2024(03)LCX0052(AAR)

Tata Motors Limited

decided on 15-03-2024

CUSTOMS AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE RULINGS

NEW CUSTOM HOUSE, BALLARD ESTATE, MUMBAI - 400 001
E-MAIL: cus-advrulings.mum@gov.in

The 15^th of  March, 2024

Ruling Nos. CAAR/Mum/ARC/43/2024
in
Application No. CAAR/CUS/APPL/102/2023 - O/o Commr-CAAR-MUMBAI

Ruling

M/s Tata Motors Ltd (IEC No: 0388002808) (Hereinafter will be referred to as `Applicant’) filed an application for advance ruling in the Office of Secretary, Customs Authority for Advance Ruling, Mumbai. The said application was received in the secretariat of the CAAR, Mumbai on 04.08.2023, along with its enclosures in terms of Section 28H (I) of the Customs Act, 1962 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Act’). The applicant is seeking advance ruling on the classification of ‘Urea Injector’ (hereinafter will be referred to as `subject goods’).

2. Submission by the Applicant:

2.1 The applicant is a leading automobile manufacturer and inter-alia engaged in manufacturing of a wide range of Commercial Vehicles and parts thereof for sale within India and abroad.

2.2 manufacturing of Commercial Vehicles, Applicant is importing Urea Injcetors. These Urea Injectors are part of Urea Dosing and Injection System.

Image-1:Urea Dosing and Injection System

2.3 The increasing individual mobility of on-road and off-road transportation in today’s world has led to excessive use of human-made vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, etc. which produce significant emissions that can damage the human body from the inside. Currently the automotive industry is controlling auto engine emissions by three-way catalytic converters, but that solution cannot solve the diesel engine problem. The Government regulation limits are strict to reduce Nitrogen Oxide (`NOx’) emissions from transportation engines considering the more and more emission every year due to increase in number of vehicle users. The diesel engine is in great demand, being used in public transportation and freight carriers, but these engines produce more NOx emissions than other types of engines. Therefore, the automotive industry is trying to improve diesel engines to comply with government regulations. One approach is Selective Catalytic reduction (‘SCR’) systems, which can produce ammonia particles to control NOx emissions from diesel engines.

2.4 The SCR system is a common solution to reduce NOx emissions from diesel engines. SCR system requires atomised Urea solution that generates ammonia for NOx conversion to Nitrogen and Water. SCR system consists of Urea solution mixer which helps to disperse the injected urea vapours with the exhaust gas.

2.5 The SCR process to reduce NOx emissions from an engine is as follows:

2.5.1 Urea-water solution (UWS AdBlue / DEF) is injected into the SCR system as small droplet particles;

2.5.2 The small urea droplets get evaporated, and dissociates into ammonia gas and water vapours due to the exhaust hot gas temperature;

2.5.3 The ammonia gas then mixes with the exhaust gas and enters the SCR substrate. In the SCR, the presence of wash coat catalysis the reaction between the ammonia gas and the NOx & coverts it into N2 (inert not reactive gas) and water vapours.

This process and reaction can reduce NOx emissions from diesel engines. However, this process is usually not as smooth as the theory; many factors create difficulties in mixing ammonia with the NOx emission. In order to overcome this there has to be good design of. Urea Mixer, SCR substrate, Urea injector and the dosing strategy.

2.6 Researchers have modified SCR systems to improve the output, such as by changing the injector position to improve the spray phenomena; adding a mixer fan to increase the distribution flow inside the system; raising the wall temperature to increase the evaporation process; using different injector models to inject the urea. This research has improved SCR system performance to decrease the NOx quantity from diesel engines.

2.7 Urea dosing systems (Urea injector and Urea Pump) must ensure injecting the precise amount of urea for the SCR reactions and uniform mixing of urea and ammonia with the exhaust gas. Better atomization and smaller droplet size of injected urea allow a more complete conversion to ammonia and can minimize the risk of fouling by solid deposits. Many commercial urea injection systems utilize compressed air to improve atomization, but airless systems have also been developed. The urea dosing system components include pumps, injectors, mixers, and urea tanks.

Image-2: Illustrative image of Urea Injector

2.8 Function of Urea Injector:

In Urea Dosing and Injection System, the urea is pumped into the pressure line from the urea tank and the line pressure increases. The pressure sensor in the pressure line is used for feedback control and the controller generates the PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) signal to control the speed of the Motor. The motor connects to the pump and determine the pump frequency. After the pressure is in steady state, the pumped urea mass equates to the return flow through the throttle based on the mass. balance. Urea is injected into the exhaust pipe when the injection command is sent to the injector by the urea Dosing Control Unit (`DCU’). Urea injector is a part of Urea Dosing and Injection System. The main function of Urea Injector is dosing/spraying of the precise amount of urea necessary for the SCR reactions with NOx, and mixing urea and ammonia thoroughly with the exhaust gas. Too much urea injection may cause ammonia slip and too little- urea injection may result in low NOx reduction efficiency. Therefore, the injection is very critical for SCR control.

2.9 Applicant’s Interpretation of Law :

i. Applicant has analysed the possible headings under the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act,. 1975 [‘Customs Tariff’] for seeking classification of the said Urea Injector as under:

a. 8413-Pumps for liquid, whether or not fitted with- a measuring device; Liquid Elevators

b. 8424- Mechanical appliances (whether or not hand operated) for projecting, dispersing or spraying liquids or powders; Fire Extinguishers, whether or not charged, Spray guns and similar appliances; steam or sand blasting machines and similar jet projecting machines

c. 8708- parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of heading nos 87.01 to 87.05

ii. Applicant, inter-alia is of the view that the Urea Injector is a connector between Urea loser/Pump and the exhaust pipe. It receives the Urea solution from the pump and air from the air valves and the mix is sprayed into the exhaust chamber. The quantum of aqueous urea that is fed into the injector and the required air flow into the injector arc controlled by an electronic control module. The entire injection system is a part of the exhaust system in a diesel vehicle. So it is clear that injector only does the function of spraying liquid and cannot be called as a ‘pump’. The entire CTH 8413 is for various types of pumps and therefore, HSN 8413 may not be applied here.

iii. The spray nozzles are specifically covered as ‘Parts’ under the Explanatory Notes to CH 8424. Hence, here it can be said that in terms of Rule 3(a) of General Rules of - Interpretation, 8424 9000 provides for the most specific description, being spray nozzles, over general and therefore Urea Injector may be classifiable more appropriately under 8424 90 00.

iv. While the Urea Injector is a part of diesel vehicle itself, Section notes to chapter 87 specifically excludes machines and apparatus of heading 8401 to 8479. Urea Injector being a mechanical appliance captured under 8424 would be excluded from chapter 87. The Applicant submit that by virtue of Note 2(e) to Section XVII the Urea Injector gets excluded from the expression “Parts” and “Parts and Accessories” under HSN 8708 and therefore would not be classifiable under HSN 8708.

v. Separately, since Urea Injector have multiple uses in the industry like marine automotive, power generation etc., specific heading will prevail over general heading in terms of General Rules of Interpretation. Hence the urea injector cannot be classified under CTH 8708.

vi. Based on the above factual and legal position, it is Applicant’s interpretation that such Urea Injector would fall under HSN 84249000 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.

2.10 In view of the above, the Applicant seeks an Advance Ruling on the classification of `Urea Injector’.

3. Port of Import and reply from jurisdictional Commissionerate:

3.1 The applicant in their CAAR-1 indicated that they intend to import the subject goods from Commissioner of Customs (Import), Air Cargo Complex, Sahar Andheri (E), Mumbai-400099. The application was forwarded to . the jurisdictional Commissioner of Customs(Import), Air Cargo Complex, Sahar Andheri (E), Mumbai for their comments on 07.08.2023 & 18.09.2023

3.2 The jurisdictional Commissioner of Customs (Import), Air Cargo Complex, Sahar Andheri (E), Mumbai-400099 sent the comments vide their letter dated 04.10.2023 (received on 30.10.2023) however, inter-alia no comments have been made with regard to the classification of ‘Urea Injector’ for use in manufacturing of Commercial Vehicles.

4. Details of Personal Hearing:

4.1 A personal hearing was held on 23.01.2024 at 03:00 PM. Shri .Gajanan Shanbhag Sr. Manager and Shri Pravin Deshpande General Manager officials of applicant appeared for the hearing. During the PI-I, the representatives of the applicant reiterated the content of submitted in the application submitted before this office. Further, they explained the product in question and contended that the same merit classification under Customs Tariff Subheading 8413/8424. They also relied upon the explanatory note pertaining to Subheading 8413 of `Other Pumps’. They sought two weeks’ time to file additional submission in the support of their contention. Nobody appeared from the department side personal hearing either in person or through e-hearing mode.

5. I have considered all the materials placed before me in respect of the subject goods. I have gone through the submissions made by the applicant during the personal hearing as well as the response received from the Jurisdictional customs Commissionerate, Therefore, I proceed to pronounce a ruling on the basis of information available on record as well as existing legal framework. The issue before me is the classification of ‘Urea Injector’ to be used in Commercial vehicles.

6. Before deciding on the issue, let me deliberate on the legal framework prescribed in Customs Tariff Act, 1975, Chapter/ Section notes along with HSN explanatory notes, Relevant portion of Customs tariff is reproduced here for ease of reference:

6.1 CTH 8413:

The relevant portion of the HSN explanatory notes is also reproduced for ease of reference:

(D) OTHER PUMPS

The following pumps fall in this group

(1) Electro-magnetic pumps. These pumps have no moving parts, the liquid being put into circulation by the phenomenon of electrical conduction. These pumps should not be confused with certain reciprocating positive displacement pumps in which the in-and-out movement of a piston is obtained by electromagnetic effect, nor with those which function by magnetic induction.

(2) Ejectors. In this type of pump, the kinetic energy of a jet of air, steam, water, etc., under pressure ejected from a tube, induces a section and entrainment effect on the liquid handle. These pumps comprise a complex system of divergent and convergent pipes in a closed chamber from which the system of pipes emerges.

Injectors of the Giffard type for supplying water to boilers, and injection pumps for internal combustion piston engines, working on the same principle, arc also classified here.

(3) Emulsion pumps (gas lift pumps). In these, the liquid is mixed with compressed gas in the outlet pipe, the decrease in ‘density of the emulsified liquid thus providing the lift. When compressed• air is used, the pump is referred to as an air lift pump.

6.1.1 From the point D(2) above it is evident that in this type of pump the kinetic energy of a jet of air steam water etc under pressure ejected from a tube induces a suction and entrainment effect on the liquid handled. These pumps comprise a complex system’ of divergent and convergent pipe’s in a closed chamber from which the system of pipes emerges. The Injectors of the Giffard type for supplying water to boilers, and injection pumps for internal combustion piston engines working on the same principle can be classified under said Tariff heading 8413.

6.1.2 However, I find that the Urea Injector is basically a connector between Urea Doser/Pump arid the exhaust pipe. It receives the Urea solution from the pump and air from the air valves and the mix is sprayed into the exhaust chamber. The. quantum of aqueous urea that is fed into the injector and the required air flow into the injector are controlled by an electronic control module. The entire injection system is a part of the exhaust system in a diesel vehicle. So it is clear that injector only does the function of spraying liquid in the exhaust system and cannot be called as a `pump’. The tariff heading 8413 is for various types of pumps and therefore, CTH 8413 appears not applicable.

6.2 CTH 8424:

This heading covers Machines and appliances for projecting, dispersing or spraying steam. liquid or solid materials (e.g. sand, powder, granules, grit or metallic abrasives) in the form of a jet, a dispersion (whether or not in drips) or a spray.

The relevant portion of the HSN explanatory notes is also reproduced for ease of reference:

(B) SPRAY GUNS AND SIMILAR APPLIANCES

Spray guns and similar hand controlled appliances. are usually designed for attaching to compressed air or steam lines, and are also connected, either directly or through a conduit, with a reservoir of the material to be projected. They are fitted with triggers or other valves for controlling the flow through the nozzle, which is usually adjustable to give a jet or more or less divergent spray. They are used for spraying paint or distemper, varnishes, oils, plastics, cement, metallic powders, textile-dust, etc.. They may also be used for projecting a powerful jet of compressed air or steam for cleaning stonework in buildings, statuary, etc.

The group also includes separately presented hand controlled “ariti-sniudge” spraying devices for fitting to priming machines. and hand controlled metal spraying pistols operating either tin the principle of blow pipe. or by the combined effect an electric heating device and a jet of compressed an.

Hand controlled spray runs with self-contained electric motor, incorporating a pump and. a container for the material to be sprayed (paint, varnish, etc.), are also covered by the heading.

(D) SYRINGES. SPRAYS AND POWDER DISTRIBUTORS

These are used for insecticides, fungicides, etc., in agriculture, horticulture or the home. The heading includes such appliances, with or without integral reservoirs, of the type operated by hand (including simple piston pump sprays) or by foot pedal, as well as powder. bellows, knapsack sprayers and transportable sprayers. The heading also includes mobile spraying machines in which the motor providing the power for pumping or spraying can also be geared to provide a limited movement of the apparatus for working purposes, but it does not include machines constitution true vehicles within the meaning of heading 87.05.

Provided they incorporate mechanical devices for producing or dispersive the spray or jet, or for automatically orientating the spray head (including simple mechanisms activate by water pressure), the heading includes the following types of appliances, Whether fixed transportable or mobile :

(1) Sprinklers and sprays for lawns, orchards. etc. (e.g., rotary sprays and oscillating sprays).

(2) Hydraulic guns designed for dislodging minerals (e.g., gold bearing, sands) from mountain sides, etc., by projecting powerful jets of water And water-jet bark strippers used by the paper industry.

The heading also includes mechanical. windscreen and headlamp washing devices for motor “chicks, and flame guns of the type used for destroying weeds or for other agricultural purposes.

PARTS

Subject to the general provisions regarding the classification of parts (see the General Explanatory Note to Section XVI), the heading includes parts for the appliances and machines of this heading. Parts falling in this heading thus include, inter ilia, reservoirs for sprayers. spray nozzles, lances and turbulent sprayer heads now of a kind described in heading 84.81.

6.2.1 I find that the function of Injector is spraying the urea into the exhaust pipe of the vehicle and therefore it works as a spray nozzle. It therefore appears that the chapter heading 8424 which is for Mechanical appliances (whether or not hand operated) for projecting, dispersing or spraying liquids or powders; fire extinguishers, whether or not charged; spray guns and similar appliances; steam or sand blasting machines and similar jet projecting machines, aptly covers the subject goods. Further I find that the spray nozzles arc specifically covered as ‘Parts’ under the Explanatory Notes to CH 8424.I find that such parts are classified under tariff entry 84249000.

6.3 CTH 8708:

The relevant portion of the HSN explanatory notes is also reproduced for case of reference:

This heading covers parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 87.01 to 87.05, provided the parts and accessories fulfill both the following conditions:

(i) They must be identifiable as being suitable for use solely or principally with the above-mentioned vehicles;

and (ii) They must. not be excluded by the provision of the Notes to Section XVII (see the corresponding General Explanatory Note).

It may also be noted that following Part and Accessories are excluded by Note 2 in General Explanatory notes to Section XVII:

(5) Machines and mechanical appliances, and ‘parts thereof, of headings 84.01 to 84.79, for example :

(g) Mechanical appliances for projecting, dispersing or spraying Iiquids or powders: fire extinguishers (heading 84.24).

It therefore appears that parts and accessories mentioned above whether or not they are identifiable as for the article of the Section XVII are Excluded from the scope of Section XVII which covers Chapter 87 as well.

7. Classification of imported goods is governed by the principles set forth in the General Rules of Interpretation (GIR). Rule 1 of GIR provides that for 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 other-wise require, according to the following provisions [that is, GIRs 2 to 6]. This is the first Rule to be considered in classifying any product. In other words, if the goods to be classified are covered by the words in a heading and the Section and Chapter Notes do not exclude classification in that heading, the heading would apply to the said goods. As required under Rule 1 of GIRs, the classification of the ‘Urea Injector’ is determinable according to the terms of heading and relative Chapter Note of Chapter 84 and these headings or Notes do not leave any ambiguity that proposed goods, which is basically a Spray Nozzle, is classifiable under CTI 84249000 of Chapter 84.

8. Thus, it is in terms of the Chapter Notes of chapter 84 read with Rule 1 of the GIR, the goods proposed to be imported i.e. ‘Urea Injector’ is classifiable under sub-heading 84249000.

9. I rule accordingly.

(P K Rameswaram)
Customs Authority for Advance Rulings, Mumbai

 This copy is certified to be a true copy of the ruling and is sent to: -

1. M/s Tata Motors Ltd., Geetanil, 13-19 Nagindas Master Road. Hatatma Chowk, Mumbai 400001.
Email: gajanan.shanbhag@tatamotors.com

2. The Commissioner of Customs (Import), Air Cargo Complex. Saha Andheri (E), Mumbai-400099
Email: import.acc@gov,in

3. The Customs Authority for Advance Rulings, 5^th Floor, NDMC Building, Yashwant Place, Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021.
Email: cus-advrulings.del@gov.in

4. The Principal Chief' Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Customs Zone-1. Ballard Estate, Mumbai -400001.
Email: ccu-cusmum1@nic.in

5. The Commissioner (Legal), CBIC Offices, Legal/CX.8A, Cell, 5^th floor, Hudco Vishala Building, C-Wing, Bhikaji Cama. Place, R. K. Puram, New Delhi -110066.

Email: anishgupta.irs@gov.in, commr.legal-cbec@nic.in

6. The Member (Customs), Central Boards of' Indirect Taxes & Customs, North Block, New Delhi-110001.
Email: mem.cus-cbec@nic.in

7. The Webmaster, Central Boards of Indirect Taxes & Customs.

Email: webmaster.cbec@icegate.gov.in

8. Guard file.

(V M Sobhan Sindhu)
Asst. Commissioner & Secretary
Customs Authority for Advance Rulings, Mumbai