Nimbooz Masala Soda Subject to 6.18% Excise Duty, Not 12.6%: CESTAT Rules in Favor of PepsiCo Franchise

In a recent ruling, CESTAT held that Nimbooz Masala Soda attracts a 6.18% excise duty rate, not the 12.6% rate applied by the Revenue, benefiting PepsiCo's franchisee. The decision was based on the classification of the product under the tariff, emphasizing that beverages like Nimbooz Masala Soda fall under the category attracting the lower duty rate. This ruling highlights the importance of correct tariff classification for excise duty determination, impacting similar products in the industry.