Relief to Parle Products: CESTAT rules Cheeselings is Classifiable as ‘Namkeen’, Exempted from Excise Duty

In a major relief to Parle Products, the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) ruled that Cheeselings, a popular snack, is classifiable as "namkeen" and thus exempt from excise duty. The ruling clarified the classification of Cheeselings, which Parle had argued should not be considered a processed food product subject to excise. The tribunal's ruling signifies the importance of correct product classification under tax laws, as it can lead to significant savings for businesses​