Sanjay Dwivedi
(Advocate & Consultant)
(143 Points)
Replied 10 May 2007
Dear Friend,
The general principle is that if the input cannot enter the manufacturing stream, then Cenvat Credit is not available (on that much quantity). But credit is not denied if the loss occurs during course of manufacture. Obviously, loss before the goods are received in the factory is not a loss during course of manufacture.
Therefore, if the inputs are lost prior to receipt in the factory or are lost during storage/ handling, the Cenvat Credit has to be proportionately reduced.
However, we may note following two things:
1. Once the input enters the manufacturing stream, credit becomes available even if the same are later destroyed or lost at the intermediate stage. [Refer Tribunal's decision in Asmaco Plastic Industries v. CCE - 1998 (100) ELT 129 and CCE v. HEG Ltd. - 2001 (127) E.L.T. 121]
2. If the measurement of the input reduces due to natural causes - but entire quantity is actually received - Credit cannot be denied. For example if the input looses moisture due to drying and thereby reduces in weight, it does not amount to loss of the goods. [Pls refer PKPN Spinning Ltd. v. CCE - 1997 (89) ELT 588.]
For a detailed discussion pls refer the larger bench order in CCE, NAGPUR v. ASSOCIATED CEMENT COMPANIES LTD. [2006-(197)-ELT -0215 -TRIB]
Thanks,
Sanjay Dwivedi