Insufficient supporting evident results in a refusal to recognise pyrolysis oi as a biofuel
Indian Body Declines Pyrolysis Oil Application
The Maharashtra Authority for Advance Rulings ( AAR )declined from determining the classification (HSN) of Tyre Pyrolysis oil and the tax rate applicable to it, by reason of non-submission of full details pertaining to composition of the impugned product by the applicant.
The order was passed in an application filed by Royal Carbon Black Pvt.Ltd., an entity engaged in the recycling of used tyres.
The application was preferred under Sec.97 of the Central Goods and Services Act and Maharashtra Goods and Services Act, for adjudicating upon the classification (HSN) of Tyre Pyrolysis oil and the tax rate applicable to it.
According to the applicant, during the process of tyre recycling, the renewable rubber component alone of the tyre is converted into pyrolysis oil, which is inter-alia used for the heating process and as a liquid fuel.
In the absence of specific schedule entry prescribed for the impugned oil under CGST, the applicant had approached the Maharashtra Authority for Advanced Hearing seeking to classify Pyrolysis oil as biodiesel under HSN 3826 since it is derived from the rubber part of the tyre, which is renewable in nature ,or alternatively to classify it as Marine fuel falling under HSN 2710 as its specifications meet that of Marine fuel.
However, the Jurisdictional Officer contended that Pyrolysis oil, widely used as industrial fuel to substitute furnace oil or industrial diesel, is made from inorganic sources and as such is neither made of any vegetable oil or animal fat, and the production process of Pyrolysis oil does not involve any kind of distillation of any petroleum product, the same cannot be classified as biodiesel or Marine fuel.
Upon finding that the proper classification would require records showing the composition of Pyrolysis oil, the Maharashtra Authority for Advanced Hearing, though directed the applicant to submit the required data. No authentic test reports or other material was produced by the applicant, apart from a general submission that the composition may vary depending upon the tyre recycled. Thus, in the view of non-submission of records by the applicant, the Maharashtra Authority for Advanced Hearing, declined from classifying tyre Pyrolysis oil.
Source: Taxscan India
