Thus, a demand can be raised for the period when rule was in force, even after such rule / notification is rescinded.

Q 5. Answer any four of the following under Customs Act, 1962 - (a) IEC code (b) Classification of an article which is incomplete or unfinished but has the essential characteristics of the complete/finished article (c) Nominated agencies (d) Negative List of Imports (e) Custom House Agent. [4 x 4 = 16 marks]

Answer 5. (a) Every importer and exporter must obtain a ‘Importer Exporter Code Number’ (IEC) from DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade) or officer authorised by him, by applying in prescribed form (section 7 of FTDR Act). The Code number can be cancelled by DGFT if (a) the person has contravened provisions of Customs Act, Excise Act, FERA, FTDR or any other economic offence under any other law as may be specified by Central Government (b) Person is engaged in export or import in a manner gravely prejudicial to trade relations with other country or injurious to interests of other exporters/importers or has brought to the credit of goods of India. Application for IEC number has to be made to DGFT in prescribed form with fees of Rs. 1,000. Certificate from bankers that the company is maintaining current account should be attached. Date since which account is maintained should also be stated in the certificate. Two copies of photographs of applicant duly certified by banker should be attached. A number allotted to a company is valid for all its offices, branches and units. DGFT has decided to use PAN number issued by Income Tax authorities for control purposes. Central Government and its agencies, State Governments and persons importing or exporting goods for personal use and not for trade or manufacture or agriculture are exempt from this provision and do not have to obtain IEC Code number.

Answer 5 (b) As per Rule 2(a) of Central Excise Tariff Act (CETA), any reference to complete goods also includes incomplete or un-finished goods, if such incomplete or un-finished goods have the essential characteristic of finished goods. Some illustrations in HSN Explanatory notes are - * a machine or apparatus normally incorporating an electric motor is classified in the same heading even if presented without motor. * Passenger coach not fitted with seats will still be a passenger coach * Motor vehicle not yet fitted with wheels, battery or tyres * Bicycles without saddles and tyres * Photographic camera without an optical element * Electric supply meter without its totaling device.

Answer 5 (c) Nominated Agencies means Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation (MMTC),  Handicraft and Handloom Export Corporation, the State Trading Corporation (STC), Projects and Equipment of India Ltd., and any other agency authorised by Reserve Bank of India. The significance is that these nominated agencies can import silver, gold and platinum without payment of customs duty, for supply to units in Special Economic Zone. [SEZ], as per notification No. 137/2000-Cus.

Answer 5(d) Exports and imports are free unless regulated or restricted. The Govt. regulates the import and export of goods through Negative List of Imports and Exports. Negative list of Imports consists of goods which are either prohibited or restricted for export or import. These are very few items in this list These items may be imported against licence or as per Public Notice issued in this behalf. Any item not mentioned in Negative List can be imported freely under Open General License. [OGL]. In some cases, the item can be imported only through canalizing agencies.

Answer 5(e) An importer or exporter can himself transact business of imports and exports. However, generally, it is not possible for an individual to complete customs formalities and obtain clearance from ports. Hence, appointment of Customs House Agent (CHA) is necessary. An importer can appoint or change CHA to help him in import/exports. In order to ensure that only authorised persons are permitted to work as CHA, section 146 provide for licence to persons to carry on business as an agent relating to import or export of goods or entry/departure of conveyance. CHA can do the business of clearance of goods or behalf of importer/exporter, CHA is required to abide by the rules and regulations. CHA is required to pass examination regarding Customs Act and procedures.

Q 6. (a) ‘A’ imports by air from USA a Gear cutting machine complete with accessories and spares. Its HS classification is 84.6140 and Value US $ f.o.b. 20,000.

Other relevant date/information: (1) At the request of importer, US $ 1,000 have been incurred for improving the design, etc. of machine, but is not reflected in the invoice, but will be paid by the party. (2) Freight - US $ 6,000. (3) Goods are insured but premium is not shown/available in invoice. (4) Commission to be paid to local agent in India Rs. 4,500. (5) Freight and insurance from airport to factory is Rs. 4,500. (6) Exchange rate is US $ 1 = Rs. 45. (7) Duties of Customs : Basic – 25% CVD – 16% SAD – 4%. - -  Compute (i) Assessable value (ii) Customs duty.

Q 6 (b) ‘A’ has exported under-mentioned goods under drawback claim –

S. No. of DGK Table

Description of goods & quantity exported

Value f.o.b. Rs

Rate of Drawback

64.01

Leather footware Boots 200 nos.@ Rs. 1,000 per pair

2,00,000

11% of f.o.b. subject to maximum of Rs. 85 per pair

64.11

Leather chappals 2000 nos. @ Rs. 50 per pair

1,00,000

3% of f.o.b. subject to maximum of Rs. 5 per pair.

71.01

Brass Jewellery 200 kgs. @ Rs.200 per kg

 

Rs. 22.50 per kg of Brass content

71.05

Plastic bangles with embellishment 200 kgs @ Rs. 100 per kg

 

Rs. 5.00 per kg of plastic content.

 

Answer 6(a) (i)  Computation of Assessable Value

FOB

On examination it is found that brass content in brass jewellery is 50% of weight and in plastic bangles the plastic content is 50% but the total weight comes to 190 kgs only. - -Compute drawback on each item and total drawback. [10+6 = 16 marks]

Answer 6(a) (i)  Computation of Assessable Value

FOB Value of Machine US $  $ 20,000    
Add: Expenditure for improving design $ 1,000    
Add - Freight limited to 20% of FOB [Rule 9 (2)] $ 4,000    
Insurance @ 1.125% of FOB [Rule 9(2)c(iii)] $ 225    

Sub-Total   

$ 25,225    
Sub-Total In Rs @ Rs 45 per Rupee     Rs 11,35,125
Add -  Agents Commission [Rule 9(1)(i)]     Rs        4,500
Total CIF Value     Rs 11,39,625
Add – Landing charges 1% of CIF     Rs      11,396
Assessable Value     Rs 11,51,021

Duty payable will be as follows –

(ii) Gear cutting machine Complete with accessories and spares

Basic Customs Duty  @ 25%                                       2,87,755.25

Calculation of Additional Duty - Additional duty (CVD) is payable on AV + Basic Customs Duty. Thus, CVD @ 16% is payable of Rs 14,38,776.25 (11,51,021 + 2,87,755.25). Hence, CVD payable is 2,30,204.20

Calculation of Special Additional Duty (SAD) - Special Additional Duty @ 4% is payable on AV + Basic  + CVD. Thus, SAD payable is Rs 66,759.22 i.e. 4% of Rs  16,68,980.50 [11,51,021+ 2,87,755.25+2,30,204.20]

Total duty payable is Rs 5,84,718.65, comprising of Basic 2,87,755.25 + additional i.e. CVD 2,30,204.20 + Special Additional Duty 66,759.20.

Answer 6(b)

Description

FOB Value Rs

Rate of Drawback

Drawback in Rs

Leather footwear Boots – 200 pairs @ Rs 1,000 per pair

Rs 2,00,000

11% of FOB subject to max of Rs 85 per pair

Rs 17,000

Leather chappals – 2,000 pairs @ Rs 50 per pair

Rs 1,00,000

3% of FOB subject to Max Rs 5 per pair

Rs 3,000

Brass jewellery 200 Kgs @ Rs 200 per Kg – Brass content 50% of weight

 

Rs 22.50 per Kg of Brass content

2,250

Plastic bangles with embellishment 200 Kgs – Plastic content 50%. Actual weight 190 Kgs only

 

Rs 5 Per Kg of plastic content

Rs 475

 

 

Total Duty Drawback

Rs 22,725

Q 7 (a) State whether the following elements are to be included or not as part of the ‘Transaction value’ under section 4 of the Central Excise Act, 1944. (i) Erection and commissioning charges (ii) System software etched in the computer system (iii) Cylinder holding charges (iv) After-sales warranty charges - - (b) X Ltd. manufactures three health drinks viz. Slim, Trim, Prim. Slim was sold only to Y Ltd., a subsidiary company of X Ltd. Trim was sold to Z Ltd., where the Managing Director of X Ltd. is a Manager. Prim is sold to P Ltd. who are sole distributor of X Ltd., and was coming under the same management of X Ltd. Determine the assessable value/transaction value of the three products in the hands of X Ltd. on the basis of the following information :

Price of X Ltd. to Y Ltd. Rs 100
Price of X Ltd. to Z Ltd. Rs 50
Price of X Ltd. to P Ltd. Rs 20
Price of Y Ltd. to consumer Rs 120
Price of  Z Ltd. to consumer Rs 60
Price of P Ltd. to consumer Rs 30

(c) Define ‘Transaction value’ under section 4 of the Central Excise Act, 1944.  [8+5+3 = 16 marks]

Answer 7(a) (i) Any payment made by buyer to assessee is includible in assessable value only if it is in ‘connection’ with sales. In case of erection and commissioning charges for erecting machinery at site, these are incurred after goods are removed from the factory. These may be in ‘relation’ to sales but are not in ‘connection’ with sales as there is no ‘cause and effect’ relationship between the two. Hence these are not includable in assessable value. This is also confirmed vide CBE&C circular No. 643/34/2002-CX dated 1-7-2002

(ii) A computer manufacturer loads bought out computer software on computer while selling. Thus, the system software is loaded on computer while computer is cleared from the factory. Computer software as such is exempt from duty. Department had earlier clarified that value of computer software etched or loaded on computer will be includible. However, if computer software is supplied separately on floppy disc or tapes, its value will not be includible. [However, as per CBE&C circular dated 28-2-2003, value of computer software will not be includible in assessable value of computer].

(iii) In case of durable and returnable containers, the container is returnable after the gas or other material inside is used. Often, manufacturing companies take some deposit and charge some rent for the container. These are ‘cylinder holding charges’. CBE&C, vide its circular No. 643/34/2002-CX dated 1-7-2002, has clarified that rental charges or cost of maintenance of reusable metal containers like cylinders etc. are to be included in assessable value. This view is correct, as such rental charges and the sale of gas are so intrinsically connected that there can be no sale without such charges.

(iv) Compulsory after sales warranty charges are includible as the sale of goods and such charges are inseparable. However, optional service charges are not includable as there is no connection between the sale of goods and the optional service charges.

Answer 7(b) As per Central Excise Valuation Rules, if goods are sold exclusively through a ‘related person’, the price at which goods are sold to unrelated person by the related person will be the transaction value for purposes of Central Excise.

Product ‘Slim’ was sold exclusively to ‘Y’ who is a subsidiary, which is ‘relation person’ as per section 4(3)(b) of Central Excise Act. Hence, transaction value will be Rs 120, i.e. price at which Y sales to ultimate consumer.

Product ‘Trim’ is sold to ‘Z’ where MD of the manufacturer is Manager. Hence, they are ‘inter connected undertakings’. However, as per Rule 10 of Valuation Rules, inter connected undertakings are considered as ‘related person’ only if there is ‘holding subsidiary’ relationship. Since there is no such relationship, transaction value will be Rs 50 only, i.e. price at which X sales to Z.

Product ‘Prim’ was sold to P. Since X and P are under same management, they are ‘inter connected undertakings’. However, as per Rule 10 of Valuation Rules, inter connected undertakings are considered as ‘related person’ only if there is ‘holding subsidiary’ relationship. Since there is no such relationship, transaction value will be Rs 20 only, i.e. price at which X sales to P.

Answer 7(c) Section 4(3)(d) defines ‘transaction value’ as the price actually paid or payable for the goods, when sold, and includes in addition to the amount charged as price, any amount that the buyer is liable to pay to, or on behalf of, the assessee, by reason of, or in connection with the sale, whether payable at the time of sale or at any other time, including, but not limited to, any amount charged for, or to make provision for, advertising or publicity, marketing and selling organization expenses, storage, outward handling, servicing, warranty, commission or any other matter; but does not include the amount of duty of excise, sales tax and other taxes, if any, actually paid or actually payable on such goods.

Q 8. (a) Distinguish between ‘concessions’ and ‘exemptions’ under CST Act, 1956. (b) State ‘omissions’ and ‘commissions’ that attract penal provisions under CST Act, 1956. (c) Are the following ‘Sale’ under section 2(g) of CST Act, 1956? (i) Sale of illegal goods. (ii) Gifts given by a company to their shareholders. (iii) Credit sale. (iv) Leasing of Fixed Assets (v) Works contract (vi) Development of Computer Software to the requirement of clients (vii) Xerox copying for customers (viii) Job work [4+4+8 = 16 marks].

Answer 8 (a) ‘Concessions’ enable a ‘Dealer’ to purchase or sale goods at reduced rate of tax or allows to defer the tax payment. For example, under CST Act ‘C’ form gives concession to a Registered dealer to purchase or sell goods at concessional rate of tax of 4% or less. Similarly ‘F’ form permits a Registered Dealer to stock transfer the goods from one State to another without payment of sales tax. These are ‘concessions’. ‘Exemptions’ permit a dealer to sell or purchase goods without tax liability or exempts the goods from tax payment partially of fully. Such ‘exemptions’ are given by issue of a exemption notification.

Answer 8(b) The following acts of ‘omissions’ (failing to do a certain thing required by law) and ‘commissions’ (acting in contravention of tax law) attract penal provisions under section 10 of the CST Act –

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Knowingly giving declaration in form C, E-I, E-II, F or H or form by SEZ unit which he knows, or has reason to believe, to be false

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Not registering under CST Act when required to be registered

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False representation by a registered dealer that the goods being purchased are covered under his Certificate of Registration for concessional rate

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Falsely representing that he is a registered dealer, though he is not.

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Misusing or using for different purpose the goods obtained under C form or form prescribed for SEZ unit, at concessional rate

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Having in possession C forms or form prescribed for SEZ unit, which are not obtained as per provisions of Act.

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Collecting any amount representing as Central Sales Tax by an unregistered dealer or by a registered dealer in contravention of provisions of Act.

Punishment upto 6 months can be imposed for the offenses.

Answer 8 (c) (i) Illegal goods – It is Sale (ii) Gifts – It is not a sale as there is no ‘consideration (iii) Credit sale is also a Sale (iv) Leasing of ‘goods’ is taxable under CST Act. Since fixed assets are not ‘goods’, its lease will not be a ‘sale’ under CST Act (v) CST Act as amended in May 2002 includes sale on transfer of property in goods involved in works contract. It is a sale (vi) Development of computer software is work of skill and labour. Supply of material (i.e. floppy on which the programme is loaded) is only incidental to the contract. It is not a sale (vii) Xerox copying is not a sale, as the object of the payment of the price is to get the document duplicated, not to receive the paper. (viii) Job work is not ‘sale’ as there is no transfer of property.

INDIRECT TAXATION - June 2002

Q.1 (a) Who is exempted from registration under Rule 9 of Central Excise Rules, 2001? (b) Distinguish between ‘reference application’ and ‘revision application’ under Central Excise Law. (c) Explain the provisions relating to short-shipment/shut out notice under the Customs Act and Rules. (d) Under Section 28A of the Customs Act, 1962, the Central Government has power not to recover Duties levied or short levied. – Discuss. (e) List the restrictions and conditions in regard to tax on sale or purchase of declared goods within a State under Section 15 of CST Act, 1956. [4 x 5 = 20 marks]

Answer 1(a) - Following are exempt from registration under Central Excise - (i) Persons who manufacture Excisable goods which are chargeable to ‘nil’ rate. (ii) SSI units availing exemption based on value of clearance. (iii) Persons manufacturing Excisable goods under Customs Warehousing Procedures (iv) Person who carries on wholesale trade or deals in excisable goods who does not issue Cenvatable Invoice. (v) A 100% EOU or a unit in FTZ or SEZ. (vi) In respect of ready made garments, the job worker need not get registered if the principal discharges duty.

Answer 1(b) - In most of cases, appeal against order of Commissioner or Commissioner (Appeals) lies with CEGAT. However, in few cases, revision application has to be made. A revision Application is covered under Sec. 35EE of Central Excise Act. It is made to Government of India, Dept. of Revenue. The application is made against order of Commissioner (Appeals) or Commissioner. Revision application can be made where the matter relates to loss of goods occurring in transit from factory to warehouse or to another factory, rebate on goods exported out of India or goods exported without payment of duty. In case of customs, revision application is made if the matter relates to baggage, Drawback or goods short landed. - - On the other hand, reference Application is covered under section 35H of Central Excise Act. The reference application is made to High Court against order of CEGAT. Reference application can be made only where a question of law is involved, as facts found by Tribunal are final. Reference application can be made on all issues arising out of order of Tribunal, except where the issue is other than rate of duty and valuation is involved.

Answer 1(c) – As per Notice of Short Export Rules, 1963, if any good mentioned in a shipping bill or bill of export and cleared for exportation are not exported, the exporter shall, within 7 days from the date of departure of the conveyance by which such goods were intended to be exported, furnish the particulars to the Customs Authorities. This notice is known as short-shipment/shut out Notice. Any exporter who fails to comply with the provisions of the rule shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding Rs. 100.

Answer 1(d) – Some times, both department and assessees interpret a provision in a particular way and pay duty accordingly. However, the mutually understood interpretation may change due to events like Supreme Court Judgment or re-thinking of department. In such cases, demand for past period will cast a very heavy burden on importers. Hence, as per section 28A, if the Central Government is satisfied that a practice generally prevalent regarding levy of duty or non-levy on any goods imported or exported, and that that such goods are actually liable (a) to duty, in cases where according to the said practice the duty was not or is not being levied; or (b) to a higher amount of duty than what was levied according to the said practice; then the Central Government may, by notification, direct that the whole of the duty liable/payable on such goods shall not be required to be paid. If a person has paid the duty, the same is refundable u/sec 27 of Customs Act, 1962.

Answer 1(e) – Goods specified in section 15 of CST Act are termed as ‘declared goods’. There are following restrictions - (i) The local sales tax payable in respect of any sale or purchase of such goods inside the state under that law shall not exceed 4% of the price. (ii) Where a local sales tax is levied under that law in respect of the sale or purchase inside the state or of any declared goods, and such goods are sold in the course of inter-state trade or commerce, the tax levied under such law shall be reimbursed to the person making such sale in the course of inter state trade. (iii) Where a local tax is levied in respect of any sale or purchase of any paddy inside the state the tax leviable on the rice procured out of the paddy shall be reduced by the amount of tax levied on such paddy. (iv) Each of the pulses referred in Sec 14, whether whole or separated and whether with or without husk, shall be treated as a single commodity for levy of local sales tax, i.e. if local sales tax is paid on raw pulses, no further tax is payable after it is processed. (v) If paddy is purchased and rice produced from such paddy is exported, it will be treated as ‘same goods’ for export purposes. Hence, paddy can be procured for export without payment of tax on purchases.

Q.2 (a) Is transfer of Cenvat Credit admissible on account of change of ownership? Explain the relevant provisions under Central Excise Law. - - (b) Fill in the blanks: i) Cenvat credit is available on ____ .( additional customs duty/special additional duty) ii) When excise duty paid goods are returned to a factory, _____ . (Cenvat is allowed/ Cenvat is not allowed) iii) Cenvat credit can be taken on the basis of ____. (Bill of Entry/bill of Lading) iv) Transitional provisions are covered by ______. (Rule 9/Rule 8) of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2002. v) Any wrong availment of Cenvat credit may attract a penalty equivalent to the duty or Rs._____. (10,000/100,000) vi) Under Cenvat Credit Rules, 2001, capital goods includes _____.(water tank/storage tank) - - - (c) Prepare a Cenvat account in the books of A Ltd., and determine the balance as on 30-09-2002 from the following data: - 

  1. Opening balance as on 01-04-2002 Rs. 47,000. 

  2. Inputs received on 04-04-2002 involving excise duty paid Rs. 14,747 

  3. Purchased a lathe for Rs. 1,16,000 -cum duty price @ excise duty rate of 16% on 05-04-2002 and received the lathe into the factory on 05-12-2002. 

  4. On 06-04-2002 paid excise duty on final products @ 16% through Cenvat A/c (cum duty price of the goods Rs. 2,32,000). 

  5. Inputs cleared as such to a job worker on 01-04-2002 not returned in 180 days, quantity 1,000 Kgs; Assessable value Rs. 2 lacs; ED @ 16% of the above, 50 % of the inputs were received on 01-10-2002. 

  6. Common inputs were used in a product, which was exempted from payment of duty cleared at a price of Rs. 100/unit, which included taxes of Rs. 20/unit; quantity cleared 1,000 units. 

  7. On 07-04-2002 duty paid on inputs amounting to Rs. 17,867 was taken credit for in the Cenvat A/c as Rs. 17,687. [4+6+6 = 16 marks].

Answer 2.(a) - Under Rule 8 of the Cenvat Credit Rules, it has been provided that the manufactures shall be allowed to transfer Cenvat credit lying unutilised in his account to such transferred, sold, merged, leased or amalgamated factory on account of shifting his factory to another site or factory or due to change in ownership with specific transfer of liabilities of such factory. This is being allowed only if stock of inputs as such or in process or capital goods is also transferred to new site and the same is duly accounted for to the satisfaction of the Commissioner. Application for permission for transfer of credit should be made to commissioner of Central Excise.

Answer (b) - (i) Additional Customs duty. (ii) Cenvat is allowed. (iii) Bill of Entry. (iv) Rule 9 (v) Rs. 10,000. (vi) Storage tank.

Answer 2(c) - CENVAT Credit Receivable A/c in the Books of A Ltd., as on 30.09.2002

Date

Particulars

Debit (Rs.)

Credit (Rs.)

01.04.02

To Opening Balance

47,000

 

04.04.02

To Sundry Creditors

14,747

 

06.04.02

By Excise duty paid on Final product

 

32,000

07.04.02

To Sundry Creditors

17,687

 

30.09.02

To Sundry Creditors (Credit short taken on 07.04.02)

180

 

30.09.02

By Reversal of Cenvat Account (8% Amount on Exempted goods)

 

6,400

30.09.02

By Reversal of Cenvat Account (Amount equal to duty on inputs not returned within 180 days)

 

32,000

 

By Balance Carry Forward

9,214

 

Notes: (i) Since capital goods (lathe) was received only on 05.12.02, the credit is permissible only on 05.12.02 and not before that date. (ii) When 50% of inputs are received on 01.10.02 (sent on job work), the credit is allowable for 50% only on 01.10.02. (iii) Where goods are exempted, an ‘amount’ is payable @ 8% on sale price less taxes. (iv) For wrong amount of credit, rectification entry is passed. (v) The ‘amount’ paid on 30.9.02 is reversal of Cenvat credit. It is not ‘excise duty’. Hence, a separate account ‘Reversal of Cenvat Account’ or “Payment of ‘Amount’ under Central Excise Rules” may be opened. At the year end, the balance may be transferred to expenses account. Strictly legally, it is not ‘excise duty’ paid.

Q.3 (a) Z Ltd. is a small-scale industrial unit manufacturing a product X. The Annual report for the year 2000-01 of the unit shows a gross sale turnover of Rs. 1,91,40,000. The product attracted an excise duty rate of 16% as BED and Sales Tax 10%. Determine the duty liability under Notification Nos. 8/2001 and 9/2001 meant for SSI units. (b) B Ltd. manufactures two products namely, Eye Ointment and Skin Ointment. Skin Ointment is a specified product u/sec. 4A of Central Excise Act, 1944. The sales prices of both the products are at Rs. 43/unit and Rs. 33/unit respectively. The sales price of both products included 16% excise duty as BED and 8% excise duty as SED. It also includes CST of 4%. Additional information is as follows -

Units cleared: Eye Ointment : 1,00,000 units
Skin Ointment : 1,50,000 units

Deduction permissible u/sec 4A: 40%.  
Calculate the total excise duty liability of B Ltd., on both the products. - - 

(c) Explain the term “Process ‘Amounting to’ Manufacture”. i.e. deemed manufacture.
[6+6+4 = 16 marks]

Answer 3(a) – A) Duty payable under notification No. 9/2001-CE (Now 9/2002-CE) - Under excise notification No. 9/2001-CE, an SSI unit is required to pay 60% of normal duty (i.e. 9.6% duty) on first Rs 100 lakhs and 16% on the balance. The assessee can avail Cenvat credit on all the inputs. Since the example gives gross sale turnover, it is first necessary to find net sales turnover.

In respect of first net turnover of Rs 100 lakhs (Rs 1,00,00,000), excise duty will be Rs 9,60,000. Sales tax @ 10% is payable on net turnover plus excise duty i.e. on Rs 1,09,60,000. Hence, sales tax  @ 10% is 10,96,000. Thus, gross sale turnover in respect of first net turnover of 100 lakhs (where duty is paid at concessional rate) is Rs 1,20,56,000.

Therefore, balance gross sale turnover is Rs 70,84,000 [Rs 1,91,400,00 – 1,20,56,000]. This includes excise duty at 16% and sales tax @ 10%.

Sales tax is payable on cum duty price. If Net turnover for excise purposes is ‘Z’, the gross sale turnover will be as follows :

Net Turnover

=

Z

 

Duty @ 16%

=

0.16 × Z

 

Sub-Total

=

 

1.16 × Z

Add : Sales Tax @ 10%

=

 

0.116 × Z

Total price (i.e., inclusive of duty and sales tax)

=

 

1.276 × Z

 

 

 

 

Now :

 

 

 

1.276 × Z

=

Rs. 70,84,000.00

 

Hence, Z

=

Rs 55,51,724.14

 

 

 

 

 

Check this as follows :

 

 

 

Net turnover

=

Rs 55,51,724.14

 

Excise duty @ 16%

=

Rs 8,88,275.86

 

Sub-Total

=

 

Rs 64,40,000.00

Add : Sales Tax @ 10%

=

 

Rs 6,44,000.00

Gross Selling Price

=

 

Rs 70,84,000.00

Hence, excise duty paid on first net turnover of Rs 1,00,00,000 (Rs 100 lakhs) is Rs 9,60,000 and on subsequent Rs 55,51,724.14, excise duty is Rs 8,88,275.86. Total excise duty paid is, therefore, Rs 18,48,275.86.

This can be checked as follows – Total Net turnover – Rs 1,55,51,724.14. Total Excise Duty – Rs 18,48,275.86. Sales tax @ 10% on Net turnover plus Excise duty i.e. on Rs 1,74,00,000 (1,55,51,724.14+18,48,275.86) is Rs 17,40,000. Hence, gross sales turnover is Rs 1,91,40,000. [1,74,00,000 + 17,40,000]

B) Duty payable under notification No. 8/2001-CE (Now 8/2002-CE) - Under excise notification No. 8/2001-CE, an SSI unit is exempt from duty on first Rs 100 lakhs and duty payable on balance amount is 16%. The assessee can avail Cenvat credit on inputs after it crosses turnover of Rs 100 lakhs. Since the example gives gross sale turnover, it is first necessary to find net sales turnover.

In respect of first net turnover of Rs 100 lakhs (Rs 1,00,00,000), excise duty is Nil. Sales tax @ 10% is payable on net turnover on Rs 1,10,00,000. Hence, sales tax  @ 10% is 10,00,000. Thus, gross sale turnover in respect of first net turnover of 100 lakhs (where excise duty is not paid)  is Rs 1,10,00,000.

Therefore, balance gross sale turnover is Rs 81,40,000 [Rs 1,91,40,000 – 1,10,00,000]. This includes excise duty at 16% and sales tax @ 10%.

Sales tax is payable on cum duty price. If Net turnover for excise purposes is ‘Z’, the gross sale turnover will be as follows :

Net Turnover

=

Z

 

Duty @ 16%

=

0.16 × Z

 

Sub-Total

=

 

1.16 × Z

Add : Sales Tax @ 10%

=

 

0.116 × Z

Total price (i.e., inclusive of duty and sales tax)

=

 

1.276 × Z

 

 

 

 

Now :

 

 

 

1.276 × Z

=

Rs. 81,40,000.00

 

Hence, Z

=

Rs 63,79,310.34

 

 

 

 

 

Check this as follows :

 

 

 

Net turnover

=

Rs 63,79,310.34

 

Excise duty @ 16%

=

Rs 10,20,689.66

 

Sub-Total

=

 

Rs 74,00,000.00

Add : Sales Tax @ 10%

=

 

Rs 7,40,000.00

Gross Selling Price

=

 

Rs 81,40,000.00

Hence, excise duty paid on first net turnover of Rs 1,00,00,000 (Rs 100 lakhs) is Nil and on subsequent Rs 63,79,310.34, excise duty is Rs 10,20,689.66. Total excise duty paid is, therefore, Rs 10,20,689.66

This can be checked as follows – Total Net turnover – Rs 1,63,79,310.34. Total Excise Duty – Rs 10,20,689.66. Sales tax @ 10% on Net turnover plus Excise duty i.e. on Rs 1,74,00,000 (1,63,79,310.34+10,20,689.66) is Rs 17,40,000. Hence, gross sales turnover is Rs 1,91,40,000. [1,74,00,000 + 17,40,000].

Answer 3(b) –  Duty on eye ointment and skin ointment is required to be calculated separately.

Duty on Eye ointment : Let us assume that Assessable Value of Eye Ointment is Z. 

Assessable Value

=

Z

 

Duty @ 24% [Basic 16% + Special 8%]

=

0.24 × Z

 

Sub-Total

=

 

1.24 × Z

Add : Central Sales Tax @ 4%

=

 

0.0496 × Z

Total price (i.e., inclusive of duty and sales tax)

=

 

1.2896 × Z

 

 

 

 

Now :

 

 

 

1.2896 × Z

=

Rs. 43.00

 

Hence, Z

=

Rs 33.34

 

 

 

 

 

Check this as follows :

 

 

 

Assessable Value per unit

=

Rs 33.34

 

Excise duty @ 24%

=

Rs 8.00

 

Sub-Total

=

 

Rs 41.34

Add : Sales Tax @ 4%

=

 

Rs 1.66

Total price

=

 

Rs 43.00

Excise duty payable per unit of eye ointment is Rs 8.00. Total quantity cleared is 1,00,000. Hence, total excise duty on eye ointment is Rs 8,00,000.

B) Duty on skin ointment – Since the product is covered under section 4A, Assessable Value is required to be calculated after deducting abatement @ 40%. The MRP is Rs 33 and abatement is 40%. Hence, Assessable Value (after allowing deduction @ 40%) is Rs 19.80. Excise duty payable per unit @ 24% is Rs 4.75. Total quantity cleared is 1,50,000 units. Hence, total duty payable on skin ointment (basic plus special) is Rs 7,12,500

Answer 3(c) - Section 2(f), which defines ‘Manufacture’ has a deeming provision, which states that “manufacture includes any process (i) - . - (ii) which is specified in relation to any goods in the Section or Chapter notes of the Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 (CETA) as amounting to manufacture or (iii) which is specified in relation to any goods by the Central government by notification in official gazette as amounting to manufacture.

Thus, the process may not amount to manufacture as per principles evolved by Courts, but these will be liable to excise duty if it is defined as amounting to manufacture under CETA, or if a notification is issued by Central Government specifying in relation to any goods a process as amounting to manufacture. This is called 'deeming provision' or a 'legal fiction'. e.g. process like labelling, re-labelling, re-packing is not 'manufacture' as no new product emerges. However, it will be 'deemed manufacture' and duty will be payable if the process is specified in Central Excise Tariff or in Government Notification as 'amounting to manufacture' in relation to any goods.

Q.4 Examine any four of the following under Customs Act, in the light of and incorporating recent changes as per Finance Act, 2001, if any - (a) Interest payment on duty not levied, short levied, and the date from which it is to be reckoned.( b) Interest on warehoused goods. (c) Time limit for filing appeal to Commissioner (Appeals). (d) Penalty for improper importation/exportation of goods. (e) Budget day clearance under CE and Customs. [4 x 4 = 16 marks]

Answer 4(a) - If duty is not paid when it ought to have been paid, interest is payable at the rates specified by Central Government by notification in official gazette. Such rate cannot be less than 10% and not more than 36%. The interest is payable from the first day of the month following the month in which the duty ought to have been paid. [section 11AB(1) of CEA - similar section 28AB(1) of Customs Act]. The actual rate of interest is 15% w.e.f. 13-5-2002 [Notifications 19/2002-CE(NT) and 27/2002-Cus(NT) – both dated 13-5-2002]. [Earlier, the interest rate was 24%].

Section 37B of CEA (parallel section 151A of Customs Act) authorises Board to issue an order, instruction or direction for purpose of uniformity in respect of classification of goods or with respect to levy of duties of excise (or customs) on such goods. Such orders are binding on officers of excise (and customs), though not on assessee. However, assessee may agree to abide by the order of Board and pay duty voluntarily on his own. If he pays full amount of duty within 45 days from such order, without reserving right of appeal against such payment at any subsequent stage, he is exempted from payment of interest even if the duty was due earlier. However, if he pays only part of amount or pays the amount but reserves to himself right of appeal (i.e. if he makes payment under protest), the interest is payable from the month following the month in which the duty ought to have been paid. [proviso to section 11AB(1) of CEA and section 28AB of Customs Act added w.e.f. 11.5.2001].

Answer 4(b) – In case of goods allowed to be warehoused, interest is payable @ 15% per annum beyond prescribed period. In case of EOU, interest is payable if warehousing of capital goods is beyond five years. In other cases, interest is payable if goods are warehoused beyond 30 days. Even if goods are permitted to be stored for one year (plus extension if permitted), interest is payable for storing goods beyond a period of 30 days in the warehouse. The interest is payable on the basis of duty payable at the time of clearance (and not duty assessed when goods were warehoused). [section 61(2)(ii)]. CBE&C can waive part or full interest under exceptional circumstances. CBE&C can also specify the class of goods in respect of which interest will not be charged. In some cases, no customs duty is payable on goods warehoused as they are exempt from duty on date of clearance. In such cases, when no customs duty is payable at the time of clearance of goods from warehouse, no interest is payable.

Answer 4(c) - Time limit for filing appeal to Commissioner (Appeals) is 60 days. Commissioner (Appeals) can condone delay in filing appeal by further 30 days if sufficient cause is shown for the delay. He cannot grant extension beyond 30 days.

Answer 4(d) - Section 112 provides penalties for improper imports : (i) Not exceeding the value of goods or Rs 5,000 whichever is greater, if these are prohibited for imports under Customs Act or any other law (ii) Not exceeding the duty sought to be evaded in case of dutiable goods, which are not prohibited goods or Rs 5,000 whichever is greater (iii) If actual value is higher than the value declared in Bill of Entry or declaration of contents of baggage, not exceeding the difference in actual value and declared value or Rs 5,000 whichever is greater (iv) If the goods are prohibited and the value is mis-declared, penalty not exceeding the  value of goods or the difference between actual value and declared value, or Rs 5,000, whichever is higher. (v) If the goods are not prohibited but duty is sought to be evaded and the value is mis-declared, penalty not exceeding the duty sought to be evaded or the difference between actual value and declared value, or Rs 5,000 whichever is higher.

In each case, minimum penalty is Rs. 5,000/-.

Section 114 provides for penalty for attempt to improper export (i) if the goods are prohibited for export under any law, not exceeding the value of goods  or Rs 5,000 whichever is higher (ii) if goods are liable to export duty but not prohibited goods, penalty not exceeding duty sought to be evaded or Rs 5,000 whichever is higher (iii) If goods are exported under claim for drawback, not exceeding the amount of drawback wrongly claimed or Rs 5,000 whichever is higher.

In each case, minimum penalty is Rs. 5,000.

Section 117 of Customs Act provide general penalty to a person who contravenes any provision of the Act or abets in contravention and if no penalty has been prescribed, the penalty would be upto Rs. 10,000.

Answer 4(e) – As per normal excise provisions, goods can be removed by the assessee on his own without supervision of excise authorities, except in case of cigarettes. The assessee can prepare his own invoice and clear his goods without any restriction. However, on Budget day there are restrictions on clearances. [Rule 32 of CE Rules].

Even on budget day, the goods can be removed upto time of presentation of budget by the assessee on his own without any restriction and without supervision. [Budget is normally presented on last day of February every year at 1100 AM]. However, after the time appointed for presentation of budget, the goods can be removed only with permission of Commissioner of Central Excise and under supervision of Excise Authorities.

The assessee intending to remove the goods on Budget day is required to make application in prescribed form before 5 PM on pre-Budget working day.

So far as Customs is concerned, there is no such restriction. Duty levied is with reference to the date of noting of Bill of Entry. Since present trend is towards reduction of customs duty, generally importers try to delay submission of Bill of Entry after budget day, so that duty payable is lower. [Note - W.e.f. February, 2003, all restrictions on removal on budget day have been removed].

Q.5 Discuss any four of the following with reference to Customs Act: (a) Salient features of valuation of goods under Customs Act. (b) Provisional assessment of imports. (c) CEGAT. (d) LUT (Legal Undertaking) (e) Standard input-output and value addition norms. [4 x 4 = 16 marks]

Answer 5(a) - Section 14(1) primarily deals with the value of goods for the purpose of Customs duty. This is important as most duties are ad valorem. The value of goods will be deemed value to be reckoned at a price at which such or like goods are ordinarily sold or offered for sale. The second feature is that is should be at the time and place if importation or exportation as the case may be. The thirds feature is that it should be in the course of international trade. Lastly, price should be the sole consideration for sale or offer for sale, i.e. there is no interest of the parties in the business of each other.

Price refers to goods of like kind and quality. These may be of the same manufacturer or of others with identical features, specifications, function and utility. Customs offers are not bound to accept price given in the invoice if it does not reflect the real value.

If the value does not subscribe to the above provision, it may be determined by the valuation rules framed under the Act, which gives different methods to evaluate the goods. In case of Customs, valuation is required to be done as per customs Valuation Rules.

Answer 5(b) - Provisional assessment may be termed as assessment pending final assessment. Section 18 of Customs Act provides for such assessment. It can be done if the proper officer is satisfied (i) that the importer is not able to furnish information or documents required for the purpose, (ii) it is necessary to subject the goods to chemical or other tests, (iii) when further enquiry is necessary inspite of documents produced, provisional assessment may be done.

The importer has to apply either orally or in writing or ever subscribing on the Bill of Entry itself for provisional assessment. The importer has to provide guarantee or security as desired by proper officer. Normally value not exceeding 20% of the declared value is added and taken for provisional assessment along with the guarantee/security. PD bond is required to be executed.

On final assessment, if duty is more than that provisionally assessed, the party has to pay the difference and if the duty collected is in excess, it is refunded.

Answer 5(c) - Customs, Excise and Gold Appellate Tribunal (CEGAT) has been formed under Sec.129 of Customs Act. It is a quasi judicial body which hears cases both of Customs and Central Excise. It hears appeals against the orders of Commissioner of Customs/Excise and Commissioner (Appeals). The appeal must be filed in prescribed form within 3 months either in person or by registered post to the Registrar. Grounds of appeal, relief claimed, should be concise and clear.

The Tribunal will pass such orders as it deems it, confirming, modifying or annulling the orders appealed against. It may also remand the case with direction to lower authority which passed the order.

Appeal against the orders of the CEGAT lies with Supreme Court if the matter relates to rate or amount of duty i.e. valuation or classification. In other cases, reference application can be filed with High Court on question of law. CEGAT is the final fact finding authority.

Answer 5(d) – Import licenses are often granted with certain conditions e.g. fulfilment of export obligation, utilisation of goods for purpose for which license is issued etc. In such case, the importer is required to give a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) to DGFT that the party/importer will abide by terms and conditions for issuance of the license or any other benefit.

The terms may include performance of obligation in stipulated time, release of proceeds, furnish necessary documents, surrender unutilized goods, payment of interest at stipulated rate if export obligation is not fulfilled, an undertaking to execute a bank guarantee in case the obligation is not met etc.

The LUT is given in writing on stamp paper.

Answer 5(e) - Under duty exemption scheme, quantity based advance licenses are issued on the basis of standard input-output (SION) and value addition norms published by DGFT. These norms are technical norms set on the basis of data submitted to DGFT. These indicate the quantity of goods which can be imported duty free against each item of export. The norms cover different products, say chemical and allied products, electronics, Engineering products, leather and leather products, sports goods, textiles, readymade garments, hosiery and knitwear and misc. items. The norms are reviewed/revised from time to time.

Q.6 (a) Determine the assessable value and customs duty amount from the following data: 

Name of the raw material X
FOB value Euro 1 million
Ocean freight Actual data not available
Ocean Insurance Actual data not available
Freight from sea port to godown paid in India Rs. 10,000
Transit insurance in India Rs. 2,000
Selling commission paid to agent in India 5%
Royalty on manufacture and sale of final product payable to foreign collaborator 5%
Interest payable on raw material imported at 180 days credit (on FOB value) 12% p.a
Dividend paid to the foreign supplier of raw material on 
their equity participation for the year 2001-02
Rs. 2 per share on 1 million shares of face value Rs. 10/ share.

Importer supplied design and drawings worth Euro 10,000 to the foreign raw material supplier. # Landing charges as per Customs provisions

Customs duty rates : BCD - 30%, ACD – 16%, SAD – 4% 

Exchange rate: 1 Euro = Rs. 42.

Q6 (b) (i) What is all industry rate of Drawback? (ii) ‘A’ exported a consignment under drawback claim consisting of the following items: - 

Particulars Serial/ Sub-serial FOB value Drawback rate
(1) 200 pieces of pressure stoves mainly made of brass @ Rs. 80/piece 74.04 Rs 16,000 4% of FOB
(2) 200 kg Brass utensils @ Rs. 200 per kg 74.13 Rs 40,000 Rs. 24/kg
(3) 200 kg Artware of brass @ Rs 300/Kg 74.22 Rs 60,000 17.50% of FOB subject to a maximum of Rs. 38/per kg.

On examination in docks, weight of brass artware was found to be 190 Kgs and was recorded on shipping bill. Compute the drawback on each item and total drawback admissible to the party. [10+2+4 = 16 marks]

Answer 6(a) – Since ocean freight is not available, it has to be taken at 20% of FOB. Insurance will have to be taken @ 1.125% of FOB Value.

Royalty on manufacture and sale of final products payable to foreign collaborators has no relation to goods imported. Hence, it is not includible in Assessable Value for customs. Similarly, dividend paid to foreign supplier has no relation with supply of raw materials. It is not includible in Assessable Value.

Interest payable for credit is not includible in assessable value for customs purposes, as it is not part of ‘transaction value’.

Freight from seaport to godown and transit insurance in India are post-importation costs and are not includible.

It is assumed that selling commission to selling agent in India is payable on basis of CIF Value of goods including cost of drawings supplied by buyer.

As per rule 9(1)(b)(iv) of Customs Valuation Rules, cost of engineering drawings is includible only if work was undertaken outside India. Since, payment has been made in Euro, it is assumed that the design and drawing work was done outside India.

Landing charges will be 1% of CIF Value, as per Customs Valuation Rules.

Hence, calculation of customs duty will be as follows –

(A) Value of goods in Euro

10,00,000 Euro

 

(B) Add – Freight @ 20% of FOB

2,00,000 Euro

 

(C) Add – Insurance @ 1.125% of FOB

11,250 Euro

 

(D) Total CIF Value (A+B+C)

 

12,11,250 Euro

(E) Add designing and drawing charges

 

10,000 Euro

(F) Total CIF Value

 

12,21,250 Euro

(G) CIF Value in Rupees @ Rs 42.00

 

5,12,92,500.00 Rs

(H) Local Agency Commission @ 5%

 

25,64,625.00 Rs

(I) Total Value

 

5,38,57,125 Rs

(J) Add – Landing Charges @ 1% of ‘I’

 

5,38,571.25 Rs

(J) Assessable Value (I+J)

 

5,43,95,696.25 Rs

(K) AV Rounded upto

 

5,43,95,696.00 Rs

Basic Customs Duty (BCD) @ 30% of AV is Rs 1,63,18,708.80 CVD @ 16% is payable on AV+BCD. Hence, CVD @ 16% of Rs 7,07,14,404.80 is Rs 1,13,14,304.77. SAD @ 4% is payable on AV+BCD+CVD. Hence, SAD @ 4% of Rs 8,20,28,709.57 is 32,81,148.38

Thus, total duty payable is Basic – Rs 1,63,18,708.80, CVD – 1,13,14,304.77 Rs and SAD Rs 32,81,148.38. Thus, total duty is Rs  3,09,14,161.95, rounded to Rs 3,09,14,162.

Answer 6(b)(i) - All industry rate of drawback is fixed under Rule 3 of Drawback Rules by considering the average quantity and value of each class of inputs imported or manufactured in India. Average amount of duties paid is considered. These rates are fixed for standard items/ broad categories. The rates are received each year, usually on 1st June.

Answer 6(b)(ii) Duty drawback available in each case is as follows –

 

Particulars

Duty Drawback in Rs

1.

200 pieces of pressure stoves

640 [4% of Rs 16,000]

2.

200kgs brass utensils

4,800 [200 x 24]

3.

200kgs of artware

7,220 [190 x 38]

Thus, drawback on individual clearances Rs. 640, Rs. 4800 and Rs. 7,220. Total drawback Rs. 12,660.

Note - In case of artware, the drawback on FOB value @ 17.5%, is Rs. 10,500. The condition is that maximum drawback will be Rs. 38/kg. Hence, on 190kgs. works to Rs. 7,720.

Q 7 Distinguish between the following under Central Excise Law: (a) Remission of duty and Rebate of duty. (b) Bond and LUT (c) General Bond (B1 Bond) and Bond for provisional release of seized goods (B4 Bond). (d) Excisable goods and Dutiable goods. [4 x 4 = 16 marks]

Answer 7(a) - Rule 21 of Central Excise Rules deals with Remission of duty. Remission deals with a situation where excise duty is not payable on goods lost or destroyed by natural cases or occident. Rebate deals with a situation where goods are exported on payment of duty and refund is claimed after export. Remission involves destruction of goods if the goods are unfit for use. Rule 18 of Central Excise Rules deals with Rebate of duty. If goods are exported, a rebate can be obtained of excise duty paid on inputs. Similarly, rebate of duty can be obtained if duty paid goods are exported. Thus, remission is a concession to the manufacturer whereas rebate is an incentive for the exporter.

Answer 7(b) - Bond is a legal agreement given to fulfil an obligation. Purpose of bond is to secure due compliance with provisions of Central Excise rules and procedures. It is a collateral and additional security, as duty is statutorily payable even if bond is not executed. There are different types e.g. B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-17 etc. A bond can be with security or surety. Bond bears stamp as per State Stamp Act.

LUT is a written undertakings given by assessee to department. A single format, viz. UT-1 is used. It is not supported by any security or surety. LUT requires stamp duty, as per State Stamp Act.

In Central Excise, goods can be cleared without payment of duty for export. A manufacturer exporter has to only give LUT while a merchant-exporter has to execute aB-1 bond.

Answer 7(c) - B1 Bond is a bond is for due dispatch of excisable goods removed for export without payment of duty. The bond can be with surety or security. An exporter manufacturer can execute simple ‘Letter of undertaking’ in form UT-1 without executing any Bond. B4 Bond is for provisional release of seized goods. It can be only security bond. Bond should be for whole value of seized goods. Amount of security will be as determined by adjudicating authority taking into consideration of gravity of offence (normally 25%). However, as per earlier instructions, adjudicating officer had discretion to accept lower amount as security/surety. The adjudicating authority will ask the owner or person in-charge of the goods to whom the goods are provisionally released, to produce the goods at the time adjudication order, if he is of the view that the goods are liable to confiscation. In case the person is not able to produce the goods at appointed time, the bond may be enforced for recovery.

Answer 7(d) - Excisable goods are all those goods specified in the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. Excisable goods may be dutiable or non-dutiable. Dutiable goods are those goods which attract duty as per the Tariff. Non-dutiable goods are ‘excisable goods’ on which no duty is payable, either because of ‘Nil’ rate of duty or because of exemption. Thus, all dutiable goods are Excisable goods but all excisable goods need not be dutiable goods. Even where goods are non-dutiable, Excise provisions are applicable, even if no duty is payable. However, when goods are non-excisable (as they are not mentioned in the tariff at all), Excise Rules and regulations are not applicable.

Q 8 (a) What are the limitations on use of ‘C’ form in terms of value ? Are the said limitations applicable to ‘D’ forms. (b) Distinguish between ‘Consignment sale’ and ‘subsequent sale’ under CST Act, 1956 (c) Calculate the CST payable from the following data - 
(1). Invoice No.1011 dated 01.04.2001 for Rs.1,78,967 inclusive of CST @4% 
(2) Invoice No.1012 dated 02.04.2001 for Rs.1,87,697 exclusive of CST @ 4% 
(3) Invoice No.1013 dated 03.04.2001 for Rs.1,75,000 inclusive of local Sales Tax. @ 10%
(4) Invoice No.1014 dated 04.04.2001 for Rs.2,50,000 exclusive of local Sales Tax @ 8%
(5) 50% of the goods sold on 01.04.2001 on inter-state trade was rejected and returned on 31.03.2002 
(6) 20% of the goods sold on 04.04.2001 on local sale was returned on 30.06.2001 
(7) 30% of the goods sold on 02.04.2001 on inter-state trade returned on 02.06.2001 
(8) 10% of goods sold on 03.04.2001 on local sale was rejected on 03.10.2001 
(9) Goods of Rs.1,50,000 was stock transferred from Bangalore to Indore on 05.04.2001 excludes CST elements of 4% 
(10) Export of goods worth 10 million Yens to Japan on 06.04.2001 of which 50% were rejected and returned on 01.11.2002 (1 Yen = Re. 0.35) 
(11) Export through Canalising Agency for value of 100 thousands Dollars (Export order with Canalising Agency) (1dollar = Rs. 48) 
(12) Purchased goods for Rs.3,00,000 from the market on 09.01.2001 and exported to Singapore on 14.01.01 to the Agent for further sale (The goods attracted local sales tax of 10%). - - Give reasons for inclusion/non-inclusion of the above. [4+4+8 = 16 marks].

Answer 8(a) - A ‘C’ Form can be issued only for the transactions covered by the financial year. It can cover any number of transaction during the financial year irrespective of total amount. However, one C form cannot cover transactions over more than one financial year. Same provisions apply to issue of D form also.

Answer 8(b) - Consignment sales involves transfer of goods from one place to another place for subsequent sale. It may be transfer of goods by the principal to the agent situated in another state or transfer to his own branch for subsequent sale. In fact, term ‘consignment sale’ is not correct. The correct term is ‘consignment transfer’ or ‘branch transfer’ or ‘stock transfer’. Presently, there is no sales tax on stock transfer or consignment transfer.

‘Subsequent sales’ is second sales covered by Sec 3(b) of CST Act, 1950. Such sale is effected by transfer of documents of title to goods during their movement from one State to another. U/s 6, any subsequent sale is exempted from tax if the sale is effected to a Registered dealer or to the Government, subject to submission of ‘C’ Form/ ‘D’ Form and E-I, E-II forms.

Answer 8(c) – Calculation of CST will be as follows –

Notes: (1) Since CST payable is required to be calculated, local sales as given at Sr Nos 3, 4, 6 and 8 are not considered. (2) Any rejections are excludable without restriction that these must be returned within six months. (3) Direct exports and export through canalising agency are exempted from CST. Hence, sales given in Sr No. 10, 11 and 12 are ignored. (4) No tax is payable on stock transfer and hence transfer as shown at Sr No. 9 is not taxable.

Thus, we have to consider only Sr Nos 1, 2, 5 and 7 for calculation of CST.

Invoice no. and Date

Turnover (Rs.)

CST (Rs.)

Aggregate Sale Price

 

1011 dt 01.04.01

1,72,083.65

6,883.35

1,78,967.00

 

1012 dt 02.04.01

1,87,697.00

7,507.88

1,95,204.88

 

Total

359780.65

14391.23

3,74,171.88

 

Less -

 

 

 

 

(a) Rejected & returned goods sold on 01.04.01

86,041.83

3,441.68

89,483.50

 

(b) Returned goods sold on 02.04.01

56,309.10

2,252.36

58,561.46

 

Net Amounts

2,17.429.72

8,697.20

2,26,126.92

 

Hence, total CST payable Rs. 8,697.20.

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