Modvat stands for "Modified Value Added Tax". It is a
scheme for allowing relief to final manufacturers on the excise duty
borne by their suppliers in respect of goods manufactured by them. eg
ABC Ltd is a manufacturer and it purchases certain components from PQR
Ltd for use in manufacture. POR Ltd would have paid excise duty on
components manufactured by it and it would have recovered that excise
duty in its sales price from ABC Ltd. Now, ABC Ltd has to pay excise
duty on toys manufactured by it as well as bear the excise duty paid by
its supplier, PQR Ltd. This amounts to multiple taxation. Modvat is a
scheme where ABC Ltd can take credit for excise duty paid by PQR Ltd so
that lower excise duty is payable by ABC Ltd.
The scheme was first introduced with effect from 1 March 1986. Under
this scheme, a manufacturer can take credit of excise duty paid on raw
materials and components used by him in his manufacture. Accordingly,
every intermediate manufacturer can take credit for the excise element
on raw materials and components used by him in his manufacture. Since it
amounts to excise duty only on additions in value by each manufacturer
at each stage, it is called value-added-tax (VAT)
The modvat credit can be utilized towards payment of excise duty on the
final product.
When the scheme was first introduced, it covered only some excisable
goods. Gradually, the scope of the modvat scheme has been enlarged from
time to time under various notifications. From 16 March 1995, all
excisable goods can take the benefit of the scheme except those
mentioned below:-
In case of inputs
» Tobacco and Manufactured Tobacco Products
» Matches other than pyrotechnics articles of heading number 36.04
of CETA
» Cinematograph Films
» Motor Spirits, Special Boiling Spirits, High Speed Diesel
» In case of final products
» Tobacco and Manufactured Tobacco Products
» Matches other than pyrotechnics articles of heading number 36.04
of CETA
» Cinematograph Films
» Woven fabrics classified under chapter 52,54 & 55 of CETA
other than cotton fabrics, man made fibre fabrics and filament yarn
fabrics
Advantages of Modvat
» It reduces the effects of taxation at multiple stages of
manufacture.
» It facilitates duty free exports.
» It increases the tax base.
Disadvantages of Modvat
» It increases paper work and leads to multiplicity of records.
» It leads to corruption.
» It leads to litigation.
The modvat scheme is regulated by Rules 57A and 57U of the Central
Excise Rules and the notifications issued thereunder.
Rule 57A This rule specifies
the scope and applicability of the modvat. The modvat scheme applies to
all finished excisable goods which have been notified by the Central
Government in the Official Gazette for this purpose. The modvat scheme
may be made applicable in respect of certain goods or classes of goods
with restrictions and conditions.
For the purposes of the modvat scheme, input includes:-
» Inputs which are manufactured and used within the factory of
production in or in relation to the manufacture of the final product.
» Paints and packing material
» Inputs used as fuel
» Inputs used for the generation of electricity, used within the
factory of production for manufacturing of final products or for any
other purpose, but does not include:-
A. Machines, machinery, plant, equipments, apparatus, tools or
appliances which are used for production or processing of any goods or
for bringing about any change in any substance in or in relation to the
manufacture of the final products. However, on and from 1994-95, the
benefit of modvat has been extended to excise duty paid on several
capital goods like plant, machinery, equipments, etc which are used for
the manufacture of the finished product.
As long as the capital goods are used in the factory of production,
credit of modvat will be allowed. No modvat is available in respect of
capital goods not used within the factory of production.
» Packing Material in respect of which any exemption to the extent
of excise duty payable on the value of packing material is being availed
of for packaging of final products.
» Packing materials of the cost of which is not included or had
not been included during the preceding financial year in the assessable
value of the final products.
» The manufacturer can avail of the benefit of modvat credit on
the final product to the extent of specified duties paid on the inputs.
The benefit of modvat will be available only if the final product is an
excisable goods. Modvat credit will not be available if the final good
is not an excisable goods or is exempt from duty or is chargeable at nil
rate of duty. However, benefit of modvat will be available to the final
goods manufactured by a unit in a Free Trade Zone or in an 100 per cent
EOU where no excise duty is payable on final goods which are exported.
For example ABC Ltd purchased raw materials of Rs9,900 inclusive of
excise duty @ nine per cent and sales tax @ 10 per cent. Modvat credit
available will be Rs743 (Cost excluding sales tax will be Rs9,000 out of
which excise duty will be Rs743 ie 9000/109*9)
Rule 57D Modvat credit will
not be denied or varied just because some of the raw materials and other
inputs in respect of which excise has been paid become waste or scrap in
the course of the manufacturing process.
Similarly, modvat credit will not be denied or varied just because in
the course of the manufacturing process of an excisable final product,
an intermediate product which is non-excisable or which is chargeable to
excise at nil rate of duty or which is exempt from excise duty is
created.
Intermediate products are those products which get produced in the
course of manufacture of the final product. eg in the manufacture of
alcohol from sugarcane, first molasses are produced from which alcohol
is produced. In such a situation, molasses are an intermediate product,
which are charged to excise duty. The benefit of modvat will not be
withdrawn if the intermediate product created is non-excisable or is
chargeable to excise at nil rate of duty or is exempt from excise duty.
Whether a product is an intermediate product or a final product depends
on the facts and circumstances of each case. The product may be
intermediate so far as a particular process of manufacturing is
concerned but may be a final product for another manufacturing process.
Rule 57E If the excise duty
paid on modvatable inputs is subsequently increased or refunded, the
modvat claimed on the basis of those inputs will also be increased or
reduced, as the case may be. If any amount is found due as a result of
such increase, it shall be recovered from the manufacturer either from
the balance maintained by him with the excise authorities or in cash.
Rule 57F The modvatable inputs
must be used in or in relation to the manufacture of final products for
which they have been brought into the factory. However, the inputs may
be removed from the factory for home consumption or for export under
bond but only after intimating the Assistant Collector having
jurisdiction over the factory and obtaining a dated acknowledgement of
the same. Where the inputs are removed for home consumption, excise duty
must be paid, at least of an amount equal to the modvat credit claimed
in respect of such inputs.
The modvatable inputs can also be removed from the factory to a place
outside either, as such or after they have been partially processed in
the course of manufacture but only after intimating the Assistant
Collector having jurisdiction over the factory and obtaining a dated
acknowledgement of the same for any of the following purposes:-
» For testing, repairs, refining, reconditioning or carrying out
any other operation required for the manufacture of final product
provided that after such work, the inputs are returned to the factory to
be further used in the manufacture of final product. The waste generated
in such operation must also be returned to the factory.
» For export of inputs under bond without payment of excise duty
» For home consumption of inputs on payment of excise duty
» For manufacture of intermediate products necessary for the
manufacture of final products provided that after such manufacture, the
intermediate product is brought back to the factory to be further used
in the manufacture of final product. The waste generated in such
operation must also be returned to the factory.
» For export of the intermediate products under bond without
payment of excise duty
» For home consumption of the intermediate products on payment of
excise duty
However waste is not required to be returned in case appropriate excise
duty is paid on the waste.
» The main manufacturer as well as job worker are required to
maintain register giving details of materials sent, challan number, etc.
similar to a stock register showing goods lying with the job worker,
goods returned by the job worker, etc. Generally, the goods sent must be
returned to the main manufacturer within 60 days. If the job is not
completed within 60 days, the period may be extended for another 60
days.
» The benefit of this rule is available only if the main
manufacturer does a certain amount of processing or value addition to
make the final product. There must not be complete manufacturing outside
the factory by the job worker.
» Modvat credit can be utilised for the following purposes:-
» Towards payment of excise duty on the final product
» Towards payment of excise duty on waste arising in the course of
manufacture of final product
» Towards payment of excise duty on inputs themselves where they
are cleared for home consumption.
» Modvat credit in respect of finished products exported without
payment of duty (like goods manufactured by units in a Free Trade Zone
or by 100 per cent EOUs or by units in an Electronic Hardware Technology
Park or by units in a Software Technology Park) may be utilized for
discharging duty liability on similar final products cleared for home
consumption. If the manufacturer does not have any excise liability, the
modvat credit may be refunded to him provided he has not availed claimed
drawback of duty under the Central Excise Rules.
Any waste arising from processing of modvatable inputs in respect of
which credit has been availed may:-
» Be removed by payment of duty if such waste is produced in the
factory.
» Be removed without payment of duty where permitted by order of
the government.
» Be destroyed in the presence of a proper officer on application
made by the manufacturer and if found unfit for further use or not worth
the duty payable thereon provided the manufacturer informs the
appropriate authorities at least 7 days in advance in writing as regards
the quantity of waste and the date on which it is supposed to be
destroyed and after complying with all the conditions as may be
prescribed by the Collector of Central Excise in this behalf.
The manufacturer may transfer or utilise modvat credit from one of his
factories to another with approval from the Collector of Central Excise
provided application is made by him in this behalf and all conditions
imposed by the Collector are satisfied.
Rule 57G For availing the
benefit of modvat, the manufacturer must carry out certain procedures.
He must file a declaration with the Assistant Collector of Central
Excise having jurisdiction over his factory indicating the description
of final product manufactured in the factory giving details of the
inputs used for such purpose.in each of the said products. He must also
give detailed information required by the Assistant Collector of Central
Excise and must obtain dated acknowledgement for such declaration.
The manufacturer may avail of modvat credit only after the above
declaration is filed by him. However, he cannot take credit unless the
inputs are accompanied with an invoice prepared as per Central Excise
Rules, Form AR-1. In case of imported goods it must be accompanied with
triplicate copy of Bill of Entry or Certificate of Appraisal by Custom
posted in a foreign post office. In other words, the goods must be
accompanied with proof that duty has been paid on them.
The Central Government has the power to direct that modvat credit on
specified inputs may be allowed at such rate and subject to such
conditions as it may direct without production of documents evidencing
the payment of duty.
Where copy of invoice meant for the purpose of claiming modvat is lost
or misplaced, the manufacturer can claim modvat credit on the basis of
or misplaced, the manufacturer may claim modvat credit on the basis of
the original invoice subject to the satisfaction of central excise
authorities.
A manufacturer of final products shall maintain:-
» An account in form of RG 23A - Part I and Part II in respect of
duty payable on final product. Part I is a record of inputs and
subsequent utilisation in the manufacturing process. Part II is a record
of modvat credit pertaining to such inputs.
» An account current to cover the excise duty payable on the final
product cleared at any time.
» A manufacturer of final products must submit within five days
after the close of each month to the Superintendent of Central Excise,
the following documents:-
» Original documents evidencing payment of duty
» Extract of RG 23A Part I and Part II
After verifying their genuineness, the Superintendent shall deface the
documents and return them to the manufacturer. The Collector may, having
regard to the nature, variety and extent of production or frequency of
removal provide for a period shorter than 1 month for submission of such
return in respect of any assessee or class of assessees. He may also
permit filing of the aforesaid return by an assessee within a period not
exceeding 21 days after the close of each month. He may also permit
filing of the aforesaid return by an assessee within a period not
exceeding 21 days after the close of each quarter where the assessee is
availing of an exemption based on the quantity of clearances during a
financial year.
In case the manufacturer is not in a position to file the aforesaid
return on time for sufficient cause, the Assistant Collector may allow
the manufacture to take credit of duty paid on inputs, condoning the
delay and giving reasons in writing for such condonation. The Assistant
Collector must see that the following conditions are satisfied before
giving allowing such modvat credit:-
» Input in respect of which credit of duty is allowed are received
in the factory not before six months from the date of filing declaration
and not before date of eligibility for modvat credit.
» Amount of duty for which credit is sought has been actually paid
on these inputs.
» Inputs have actually been used or are to be used in manufacture
of final products.
» The persons issuing invoices for modvatable inputs must follow
certain procedures and must get registered with the Central Excise
authorities. He must maintain stock account in the RG 23D. He shall make
entries in RG 23D at the end of the day of receipt and issue of
excisable good and:-
» Shall enter the date of entry
» Correctly keep such book, account or register in the manner
required
» Shall not cancel, obliterate or alter any entry therein except
for correction of errors
» Keep such book, account or register open for inspection by the
concerned authorities and allow such inspection
» Allow the concerned officer to take copies or extracts or send
the records to the concerned officer.
Such person shall issue serial-wise invoice containing details as
prescribed by the Central Board of Excise and Customs or by the
Collector of Central Excise in quaduplicate as follows:-
» Original copy is for the buyer.
» Second copy is for the transporter.
» Third copy is for the excise department.
» Fourth copy is to be retained by the issuer.
The invoice contains the following details:-
» Evidence showing proof of payment of excise duty
» Rate of duty paid, amount of duty, duty debit entry in the PLA,
date and number of such entry.
» Postal address, range and division of the excise officer under
which the manufacturer falls, name and address and code number, excise
registration number of the factory and also the name and address of the
consignee, description and certification of goods, number of packages,
total quantity of goods, total price of goods, total assessable value,
rate of duty, total duty paid, serial number of debit entry in the
personal ledger account, date and time of removal of goods, mode of
transport, motor vehicles registration number and certificate duly
signed by authorised person stating that what is stated above is true.
» Each invoice book must be authenticated by a working partner or
managing director or secretary.
» Each invoice shall bear a printed serial number running for the
whole financial year beginning on the 1St. April each year. Only one
invoice book of each type shall be used by the registered person for
removal of excisable goods at any one time unless otherwise specially
permitted by the collector in writing.
» Each foil of the invoice book shall be authenticated by the
owner or the working partner or the managing director or the company
secretary, as the case may be, before being brought into use by the
registered person. The serial number of the invoice before being brought
into use shall be intimated to the Assistant Collector of Central Excise
and dated acknowledgement of receipt of such intimation shall be
retained by the registered person. When the invoice is generated through
computer, serial number serial number likely to be used in the
forth-coming quarter shall be intimated to the Assistant Collector of
Central Excise and as soon as the same is exhausted, a revised
intimation must be send. Records and invoices generated through computer
are also recognised. Such registered dealer shall send details in
software used including the format for information to the Assistant
Collector of Central Excise.
Rule 57I The excise authority
may disallow modvat credit which has been wrongly availed or incorrectly
utilised. In case modvat credit has been taken on account of error or
misconstruction, the proper officer may send notice to the manufacturer
within 6 months from the date of filing of return to show cause why such
modvat credit should not be disallowed. In such cases, where modvat
credit has already been utilised, show cause notice must state the
utlised amount must not be recovered from the assessee.
In case such wrong modvat credit is on account of willful
mis-statement, collusion or suppression of facts on the part of
manufacturer, instead of the aforesaid period of 6 months, notices may
be sent for a period within 5 years from date of availment of modvat
credit. The period of stay by court order will not be considered while
determining the aforesaid period.
The proper officer must consider the representation of the manufacture
with regard to the show cause notice and thereafter to determine the
amount of disallowance, if any.