Holding

The product “Herbonic” is correctly classified under the specific heading 2001.90 of Chapter 20, and the residuary entry 2108.90 cannot be invoked.

Summary

Maharshi Ayurveda Corporation Ltd manufactured a tonic called “Herbonic”, a mixture of vegetables, nuts, seeds and other plant parts, and claimed nil excise duty under heading 2001.90 of Chapter 20 of the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. The Revenue argued that the product should be classified under the residuary heading 2108.90 of Chapter 21, attracting 20% ad‑valorem duty, and that the exclusionary note in HSN 20.08 barred classification under Chapter 20. The Customs, Excise and Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal held that the product falls under the specific entry 2001.90, as it is a preparation of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other plant parts that can be consumed as such, and that the exclusionary note does not apply. The Supreme Court affirmed the Tribunal’s view, applying Rule 3(a) of the Schedule‑I interpretation rules that a specific heading prevails over a general/residuary one, and dismissed the appeals.

Issues considered

Whether the product “Herbonic” tonic is classifiable under heading 2001.90 of Chapter 20 or under heading 2108.90 of Chapter 21 of the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.
Whether the exclusionary note in HSN Chapter 20.08 applies to the product.
How Rule 3(a) of the rules of interpretation of Schedule‑I should be applied to resolve a conflict between a specific and a residuary heading.

Legislation cited

Central Excise Act, 1944s. 35(1)(b)
Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985

Subjects

central excisetariff classificationspecific vs residuary headingRule 3(a) interpretationHarmonized System of Nomenclatureexcise dutyproduct HerbonicChapter 20Chapter 21

Judgment

COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, MEERUT A
v.
MIS. MAHARSHI AYURVEDA CORPORATION LTD.

DECEMBER 7, 2005

[ASHOK BHAN AND C.K. THAKKER, JJ.] B

Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985; Chapter Headings 2001.90 and 2107-
2108.90; Notification No.2194/Rules of Interpretation of Schedule I; Rule
3(a):
c
Classification-Harbonic Tonic-Tariff headings 2001.90 or 21071
2108.90-Held: Sub-heading 2108.90 covers other edible preparation not
covered elsewhere as such residuary in nature-The product in question
covered under specific entry 2001.90 since it is mixture of different vegetation
which could be consumed as such-Thus exclusionary note under heading D
20. 08 of Chapter 20 of Harmonised system of Nomenclature not applicable-
Since the product in question covered under specific entry. under Chapter 20,
resort cannot be made to the residuary entry under chapter 21-Hence,
Tribunal rightly classified the product under Chapter 20 of the Act for
levying excise duty.
E
The respondents/assessee manufacturer of Ayurvedic Medicament had
filed a classification list ~n respect of the product "Herbonic" under sub-
heading 2001.90 declaring the same to be a preparation of vegetables, nuts
and other parts of plants and fruits/seeds claiming nil rate of duty under
Notification No.2/94. According to the Revenue the product merits
classification under sub-heading 210'7.91 chargeable to duty at the rate of F
20% ad valorem. Later, the product was reclassified by the Revenue under
sub-head~ng 2108.90 and after issuing show cause notices to respondents
confirmed the demand of differential amount of duty. Appellate authorities
affirmed the Order. Aggrieved, assessee/respondents preferred appeals before
the tribunal. Tribunal held the product "Herbonic" classifiable specifically G
under sub-heading 2001.90 as against entries in Chapter 21 which is a
residuary .general heading. Hence the present appeals.

Appellant-Revenue contended that since· the expression used in the Tariff
Act and HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) is the same, the meaning
~7 H'
538 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A which is expressly given in the HSN should be preferred in the absence of
anything to the contrary given in the Central Excise Tariff Act; that because
"Herbonic" is a mixture ofvegetable origin and fruit origin raw material,
the same gets specifically excluded from the provisions of Chapter 20.08 under
HSN and therefore also from Chapter 20 of the Central Excise Tariff; that
"Herbonic" which is claimed to be a tonic and does not have any therapeutic
B or prophylactic properties is specifically covered under Chapter heading 2106
of the HSN and Chapter heading 21.07 or Chapter heading 21.08 (depending
on the period involved) of the Central Excise Tariff and that the correct
classification of the produce "Herbonic" should be under Chapter 210712108.

Respondents submitted that Chapter Note 1 of Chapter 20 of the Tariff
C Act is a specific entry which deals with preparation of vegetable, fruit or nuts
where as Entry 21.08 in Chapter 21 is residuary. Since Chapter 20.01 is
specific on such preparation the product should be covered by this description
and qualifies for classification under Chapter heading 20.01; that Since the
respondent's preparation is covered specifically by entries in Chapter 20, the
D same should be preferred to the residuary clause in Chapter 21 which is of
general description.

Dismissing the appeals, the Court

HELD: 1.1. Since the product "Herbonic" is mixture of different
E vegetation it is rightly been classified by the Tribunal under Chapter 20 of
the Central Excise Tariff Act. (545-C) ·

1.2. Sub-heading 2107.91/2108.90 of the Tariff Act covers other edible
preparations not elsewhere specified and as such is residuary in nature. As
per Rule 3 (a) of the rules of interpretation of Schedule-I, the heading which
F provides the specific description should be preferred to the heading providing
a general description. Since in the present case the product is covered under
specific entry under Chapter 20 resort cannot be made to the residuary entry.
(545-E; 546-G)

Bharat Forge & Press Industries (P) Ltd v. Collector of Central Excise,
G (1990) (45) E.L.T. 525; Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd. v. Collector of
Central Excise, (1991) 51 E.L.T. 165; Speedway Rubber Co. v. Commissioner
of Central Excise, Chandigarh, (2002) 143 E.L.T. 8 and C.C. (General), New
Delhi v. Gujarat Perstorp Electronics Ltd., (2005) 186 E.L.T. 532, relied on.

1.3. The exclusionary note in HSN of Entry 20.08 of Chapter 20 of HSN
.H is not applicable because it excludes the products consisting of mixture of
COMMR. OF CENTRAL EXCISE v. MAHARSHI AYURVEDA CORPN. LTD. [BHAN, J.] 539

plants or parts of plants (including seeds and fruits) of different species or A
consisting of plants or parts of plants which are not consumed as such but
which are of a kind used for making herbal infusions or herbal "teas". In
the present case the mixture prepared is of parts of plants, seeds and nutsi
which can be consumed as such. It would therefore be not applicable. Entry
14 of Chapter 2106.90 would also be not applicable since the product would B
be governed by Chapter 20 and not by chapter 21 of the Tariff Act. Entry 14
is a part of Chapter 21 of HSN which corresponds to Chapter 21 of Tariff Act
which is not applicable to the present case. Hence, the Tribunal is right in
holding that the product of the respondents is covered by Chapter 20 and not
Chapter 21 of the Tariff Act. [546-H; 547-A-B)
c
CIVIL APP ELLATE JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal Nos. 4369-43 70 of
2000.

From the Judgment and Order dated 18.11.99 of the Customs, Excise and
Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi in F.O. Nos. 1009-1010/99-C in
A. Nos. E/3070-71of1998-C. D
WITH

C.A. No. 6774 of200l.

Mohan Prasaran, Additional Solicitor General, Manish Tiwari, Vivek E
Sood, Gaurav Dhingra, Nitesh Rana, Chidananda D.L., K.K. Senthilvelan and •
P. Parmeswaran for the Appellant.

Manoj Arora, Ms. Hemantika Wahi and Ms. Sadhna Sandhu for the .
Respondent.
F
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

BHAN, J. These appeals have been filed by the Commissioner of
Central Excise, Meerut (for short "the appellants") under Section 35 L (B) of
the Central Excise Act, 1944 (for short "the Act") against the judgment and
final order No. I009-10 I0/99-C dated 18.11.1999 passed by the Customs, Excise G
and Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi (for short "the Tribunal")
in appeal No.E/3070-71/98-C by which the Tribunal has set aside the order .
passed by the Commissioner (Appeals) and allowed the appeals filed by
Mis. Maharshi Ayurveda Corporation Limited, respondents herein, holding
that the product "Herbonic" tonic falls under Chapter heading 200 \ .90 and H
540 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A not under Chapter heading 2108.90.
The issue involved in these cases is whether the product "Herbonic"
tonic is classifiable under Central Excise Tariff Heading No.2001.90 or 2108.90.
The Tribunal classified the product under Chapter heading 2001.90.

B FACTS
Respondents are engaged in the :-:~anufacturing of P.P. Ayurvedic
Medicaments falling under Chapter heading 3003.30 of the Schedule to the
Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. (for short "the Tariff Act"). The respondents
had filed a classification list effective from 25.4.1994 for the product "Herbonic"
C put up ordinarily for sale in unit containers under sub-heading 2001.90 declaring
the same to be a preparation of vegetables, nuts and other parts of plants and
fruits/seeds claiming nil rate of duty under notification no.2/94 dated 1.3 .1994
whereas as per appellants the product is a mixture of assorted vegetables and
dry fruits or seeds and is a health vitalizer being used for all round growth
D and improvement of memory and general health of children and adults and
the product merits classification under sub-heading 2107.91 chargeable to
duty at the rate of 20% ad va/orem. After the Budget of the year 1995-96 the
product was reclassified under sub-heading 2108.90. Appellant issued show
cause notices no. C. No. V[30]3/49/96/Div.IV/3405, C. No. V[30]3/106/Div.IV/
6332 dated 26.6.1994, C. No. V[3000]/3/40/9;5-D-IV/677 dated 27.1.1995, C. No.
E V(30]3/94/95/D-IV/l 198 dated 20.2.1995, C No. V(21]3/323/95/D-IV/6009 dated
16.11.1995 and C. No. V(30]3/32/95/D-IV/6569 dated 26.12.1995 to the
respondents covering duty demand for different periods of Rs.3,45,340.55.

Assistant Commissioner confirmed the demand vide order in original
no.251/D/96 dated 15.10.1996 and also imposed a penalty of Rs. 10,000/- on
F the respondents. In other cases of the respondents in respect of classification
of the same product, the Assistant Commissioner also confirmed the demand
ofRs.1,42,946.00 (Rs.68,078.20 + 74,867.80) and also imposed a pe~alty of
Rs.7,000/- on the respondents vide order in original no.269-270/D/96 dated
«:'!"'

18.11.%.
G Aggrieved by the orders of the Assistant Commissioner, respondents
filed appeals before the Commissioner {Appeals). The Commissioner (A)
considered the HSN and the Central Excise Tariff thoroughly and adjudicated
that the product "Herbonic" is classifiable under Chapter 21 (2107.91/2108.90).
The Commissioner (A) thus confirmed the order in original passed by the
H Assistant Commissioner.
COMMR. OF CENTRAL EXCISE v. MAHARSHI AYURVEDA CORPN. LTD. [BHAN, J.] 54 J

Aggrieved by the order in appeal passed by the Commissioner (A), the A
respondents filed appeals before the Tribunal. The Tribunal after scrutinizing
the submissions made by the parties held that the product "Herbonic" is
classifiable under sub-heading 2001.90 being specific as against entries in
Chapter 21 which is a residuary general heading. The product in question
cannot be classified under a general heading when it can be classified under ,
a specific heading as according to Rule 3(a) of the rules of interpretation of B
Schedule-I, "The heading which provides the most specific description shall
be preferred to headings providing a more general description."

Aggrieved against the order passed by the Tribunal, the present appeals
have been filed. Counsels for the parties have been heard. C
Relevant entries of Tariff Act and HSN are Entry 20.0 I under Chapter
20 reads as under:-
Heading Sub- Description of goods Rate of
No. heading No. Duty
(I) (2) (3) (4) D
20.01 Preparations of vegetables, fruits,
nuts or other paits of plants
including jams, fruit jellies,
marmalades, fruit or nut puree
and fruit or nut pastes, fruit
E
juices and vegetable juices,
whether or not containing added
sugar or other sweetening matter
2001.10 Put up in unit containers and
bearing a brand name 16%
F
2001.90 Other Nil

Entry 21.08 under Chapter 21 which deals with miscellaneous edible
preparations reads as under:-
Heading Sub- Description of goods Rate of
No. heading No. Duty G
(l) (2) (3) (4)
21.08 Edible preparations, not elsewhere
specified or included
2108.10 - Preparations for Lemonades or 16%
other Beverages intended for
H
542 SUPREME COURT REPORTS. (2005] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A use in the manufacture of
Aerated Water
210820 - Sharbat 16%
2108.30 - Prasad or Prasadam Nil
2108.40 - Sterilised or Pasteurised Miltone Nil

B - Other:
2108.91 - Not bearing a brand name Nil
2108.99 - Other 16%
Entries of Chapter 20 of harmonized commodity description and coding
system (Harmonized System of Nomenclature called "HSN") dealing with the
C preparation of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants which corresponds
to Chapter 20.08 of the Tariff Act reads as uncter:-
"20.08 - Fruit, Nuts and other edible
parts of plants, otherwise prepared
or preserved, whether or not
D containing added sugar or other
sweetening matter or spirit, not
elsewhere specified or included.
2008.99 - Other
"Exclusionary Clause
E
"And it excludes products consisting of a mixture of plants or parts
of plants (including seeds or fruits) of different species or consisting
of plants or parts of plants (including seeds or fruits) of a single or
of different species mixed with other substances such as one or more
plant extracts, which are not consumed as such, but which are of a
F kind used for making herbal infusions or herbal "teas" (e.g., heading
08.13, 09.09 or 21.06)."

Chapter 2 I of HSN which deals with miscellaneous edible
preparations and which corresponds to Chapter 21 of Tariff Act the relevant
entry of 2106.10 reads as under:-
G
"21.06 - Food preparations not elsewhere
specified or included.
2106.10 - Protein concentrates and
textured protein substances."
It is further provided the heading includes, inter alia:
H
COMMR. OF CENTRAL EXCISE v. MAHARSHI AYURVEDA CORPN. LTD. [BHAN, J.]543

"(l) to (13) xxx xxx A
(14) Products ccmsisting of a mixture of plants or parts of plants
(including seeds or fruits) of different species or consisting of plants
or parts of plants (inciuding seeds or fruits) of a single or of different
species mixed with other substances such as one or more plant extracts,
which are not consumed as such, but which are of a kind used for B
. making\herbal infusions or herbal "teas", including products which
are claimed to offer relief from ailments or contribute to general health
and well-being."

SUBMISSIONS
c
Mr. Mohan Parasaran, learned Additional Solicitor General of India
submits that the heading under Chapter 20 in the Central Excise Tariff have
been compressed and there is only one chapter heading 2001 to 2009,
accordingly a reference to the chapter headings of HSN gives clearer picture
of the items intended to be covered under this chapter. In the HAS, 20.08 is D
the only chapter heading which can cover the products of "Herbonic".
However, this chapter contains a specific exclusion of products consisting of
mixtures of plants and parts of plants of different species etc. The structure
of central excise tariff in the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 is the adoption
of a detailed central excise tariff based broadly on the system of classification
derived from the International Convention called the 'Brussels' Convention E
on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonised
System of Nomenclature called "HSN") with the necessary modifications. If
the expression used in the Tariff Act and HSN is the same then the meaning
which is expressly given in the HSN should be preferred in the absence of
anything to the contrary given in the Tariff Act. For this he has relied upon · F
the judgment of this Court in Collector of Central Excise, Shillong v. Wood
Craft Products Ltd, (l 995) 77 E.L.T. 23 in which it has been observed:-

"12. It is significant, as expressly stated, in the Statement of Objects
and Reasons, that the Central Excise Tariffs are based on the HSN and
the internationally accepted nomenclature was taken\into account to G
"reduce disputes on account of tariff classification". Accordingly, for
resolving any dispute relating to tariff classification, a safe guide is
the internationally accepted nomenclature emerging from the HSN.
This being the expressly acknowledged basis of the structure of
Central Excise Tariff in the Act and the tariff classification made
therein, in case of any doubt the HSN is a safe guide for ascertaining H.
544 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005) SUPP. S S.C.R.

A the true meaning of any expression used in the Act. The ISi Glossary
of Terms has a different purpose and, therefore, the specific purpose
of tariff classification for which the internationally accepted
nomenclature in HSN has been adopted, for enacting the Central
Excise Tariff Act, 1985, must be preferred, in case of any difference
between the meaning of the expression given in the HSN and the
B meaning of that term given in the Glossary of Terms of the ISi."

It is further observed in para 18:

" ...... Since the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 is enacted on the basis
and pattern of the HSN, the same expression used in the _Act must,
c as far as practicable, be construed to have the meaning which is
expressly given to it in the HSN w~en there is no indication in the
Indian Tariff of a different intention."

It was further contended that because "Herbonic" is a mixture of
D vegetable origin and fruit origin raw material, the same gets specifically
excluded from the provisions of Chapter 20.08 under HSN and therefore also
from Chapter 20 of the Central Excise Tariff. Chapter heading 21.06 of HSN
at SI. No.14, specifically covers mixture of plants or parts of plants of different
species with special reference to the product, which contributes to general
health and well being. "Herbonic" which is claimed to be a tonic and does
E not have any therapeutic or prophylactic properties is specifically covered
under Chapter heading 2106 of the HSN and Chapter heading 21.07 or Chapter
heading 21.08 (depending on the period involved) of the Central Excise Tariff.
According to him the correct classification of the produce "Herbonic" should
be under Chapter 2107/2108.

F As against this, learned counsel for the respondents contends that
Chapter Note I of Chapter 20 is a specific entry which deals with preparation
of vegetable, fruit or nuts where as Entry 21.08 in Chapter 21 is residuary.
Since Chapter 20.01 is specific on such preparation the product should be
covered by this description and qualifies for classification under Chapter
G heading 20.01. As per Rule 3(a) of the rules of interpretation of Schedule-I,
"The heading which provides the most specific description shall be preferred
to headings providing a more general description." Since the respondent's
preparation is covered by entries in Chapter 20, the same should be preferred
to the residuary clause in Chapter 21 which is of general description. Relying
upon the judgments of this Court in Bharat Forge & Press Industries (P) Ltd
H v. Collector of Central Excise, (1990) 45 E.L.T. 525, Indian Metals & Ferro
COM MR. OF CENTRAL EXCISE ''- MAHA RS HI AYURVEDA CORPN. LTD. [BHAN, J.] 545

Alloys ltd. v. Collector o/Central Excise, (1991) (51) E.L.T. 165, Speedway A
Rubber Co. v. Commissioner of Central Excise, Chandigarh. (2002) 143 E.L.T.
8 and C.C. (General), New Delhi v. Gujarat Perstorp Electronics ltd, (2005)
~
186 E.L.T. 532, it was contended that the Heading Note which is more specific
should be preferred to the residuary clause.
B,
FINDINGS

The product under reference is a mixture of assorted vegetation and dry
fruits and seeds. That different vegetations namely Khas Khas, Aswagandha
& Brahmi Booti is turned into powder and processed in Khas Khas and giri
badam (almond) oil and then the whole mixture is processed in sugar syrup
under vacuum and thereafter choti illayachii (cardamom) and·/oot kewara are
c
added as flavour. Since the product "Herbonic" is mixture of different vegetation
it is rightly been classified by the Tribunal under Chapter 20. In Chapter 2 l
there is an entry reading as "Edible preparations, not elsewhere specified or
included" under the particular heading "Miscellaneous Edible Preparations".
Chapter Note 9(a) of the Chapter 21 reads "Heading No. 21.08, inter alia D
includes: [a] protein concentrates and textured protein substances; [b]
preparations of use, either directly or after processing (such as cooking;
dissolving or boiling in water, milk or other liquids), for human consumption".
Sub-heading 2107.91/2108.90 covers other edible preparations not elsewhere
specified and as such is residuary in nature. As per Rule 3 (a) of the rules
of interpretation of Schedule-I, the heading which provides the specific e
description should be preferred to the heading providing a general description.

In Bharat Forge & Press Industries (P) ltd, (supra) a three Judge
Bench of this Court held that if a product cannot be brought under the
specific entries in the tariff Act only then resort can be made to a residuary F
entry. It was held in para 3 as under:-

"3. The question before us is whether the Department is right in
claiming that the items in question are dutiable under tariff entry No.
68. This, as mentioned already, is the residuary entry and only such
goods as cannot be brought under the various specific entries in the G
ta{iff should be attempted to be brought under the residuary entry. In
other words, unless the department can establish that the goods in
question can by no conceivable process of reasoning be brought
under any of the tariff items, resort .cannot be had to the residuary
item."
H
-
546 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A To the same effect is the judgment in Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys
ltd, (supra), it was observed in para 16 as under:-

"16. One more aspect of the issue should be adverted to before we
conclude. The, assessee is relying upon a specific entry in the tariff
schedule while the department seeks to bring the goods to charge
B under the residuary Item No. 68. It is a settled principle that urless
the department can establish that the goods in question can, by no
conceivable process of reasoning, be brought under any of the specific
items mentioned in the tariff, resort cannot be had to the residuary
item : See the Bharat Forge case (supra). This certainly is not the
position in this case, particularly in the light of the department's own
c understanding and interpretation of Item 26AA."

In Speedway Rubber Co., (supra) this Court observed in para 23 as
under:-

"23. We may notice that as per Rule 3(a) of the Interpretation Rules
D to Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985, "The heading which provides the
most specific description shall be preferred to headings providing a
more general description."

In CC. (General), New Delhi (supra) it was observed in para 57 as
E under:-

"57. There is still one more aspect which is relevant. It cannot be
disputed and is not disputed before us and is also concluded by a
decision of a three Judge Bench in Associated Cement Co. Ltd that
the basic heading is 49.01. It deals with "Printed books, brochures,
p leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in singl~ sheets".
49.11 covers "Other printed matter, including printed pictures and
photographs". Thus, specific or basic heading is 49.01 and residual
entry is 49. I I. Priority, therefore, has to be given to the main entry and
not the residual entry. According to the Company, the case is covered
by the main entry under 49.0 I, and in that view of the matter, one
G cannot consider the residual entry 49. l I."

Since in the present case the product is covered under specific entry
under Chapter 20 resort cannot be made to the residuary entry.

The exclusionary note in HSN of Entry 20.08 of Chapter 20 of HSN is
H not applicable because it excludes the products consisting of mixture of
COMMR. OF CENTRAL EXCISE v. MAHARSHI AYURVEDA CORPN. LTD. [BHAN, J.] 547

plants or parts of plants (including seeds and fruits) of different species or A
consisting of piants or parts of plants which are not consumed as such but
. which are of a kind used for making herbal infusions or herbal "teas". In the
present case the mixture prepared is of parts of plants, seeds and nuts which
can be consumed as such. It would therefore be not applicable. Entry 14 of
Chapter 2106.90 produced above would also be not applicable since in this B
case we are holding that the present case would be governed by Chapter 20
of the Tariff Act and not Chapter 21 of the Tariff Act. The Entry 14 referred
to above is a part of Chapter 21 of HSN which corresponds to Chapter 21 of
Tariff Act which is not applicable to the present case.

In conclusion, we hold that the Tribunal is right in holding that the C
product of the respondents is covered by Chapter 20 of the Tariff Act and
not Chapter 21 ofthe·Tariff Act.

For the reasons stated above, we do not find any merit in these appeals
and dismiss the same with no order as to costs.
D
S.K.S. Appeals dismissed.

_.,.