Trade Notice No.3/2010

Dated Shillong the 25.02.2010

 

            Subject: Subject: Beedi cess payable under the provisions of  
                       Section 3 of Beedi Workmen Welfare Cess Act-reg.

The Trade, Industry and all concerned are informed that references have been received regarding  leviability of beedi cess on labelled as well as unlabelled beedis. It has been stated that Notification No. S-23011/1/79-M.V. dated 19.12.1981[G.S.R. No.669(E)] as amended by [G.S.R. No. 281(E)] dated 30.03.82, issued by the Ministry of Labour, provides that when cess has been collected on unlabelled beedis, no further cess shall be collected when they are subsequently labelled. The trade has represented that despite the notification, some Commissionerates are insisting on payment of cess on labelled beedis. Differing stands are being taken by different adjudicating authorities in this regard.

2. The matter has been examined in consultation with the administrative ministry. The Ministry of Labour have confirmed that the aforesaid notification is still in operation. They have informed that the rate of cess on manufactured beedis has, however, been enhanced vide Notification No. S.O.363 (E) dated 17.03.2006. Other provisions of the Act and Rules made in this regard are still applicable.

3. On examination of the aforesaid notification dated 19.12.1981 as amended by notification dated 30.03.1982, the following position emerges with regard to the leviability of cess:-

(i) If the biris are otherwise exempted from payment of Central Excise duty,
     they are also exempted from payment of biri cess.

(ii) If cess has been collected on unlabelled beedis, no further cess is
       required to be    collected, if they are subsequently labelled.

(iii) For cases covered under (i) above, if the exempted beedis are  
                 subsequently labelled, cess shall be payable on labelled beedis.

 

(A.K. Jain)

Commissioner

Authority:- Circular No. 914/04/2010-CX

        New Delhi, dated the 16th February, 2010.

                      F.No.262/01/2009-CX8

                      Central Board of Excise & Customs, New Delhi\