CESTAT Hyderabad- Aluminium Formwork Materials Classified as Aluminium Structures, Not Moulds

Aadrikaa Legal Services (ALS) – IDT Tax I Arbitration I Litigation

Date: 20.07.2026

CESTAT Hyderabad- Aluminium Formwork Materials Classified as Aluminium Structures, Not Moulds

The Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) Hyderabad recently delivered a significant order in the case of Vijay Nirman Company Pvt Ltd, addressing the classification and customs duty applicable to imported Aluminium Formwork Materials (AFM). This article provides a detailed overview of the dispute, the legal arguments, and the Tribunal’s final decision, offering valuable insights for businesses involved in construction imports and customs compliance.

Background of the Case

Vijay Nirman Company Pvt Ltd, a prominent player in civil and infrastructure construction, imported AFM from Kumkang Kind Co Ltd, South Korea. The company classified these imports under Customs Tariff Heading (CTH) 76109090, claiming a nil rate of basic customs duty under Notification No. 152/2009-CUS (S.No.610). Customs authorities initially cleared the goods as per this classification and notification.

However, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) later issued a show cause notice, alleging misclassification. The department argued that the AFM should be classified under CTH 84806000 (moulds for mineral materials), not under CTH 76109090 (aluminium structures), and that the exemption notification was not applicable.

Key Legal Issues

1. Correct Classification of AFM:
   • Appellant’s Stand: AFM are aluminium structures used as temporary shuttering in construction, fitting under CTH 76109090.
   • Department’s Stand: AFM function as moulds for concrete, thus falling under CTH 84806000.
2. Eligibility for Exemption Notification:
   • The benefit of Notification No. 152/2009-CUS (S.No.610) was denied by the department based on the reclassification.

Arguments Presented

Appellant (Vijay Nirman Company)

• Relied on previous Tribunal judgments (e.g., Alcove Construction Pvt Ltd) supporting classification under CTH 76109010.
• Emphasized that AFM are custom-designed, reusable shuttering systems, not moulds, as their form and use change with each project.
• Pointed out that the department relied on general definitions (e.g., Wikipedia) rather than expert opinions or technical evidence.
• Argued that unless the assessment of Bills of Entry is challenged, no demand can be made.

Department (Customs)

• Cited HSN Explanatory Notes and purchase contracts describing the goods as formwork with steel supports and accessories.
• Asserted that AFM’s essential character is that of a mould, as it temporarily retains concrete until it sets.
• Referred to legal precedents and statutory provisions to support their classification.

Tribunal’s Analysis and Findings

1. Distinction Between Formwork and Moulds:
   • The Tribunal clarified that while both terms are sometimes used interchangeably, formwork is a temporary structure used to shape and support concrete until it hardens, whereas moulds are typically used to create multiple copies of a specific item.
   • AFM is used in situ for building construction, is dismantled after use, and does not produce repeatable, standalone articles as moulds do.
2. Interpretation of Tariff Headings:
   • CTH 7610 covers aluminium structures, including temporary frameworks used in construction.
   • CTH 8480 covers moulds for mineral materials, but only when used to produce discrete articles (e.g., slabs, tiles), not entire buildings.
   • The Tribunal found that AFM does not fit the definition of a mould under CTH 8480.
3. Benefit of Ambiguity:
   • Citing Supreme Court jurisprudence, the Tribunal held that any ambiguity in classification should favor the assessee (importer), not the Revenue.
4. Notification Eligibility:
   • Since AFM is classifiable under CTH 76109090, the exemption under Notification No. 152/2009-CUS (S.No.610) applies.
   • The department failed to provide specific reasons for denying the notification benefit in the show cause notice.

Final Order and Implications

• The Tribunal set aside the order of the Adjudicating Authority, holding that AFM is rightly classifiable under CTH 76109090.
• Vijay Nirman Company is entitled to the exemption notification, and the demand for differential duty is not sustainable.
• The decision reinforces the importance of precise classification and the need for technical evidence in customs disputes.

Key Takeaways for Importers and Construction Companies

1. Understand Product Functionality: Clearly distinguish between temporary construction aids (formwork) and manufacturing tools (moulds) for correct tariff classification.
2. Document Usage and Design: Maintain detailed records and technical documentation to support the intended use and classification of imported goods.
3. Monitor Legal Precedents: Stay updated on relevant Tribunal and Supreme Court decisions, as these can significantly impact classification and duty liability.
4. Challenge Unsubstantiated Demands: If customs authorities rely on general definitions or lack technical evidence, importers should contest such demands with factual and legal support.

This case sets a precedent for the classification of construction-related imports and highlights the need for clarity and technical accuracy in customs matters.

Connected Matter

CESTAT Kolkata Clarifies Classification and Duty Exemption for Imported Aluminium Formwork Structures

Source: CESTAT Hyderabad

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