2021(04)LCX0043(AAR)
AAR-KARNATAKA
M/s Analytica Chemie Inc.
decided on 16/04/2021
THE AUTHORITY ON ADVANCE RULING
IN KARNATAKA
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX
VANIJYA THERIGE KARYALAYA, KALIDASA ROAD
GANDHINAGAR, BENGALURU- 560 009
Advance Ruling No, KAR ADRG 25/2021
Dated: 16-04-2021
Present:
1. Dr. M.P. Ravi Prasad
Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes Member(State Tax)
2. Sri. Mashhood Ur Rehman Farooqui,
Joint Commissioner of Central Tax,
Member(Central Tax)
1. | Name and address of the Applicant | M/s Analytica Chemie Inc., #308, 3rd Floor, I Block, VITC Model Export Bhavan, 14th Cross, Peenya Industrial Area, Bengaluru-560058. |
2. | GSTIN or User ID | 29ABLFA4210C1ZV |
3. | Date of filing Form GST ARA-01 | 22-12-2020 |
4. | Represented by | Sri K. Dayananda, C A & Authorised Representative |
5. | Jurisdictional Authority- Centre | The Commissioner of Indirect Taxes, Bangalore North West Commissionerate, Bengaluru (Range-BND1) |
6. | Jurisdictional Authority- State | LGSTO-75, Bengaluru |
7. | Whether the payment of fees discharged and if yes, the amount and CIN |
Yes, discharged fee of Rs. 5,000-00 under CGST Act & Rs. 5,000-00 under KGST Act vide reference number DC2912200121309 dated 16-12-2020 by way of debit from Electronic Cash Ledger. |
ORDER UNDER SECTION 98(4) OF CENTRAL GOODS AND SERVICES TAX
ACT, 2017 AND UNDER SECTION 98(4) OF KARNATAKA GOODS AND
SERVICES TAX ACT, 2017
M/s. Analytica Chemie Inc.,
(hereinafter referred to as the ‘Applicant’), No. 488B, 4th Floor, Model
Export Bhavan, 14th Cross, Peenya Industrial Area, Bangalore-560058, having
GSTIN 29ABLFA4210C1ZV, have filed an application for Advance Ruling under
Section 97 of CGST Act, 2017 read with Rule 104 of CGST Rules 2017 and Section
97 of KGST Act, 2017 read with Rule 104 of KGST Rules 2017, in GST form ARA-01
discharging the fee of Rs.5,000/- each under the CGST Act and the KGST Act.
2. The Applicant is a Private Limited Company and is registered under the Goods
and Services Act, 2017. The applicant has sought advance ruling in respect of
the following question:-
Whether Entry No. 80 in Schedule II to the Notification No.1/2017-Integrated
Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 (as amended) is applicable for import as well as
supply of “Prepared Laboratory Reagents / Pharmaceutical Reference Standards (PRS)”
attracting a levy of Integrated Tax at the rate of 12% or Entry No.453 to
Schedule III attracting a levy of Integrated Tax at the rate of 18%?
3. Admissibility of the application: The question is about
“applicability of a notification issued under the provisions of this Act” and
hence is admissible under Section 97(2)(b) of the CGST Act 2017.
4. BRIEF FACTS OF THE CASE: The applicant furnishes some facts relevant
to the issue:
4.1 The Applicant states that they are science-based organization conceptualized
to cater to the growinganalytical and regulatory requirement of the
Pharmaceutical Industries and to provide solutions to the new challenges in
separations and purifications faced in the Pharmaceutical and Research
Institutions worldwide.
4.2 The applicant intends to import Pharmaceutical Reference Standards
(hereinafter also referred to as ‘PRS’) from Pharmacopeias like European
Pharmacopeia (EP), British Pharmacopeia (BP), Indian Pharmacopeia (IP), Japanese
Pharmacopeia (JP) and supplies them to all major pharmaceutical companies in
India.
4.3 PRS is in the nature of Prepared Laboratory Reagent and is a substance of
known purity which is intended to be used exclusively for a specified analytical
calibrating and referencing purposes. PRS is not used for detection or diagnosis
and is not to be used as a drug as clearly stated on the label or accompanying
certificate or literature.
4.4 PRS is a reference analytical sample provided by the official global
pharmacopoeias required to be used by the pharmaceutical manufacturers to
confirm their product quality standards in conformity with the respective
monographs prescribed. These official reference standards are global in nature
and are required to be used by drug manufacturers to ensure that the quality of
the medicines produced by them are in conformity with the respective monographs
prescribed by these official pharmacopoeias. The drug manufacturing companies
use these PRS in their laboratory tests on all drug substances for determining
the purity of medicine and identification and quantification of pharmaceutical
impurities.
4.5 The applicant states that PRS is classifiable as ‘Prepared Laboratory
Reagent’ and is covered under Tariff Entry 3822 00 90 of the Customs Tariff Act,
in line with the decision of Honhle CESTAT, Bangalore in the matter which is
reported as LGC Promochem India Pvt. Ltd. v. Commissioner of Customs & Service
Tax, Bangalore [2016 (340) E.L.T. 406 (Tri. – Bang.)]. This decision has been
upheld by Hon Tile Supreme Court of India and reported in 2018 (360) E.L.T. A173
(S.C.)
4.6 The Applicant submits that the classification of PRS under Tariff Item 3822
00 90 is undisputed and the present application has not been filed for
clarification with regard to the classification of PRS.
4.7 As mentioned supra, the applicant imports Pharmaceutical Reference Standards
classifying it under Tariff Item 3822 00 90 of the CTA from various official
pharmacopoeias like US Pharmacopoeia (USP), European Pharmacopeia (EDQM),
British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and supplies it to major pharmaceutical companies in
India while adopting the classification under the same Tariff Item 3822 00 90.
4.8 In the facts of the present case, the issue under consideration is the
applicability of rate of tax on import and supply of the Prepared Laboratory
Reagent classifiable under Tariff Item 3822 00 90, in terms of in terms of the
Rate Notification.
4.9 It is submitted that the only entry in the Rate Notification which covers
the goods falling under Chapter Heading 3822 being ‘Diagnostic Kits and
Reagents’ is Entry No. 80 of Schedule-II, which provides for the rate of GST at
12%. The relevant entry reads as follows:
Schedule-II -12% |
||
Sl. No. |
Chapter/ Heading/ Sub-heading/ Tariff item |
Description of Goods |
80 |
3822 |
All diagnostic kits and reagents |
4.10 In the alternative, Entry No. 453 to Schedule-Ill, a residuary entry, provides applicable rate of GST @ 18% on all goods that are not specified in Schedule I, II, IV, V or VI. The relevant entry reads as follows:
Schedule-III -18% |
||
Sl. No. |
Chapter/ Heading/ Sub-heading/ Tariff item |
Description of Goods |
453 |
Any Chapter |
Goods which are not specified in Schedule I, II, IV, V or VI |
4.11 In the above factual matrix,
the Applicant seeks clarity on whether the PRS classifiable under Tariff Item
3822 00 90 shall be covered under Entry No. 80 of Schedule II to Notification
No.1/2017-Integrated Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 (as amended) which covers ‘All
diagnostic kits and reagents’ falling under Chapter Heading 3822, and thus
subject to 12% rate of Integrated Tax. This application is being filed under the
apprehension that the PRS imported and supplied by the Applicant could be
treated by the department as falling under Entry No. 453 of Schedule III to
Notification No.1/2017-Integrated Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 (as amended) which
covers goods of any Chapter which are not specified in Schedule I, II, IV, V or
VI and consequentially subject to higher rate of tax at 18%.
5. Applicant’s Interpretation of Law:
5.1 Regarding the grounds in support of the understanding of the applicant, that
the imports as well as supply of Pharmaceutical Reference Standards under Tariff
Item 3822 00 90, the applicant states as under:-
a. Chapter 38 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (hereinafter referred to as ‘CTA’)
provides for classification of “Miscellaneous chemical products”. Chapter
Heading 3822 covers “Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared
diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, other than those
of heading 3002 or 3006; certified reference materials”.
b. It is submitted that Sub-heading 3822 00 covers the following goods:-
Diagnostic reagents on a backing;
Laboratory reagents on a backing;
Prepared diagnostic reagents on a backing, other than those of heading 3002 or 3006;
Prepared diagnostic reagents without a backing, other than those of heading 3002 or 3006;
Prepared laboratory reagents on a backing, other than those of heading 3002 or 3006;
Prepared laboratory reagents without a backing, other than those of heading 3002 or 3006; and
Certified reference materials.
c. The applicant states that the
Harmonised System of Nomenclature (hereinafter referred to as ‘HSN’) Explanatory
Notes at Page No. VI-3822-1 [Explanatory Notes – Sixth Edition (2017) Volume 2 –
Sections VI – VIII – Chapters 29 -43] relates to Chapter Heading 38.22. He has
extracted the relevant portions of the above and the same reads as under:
“This heading covers diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared
diagnostic or laboratory reagents, other than diagnostic reagents of heading
30.02 or diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient and
blood grouping reagents of heading 30.06. It also covers certified reference
materials. Diagnostic reagents are used in the evaluation of physical,
biophysical or biochemical processes and states in animals and humans; their
functions based upon a measurable or observable change in the biological or
chemical substances constituting the reagent. Prepared diagnostic reagents of
this heading may be similar in function to those designed to be administered to
patients (subheading 3006.30), with the exception that they are used for in
vitro, rather than for in vivo, applications. Prepared laboratory reagents
include not only diagnostic reagents, but also other analytical reagents used
for purposes other than detection or diagnosis. Prepared diagnostic and
laboratory reagents may be used in medical, veterinary, scientific or industrial
laboratories, in hospitals, in industry, in the field or, in some cases, in the
home….
The reagents of this heading should be clearly identifiable as being for use
only as diagnostic or laboratory reagents. This must be clear from their
composition, labelling, instructions for in vitro or laboratory use, indication
of the specific diagnostic test to be performed or physical form (e.g.,
presented on a backing or support).”
d. The applicant states that in the instant case, the imported goods viz.
Pharmaceutical Reference Standards (‘PRS’) is a ‘prepared laboratory reagent
without a backing’ with a label and proper instructions for its use.
e. The applicant states that Classification of goods covered under the First
Schedule to the CTA is done as per the General Rules for Interpretation
(hereinafter referred to as ‘GI Rules’). Rule 1 to GI Rules gives precedence to
the Section or Chapter Notes while classifying a product. For the legal
purposes, classification shall be determined according to the terms of the
headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes and, provided such headings
or Notes do not otherwise require. As per Rule 1 of the GI Rules, classification
is to be determined only on the basis of description of the heading, read with
relevant Section or Chapter Notes. Further, in terms of Rule 3(a) of the GI
Rules, the heading which provides the most specific description shall be
preferred to headings providing a more general description. Therefore, in terms
of Rule 1 read with Rule 3(a) of the GI Rules, the Pharmaceutical Reference
Standards (‘PRS’) is appropriately classifiable under Chapter Heading 3822 of
Customs Tariff Act.
f. The applicant has been classifying PRS as a ‘prepared laboratory reagent
without a backing’, under Tariff Entry 3822 00 90, in line with the decision of
the Hon’ble CESTAT Bangalore in the matter of LGC Promochem India Pvt. Ltd. v.
Commissioner of Customs & Service Tax, Bangalore [2016 (340) E.L.T. 406 (Tri. –
Bang.)] It held as follows:-
“7.7 In our considered view, the Pharmaceutical Reference Standard are required
for analytical measurement which depend on many variable to provide data needed
to make informed decisions. The quality of this data is as good as the Reference
material used and high-quality Reference material are available only from the
organizations with robust quality system viz. US Pharmacopoeia, British
Pharmacopoeia, etc. The Reference Standard of the Organizations like United
Standard Pharmacopoeia and British Pharmacopoeia instill confidence, as to that
the products which are tested against the standard as laid down by these
pharmacopeias would qualify to be used safely. On this background the goods
imported by the main appellant are to be considered whether they are
Pharmaceutical Reference Standards or otherwise. The phrase “Reference
Standards” is not defined or described in Customs Act, 1962 or Customs Tariff
Act that appeared to establish appropriate product description as early as in
the year 2004, a particular reference seeking clarification on the description
of “Pharmaceutical Reference Standards” was made to appropriate and competent
authority in this matter, i.e., Drugs Controller General (India) under
Directorate General of Health Services (Drug Division) who vide his letter
reference No. XI9014/10/ 04-D, dated 17-11 -2004 stated as under:-
……….
7.8 Plain reading of the above letter from the Drugs Controller General (India)
would clearly indicate that the Reference Standards are substances required for
analytical calibrating or referencing purpose which would be required to
estimate the standard of the product manufactured or consumed by the clients of
the main appellants. It is to be noted that based upon the above
clarification, the Central Drug Testing Laboratory Mumbai vide letter No. 80/
CDTL-M/2004-05/1469, dated 13-8-2004 clarified as under
………
7.9 Plain reading of both the communications from the competent authority to
comment upon the issue seems to establish that intended use of Pharmaceutical
Reference Standards, are Chemicals (Reagents) substance of known purity which
are intended to be used exclusively for a specified analytical, calibrating or
referencing purpose and the same should be stated on the label and or
accompanying certificate or literature.
7.10 On perusal of the records, we find that the appellant had shown that the
imported products, which had label and certificate of analysis from United State
Pharmacopoeia convention indicating that Pharmaceutical Reference Standards is
as per the standard laid down by them. It has to be noted that Pharmaceutical
Reference Standards which are accompanied by the certificate issued by US
Pharmacopoeia are distinctive product and gets classified under laboratory
chemical or under Chapter Heading 3822 read with Chapter Notes of Chapter 38 as
reproduced hereinabove. The conclusion that can be reached is that
Pharmaceutical Reference Standard cannot be classified as certified Reference
Materials and consequently not extending the scope of applicability of
notification to products other than covered under Chapter Heading 28 and Chapter
29 is also not applicable. “
The applicant submits that the Hon’ble CESTAT Bangalore in the above Final Order
has held that the imported product i.e. ‘Pharmaceutical Reference Standards’
cannot be classified as Certified Reference Materials but the same are Chemicals
(Reagents) substance of known purity which are intended to be used exclusively
for a specified analytical, calibrating or referencing purpose and the same gets
classified under laboratory chemical under the Chapter Heading 3822 of the CTH.
Further the Hon hie Supreme Court has affirmed the decision of the Hon hie
CESTAT Bangalore in the matter of Commissioner of Customs & Service Tax,
Bangalore v. LGC Promochem India Pvt. Ltd. reported in 2018 (360) E.L.T. A173
(S.C.).
The applicant reiterates that it is not in dispute that the impugned product
viz. Pharmaceutical Reference Standards is a Prepared Laboratory Reagent
intended to be used exclusively for a specified analytical calibrating and
referencing purposes and classifiable under HSN 3822 00 90.
g. The applicant states that Explanation (iii) to the Rate Notification provides
that “tariff item”, “sub-heading” “heading” and “Chapter” shall mean
respectively a tariff item, sub-heading, heading and chapter as specified in the
First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘CTA’).
Further, as per Explanation (iv) to the Rate Notification, the rules for the
interpretation of the First Schedule to the CTA, including the Section and
Chapter Notes and the General Explanatory Notes of the First Schedule shall, so
far as may be, apply to the interpretation of this notification. In view of the
above Explanations, it is evident that the classification adopted under the CTA
can be borrowed for identifying the appropriate schedule under the IGST Act /
CGST Act / State GST Acts in which a particular goods are listed and also for
determination of rate of tax applicable under GST law.
h. The Applicant submits that essentially the issue under consideration in the
present application is the applicability of rate of tax on supply of the
Prepared Laboratory Reagent classifiable under Tariff Item 3822 00 90, in terms
of in terms of the Rate Notification.
i. The Applicant further submits that the only Entry in the Rate Notification
which covers all diagnostic kits and reagents falling under Chapter Heading 3822
is Entry No. 80 of Schedule-II, which provides for IGST rate at 12%.
The relevant entry reads as under:
Schedule-II -12% |
||
Sl. No. |
Chapter/ Heading/ Sub-heading/ Tariff item |
Description of Goods |
80 |
3822 |
All diagnostic kits and reagents |
As submitted by the applicant,
Chapter 38 of the Customs Tariff Act deals with classification of “Miscellaneous
chemical products”. Chapter Heading 3822 relates to “Diagnostic or laboratory
reagents on a backing, Prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not
on a backing, other than those of heading 3002 or 3006; certified reference
materials”. Prepared laboratory reagent is covered under the Chapter Heading
3822 of the Customs Tariff Act.
j. The Applicants submits that in view of the HSN Explanatory Notes discussed
supra, Prepared laboratory reagents include –
Diagnostic reagents, and
Other analytical reagents used for purposes other than detection or diagnosis.
The applicant submits that the
Pharmaceutical Reference Standards imported by the Applicant is undisputedly
Prepared Laboratory Reagents in the nature of ‘other analytical reagents used
for purposes other than detection or diagnosis’ and classified under Tariff
Entry 3822 00 90 to Customs Tariff Act.
k. The applicant states that the Rate Notification under Entry No. 80 of
Schedule II provides for rate of tax of 12% for goods falling under Chapter
Heading 3822. Therefore, in terms of the Chapter Heading, the impugned goods are
covered under Entry No.80 of the Rate Notification.
6. The applicant argues that the “reagent” in entry No.80 of Schedule II
includes the Pharmaceutical Reference Standards for the following reasons:
6.1 The applicant states that the description under Entry No.80 of Schedule II
of the Rate Notification reads as “All diagnostic kits and reagents”. The
applicant submits that Entry No.80 covers two types of goods: “all diagnostic
kits and reagents”.
6.2 The Applicant submits that the meaning of the term ‘reagent’ is wide enough
to encompass both the diagnostic reagents as well as prepared laboratory
reagent. As per the HSN Explanatory Notes to Chapter Heading 38.22, the term
‘reagent’ under Chapter Heading 3822 should be clearly identifiable as being for
use only as diagnostic or laboratory reagents. It further provides that prepared
laboratory reagents include not only diagnostic reagents, but also other
analytical reagents used for purposes other than detection or diagnosis.
Further, the HSN Explanatory Notes provides that reagents of this heading should
be clearly identifiable as being for use only as diagnostic reagents or
laboratory reagents which must be clear from their composition, labelling,
instructions for in vitro or laboratory use, indication of the specific
diagnostic test to be performed or physical form (e.g., presented on a backing
or support).
6.3 The applicant further states that on reading of the HSN Explanatory Notes
with the terms or words used in Entry 80 of the Schedule II of the Rate
Notification, the description -“all diagnostic kits and reagents” includes
amongst others “prepared laboratory reagents without a backing, other than those
of heading 3002 or 3006.”
6.4 The applicant states that the Pharmaceutical Reference Standard simp orted
by the Applicant is ‘Prepared laboratory reagents without a backing, other than
those of heading 3002 or 3006’ with a proper labelling and appropriate
instructions for its use and is covered under (f) supra and thus consequentially
covered under the term “reagent” in Entry No. 80 of Schedule II of the Rate
Notification which read as “All diagnostic kits and reagents”. Accordingly, the
import and supply of ‘Pharmaceutical Reference Standard’ would attract a levy of
Integrated Tax at the rate of 12 per cent.
6.5 The applicant also states that the expression “and” used in the term ‘all
diagnostic kits and reagents’ is Conjunctive and therefore the term ‘Reagent’ is
a separately identified term. The applicant submits that the term ‘and’ has used
in the Entry No. 80, as a conjunctive term to separate the words, ‘all
diagnostic kits’ and ‘Reagents’. Therefore, the term ‘reagents’ has to be
treated as a separate word whose identity shall be separate from the words
preceding it. The applicant refers to the following decisions in support of the
claim that the “term” should be understood in a conjunctive sense”-
a. Commissioner of Central Excise, Panchkula V. Kulcip Medicines (P) Ltd.,
reported in 2009 (14) STR 608 (P7H)
b. Mazagaon Dock Ltd. V. CIT (1958) 34 ITR 368 (SC)
c. Star Industries V. Commissioner of Customs (Imports), Nhava Sheva reported in
2014 (312) ELT 209 (Tri.-Mumbai)
d. Star Industries V. Commissioner of Customs (Imports), Raigad [2015 (324) ELT
656 (SC)].
6.6 The applicant further submits that upon perusal of the description under
Entry No. 80 to Schedule-II of the Rate Notification, it leads to a clear
conclusion that the Entry covers reagents which may be either used in laboratory
or for diagnosis. The Applicant submits that there is no specific exclusion or
qualification which has been used before the word ‘reagent’ in the Entry to
evidence the exclusion of any particular type of ‘reagent’.Hence, in the absence
of a specific exclusion or qualification to the term ‘reagent’, both laboratory
reagents and diagnostic reagents shall be covered under Entry 80 of Schedule II
of the Rate Notification. The applicant has taken the support of the judgment of
the Hon hie Supreme Court in the matter of Commissioner of Commercial Tax, U.P.
v. A.R. Thermosets (Pvt.) Ltd. reported in 2016 (339) E.L.T. 500 (S.C.). The
applicant submits that the term “reagent” used in the description under Entry
No.80 to Schedule II of the Rate Notification has been used as generic
expression and it would cover all reagents, which share and have common
composition and commercial entity, and meet the popular parlance test. The
applicant also places reliance on the following judgments in support of his
contention:-
(a) Himalaya Stone Industries V. State of Uttarakhan and others [2013] 62 VST
233
(b) Nandi Printers Ltd. V. State of Karnataka reported at 122 STC 164 (Kar)
7. The applicant relies on the Circular F.No.296/07/2017-CX.9 dated 15.06.2017
issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs which provides for a
list of goods with reduced tax liabihties under the GST regime in comparison to
erstwhile combined indirect tax rates and the applicant submits that in the
erstwhile indirect tax regime, the combined rate of indirect taxes levied on the
manufacture and sale of “Pharmaceutical Reference Standards” classified under
Tariff Item 3822 00 90 was approximately 18% in case of “intra-state sale” and
14.5% in case of “interstate sale”. Hence the intention of the Central
Government was to lower the tax incidence on the specified goods in the GST
regime and hence the only possible rate of tax in the GST regime can thus be
12%.
8. The applicant submits since the Pharmaceutical Reference Standards are liable
to tax at 12% by virtue of being covered under Entry No.80 of Schedule II for
the reasons stated above, they cannot be covered under the general entry no.453
of Schedule III attracting a tax of 18%. In support of this the applicant has
cited various judgements of the Courts.
PERSONAL HEARING:/PROCEEDINGS HELD ON 28/01/2021
9. Sri K. Dayananda, CA & Authorized Representative of the applicant appeared
for personal hearing proceedings held on 28/01/2021 and reiterated the facts
narrated in their application.
FINDINGS & DISCUSSION
10. At the outset we would like
to make it clear that the provisions of CGST Act, 2017 and the KGST Act, 2017
are in pari-materia and have the same provisions in like matter and differ from
each other only on a few specific provisions. Therefore, unless a mention is
particularly made to such dissimilar provisions, a reference to the CGST Act
would also mean reference to the corresponding similar provisions in the KGST
Act.
11. We have considered the submissions made by the applicant in their
application for advance ruling as well as the submissions made by applicant and
his authorized representatives during the hearing.
12. We observe that the facts of the case are identical to the ruling passed by
this authority in the case of M/s. Chromachemie Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., vide Order
No. KAR ADRG 71/2019 dated 23.09.2019, wherein it was ruled that Entry. No. 80
of Schedule II to Notification No.1/2017-Integrated Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017
is not applicable to prepared laboratory reagents. The Karnataka Appellate
Authority of Advance Ruling, while disposing the appeal filed by M/s.
Chromachemie Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., has set aside the aforesaid ruling vide order
No. KAR/AAAR-08/2019-20 dated 14.01.2020. The relevant portion of the order is
quoted below:-
18. The interpretation given by the Authority for Advance Ruling that the
entry SI. No. 80 covers only diagnostic kits and diagnostic reagents is not
correct. The principle of ejusdem generis applied by the Authority in
interpreting the entry SI. No. 80 is misconstrued. The rule of ejusdem generis
applies when (1) the statute contains an enumeration of specific words; (2) the
subjects of enumeration constitute a class or category; (3) that class or
category is not exhausted by the enumeration; (4) the general terms follow the
enumeration; and (5) there is no indication of a different legislative intent.
In the instant case, the words used in the entry SI. No. 80 of Schedule 11
“diagnostic kits and reagents ” are of one class of goods falling under Chapter
Heading 3822 of the Customs Tariff. However, the general word “All” is preceding
the enumeration and does not follow the enumeration. The ride of ejusdem generis
has no inverse application. General words preceding the enumeration are not
governed by this rule. Further, the phrase “All diagnostic kits and reagents”
brings within its fold the entire range of diagnostic and laboratory reagents
which have been listed in (a) to (f) of Para 16 above. There is no scope for
bringing within its ambit other goods since the phrase is exhaustive in its
enumeration. We also find that the Fitment Committee which was mandated to
recommend suitable GST rates for goods, have, after taking into consideration
the indirect tax rates which were in existence, recommended a rate of 12% for
“Diagnostic or laboratory reagents”. This recommendation has been implemented by
entry SI. No. 80 of Schedule II of Notification No. 1/2017-C.T./I.T. (R), dated
28-6-2017. It is evident from the recommendations of the Fitment Committee that
the legislative intent was to reduce the GST rate on all reagents from the rate
which was prevalent in the earlier tax regime. Therefore, we are of the view
that the principle of ejusdem generis has no application in this case and all
reagents which are covered under Heading 3822 would be covered under SI. No. 80
of Schedule II of the rate Notification.
13. In view of the above, we conclude that the Pharmaceutical Reference
Standards (Prepared Laboratory Reagents) imported and supplied by the Appellant
and classified under Tariff Item 3822 00 90 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 is
covered under Entry No. 80 of Schedule-II to Notification No.1/2017-Integrated
Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 attracting a levy of Integrated Tax at the rate of
12%.
14. In view of the foregoing, we pass the following
RULING
The Pharmaceutical Reference Standards (Prepared Laboratory Reagents) imported and supplied by the Appellant and classified under Tariff Item 3822 00 90 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 is covered under Entry No. 80 of Schedule-II to Notification No.1/2017-Integrated Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 attracting a levy of Integrated Tax at the rate of 12%..
(Dr. M. P. Ravi Prasad)
Member
(Mashhood Ur Rehman Farooqui)
Member
To,
The Applicant
Copy To:
1. The Principal Chief Commissioner of Indirect
Tax, Bangalore Zone, Karnataka.
2. The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Karnataka, Bengaluru.
3. The Commissioner of Indirect Tax, Bangalore North West Commissionerate, Bengaluru.
4. The ACCT,.LGSTO-075, Bengaluru.
5. Office Folder.
Equivalent .