Classification of Effluent Treated Water: GST AAR Tamil Nadu Ruling

In re Karaipudur Common Effluent Treatment Plant Pvt Ltd (GST AAR Tamil Nadu)

Introduction: The case of Karaipudur Common Effluent Treatment Plant Pvt Ltd (GST AAR Tamil Nadu) has brought to light pertinent questions related to the classification of supply outputs and the nature of treated water under GST. Through this article, we aim to provide a detailed analysis of the case, its implications, and the broader GST context.

What Was the Issue?: The main crux of the matter revolved around two primary questions:

1. Should the supply of outputs be classified as the sale of goods?
2. Is the classification of water sold, which does not contain added sugar or is not flavored and is not packaged in 20-litre bottles, correct under heading 2201?

Background: The Role of Karaipudur CETP: The Karaipudur CETP plays a pivotal role in treating hazardous waste. The treated water and salt, which are the by-products of the treatment process, are subsequently supplied to member units for reuse. To address environmental concerns and prevent river and groundwater pollution, the TNPCB has mandated the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system for high-pollution industries. The ZLD system aims to recover water and salt from effluent, thereby minimizing pollution.

Key Considerations

1. Classification as Sale of Goods: The Applicant’s intent is to buy effluent water, treat it, and then sell the resultant products at market rates. To ascertain whether this qualifies as the sale of goods, it’s essential to consider legal precedents. One crucial reference is the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of State Of Madras vs Gannon Dunkerley & Co. According to this, a sale requires an agreement, money consideration, and the transfer of property in goods. If the Applicant’s actions align with these stipulations, they can classify their activity as the sale of goods.

2. Water Classification under GST: The classification of water, especially post-treatment, has long been a point of contention. Some advance rulings have deemed de-mineralized water from effluent treatment to be classifiable under Heading No. 2201, taxable at 18% GST. However, as per the Customs Tariff Act, de-mineralized water falls under heading 28.53. This is crucial because the effluent-treated water isn’t subjected to a de-mineralization process, which means it doesn’t fit the de-mineralized water category.

Conclusion: The issue at hand isn’t just about the classification but also the broader implications on the environment and industry. While the classification of output as the sale of goods depends on following procedures in the Sale of Goods Act, the classification of effluent treated water is more nuanced. As per recent rulings and clarifications, effluent-treated water can potentially attract a Nil rate of tax, given its specific characteristics and uses.

• Sale of Goods Classification: The modus operandi of purchasing effluent and selling its output can be classified as a sale of goods only if it aligns with the stipulations in Section 4 of The Sale of Goods Act, 1930 and the Supreme Court’s judgement in the case of State Of Madras vs Gannon Dunkerley & Co., (Madras). The classification by the Applicant is accurate if they adhere to the Sale of Goods Act and the cited judgement’s rationale.
• Water Classification under Heading 2201: As per Notification No. 02/2017, CT (Rate), dated 28.06.2017, the applicant’s water sale, excluding specifics like aerated, mineral, and water sold in sealed containers, among others, correctly falls under heading 2201 with a nil rate of tax.

FULL TEXT OF ORDER OF AUTHORITY OF ADVANCE RULING, TAMIL NADU

M/s KaraipudurCommon Effluent Treatment Plant Private Limited, S.F.No.10/1, Karaipudur, Arulpuram post, Tiruppur (hereinafter called as the ‘Applicant’) is registered under the GST Acts with GSTIN: 33AACCK7832M1ZA.

2.0 In their application for Advance Ruling, the Applicant has stated, inter-alia, the following as their nature of activity proposed:-

(i) the Applicant is an effluent treatment plant promoted by dyeing units;

(ii) the Applicant is planning to buy the effluents from dyeing units and that the effluents will be delivered from the dyeing units to the Applicant through pipelines;

(iii) the effluent will be processed at the plant and the resultant products, water, Sulphate solution and brine solution will be sold at market rates;

(iv) the delivery will be made either through pipelines/Lorry. As per the norms of pollution control board, the resulting product can be sold to any member unit.

2.1 The Applicant has sought for advance ruling on the following questions;-

1. Whether the classification of supply of outputs as sale of goods is correct.

2. Whether the classification of water sold as ‘water including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or sweetening matter, not flavoured (other than drinking water packed in 20 litre bottles) under heading 2201 is correct.

2.2. The Applicant has submitted the copy of application in Form GST ARA – 01 and also submitted a copy of challan evidencing payment of application fees of Rs.5,000/- each under sub-rule (1) of Rule 104 of CGST Rules 2017 and SGST Rules 2017.

2.3 The Applicant has been established as a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plant, undertaking treatment of dyeing and bleaching effluents discharged I received from their member dyeing units, so as to completely prevent discharge of any effluent into the nearby water bodies.

2.4. As per the written submissions made, their main objective is to treat the effluents generated from all its member units. The effluents generated by the members arc collected in a collection well through pipeline and from there it is sent to the Common Effluent Treatment Plant.

2.5. The effluent treatment, as explained by the Applicant, comprises of the following phases;

o Phase I – Pre- treatment: The raw effluent collected is subjected to activated sludge process to reduce organic load, TSS, colour and turbidity. Then suspended solids will be removed in filtration section and waste sludge from secondary clarifier is led to thickener followed by filter press for extracting sludge which is dried in sludge storage cum drying beds for further disposal.-

o Phase II – Reverse Osmosis: The treated effluent from phase I is fed into three stage RO system for removal of dissolved inorganic salts and 80 to 85% of water will be recovered as reusable water. Additional fourth phase and fifth phase RO treatment recovers brine solution for reuse of member units.

o Phase – III- Thermal Evaporation: The reject from sixth RO is further subjected to thermal evaporation through Multiple effect evaporator to separate mixed salt and mother liquor.

o Phase IV – Brine treatment: To overcome the difficulties in concentrating and crystallizing Sodium Sulphate and Sodium Chloride in the Evaporator system and to reduce fresh salt purchase by member units, the brine reuse technology has been implemented.

3.0 The Applicants were offered personal hearing and it was held in digital platform on 19.05.2022, wherein Shri.S.Harishankar, Auditor (Authorised Representative -AR) appeared for the Applicant and reiterated the submissions made in the application. The Applicant has also submitted the details of effluent treatment process earned out by them which were received on 06.10.2022.

3.1 Another Personal Hearing was held on 18.11.2022, as there was a change in constitution of Members. In this Personal Hearing which was conducted virtually, the AR reiterated the submissions already made and explained the process briefly.

3.2 . Subsequently, the Applicant has requested another personal hearing to make additional submissions and they were provided with an opportunity of being heard in person on 16.03.2023 and their Authorised Representative Thiru. N. Sivachalam, Charted Accountant attended hearing in person and, inter-alia, made the following submissions:

The applicant is engaged in the process of effluent treatment for their member dyeing units under Zero Liquid Discharge Mechanism and have obtained the necessary consent from Pollution control board. So far, they have been doing as a service provider, receive effluent from dyeing units through pipelines with automated monitoring and return the products resulting from processing to them including water and brine solution through pipelines and salt through vehicles.

3.3 The Applicant have enclosed monthly readings and corresponding invoice copies for three customers as a sample. They charge Rs.340 per KLD of effluent processed and a fixed minimum charge for maintaining pipelines and other infrastructure.

3.4 The Applicant have added that, they arc facing operational bottlenecks in this method. At times the customer units are not having capacity to receive the products sent by them, resulting in shortage of storage in the plant thereby affecting the processing operations. Hence they arc planning to buy the effluents and sell the products to any of the units based on their requirement to do their operations without any backlog.

3.5 The Applicant have also referred the following Advance rulings pronounced in the identical issue;-

1. M/s. Hojiwala Infrastructure Limited (AAR Gujarat – GUJ/GAAR/R/2002/48), wherein it was ruled that ‘Treated Water’ obtained from CETP (classifiable under Chapter 2201) is taxable atl 8 per cent by virtue of SI. No. 24 of Schedule – III of Notification No.01/2017 – Central Tax (Rate), dated 28-6-2017 (as amended) and SI. No. 24 of Schedule – III of Notification No. 01/12017-Integrated Tax (Rate), dated 28-6-2017 (as amended).

2. Same ruling has been pronounced in the case of M/s.Palsano Enviro Protection Limited (AAR Gujarat – GUJ/GAAR/R/2002/47).

3. In the case of M/s. Kasipalayam Common Effluent Treatment Plant Private Limited (AAR Tamilnadu – 23/AAR/2021), it was pronounced that, Water recovered, which is de-mineralized water for Industrial use is classifiable under Heading No. 2201 as Waters described under SI. No. 24 of Annexure-III of Notification No.01/2017 – Central Tax (Rate), dated 28-6-2017 taxable at rate of 18 per cent GST.

3.6 The central jurisdictional authority has reported that, there arc no proposals pending disposal in respect of the applicant.

3.7 . The State jurisdiction Authority, Assistant Commissioner (ST), Palladam-1 assessment circle has submitted the following remarks vide letter dated 05.07.2022;-

> The principal supply done by the assessee is supply by way of treatment of effluents in a Common Effluent treatment plant (SAC-999432). Hence the classification of the supply of output as sale of goods is not correct. Rate of GST on Services by way of treatment of effluent is 12% (CGST 6%) but Salt (HSN 2501) and water. (HSN 2201) are NIL rated. The classification as sale of goods may affect the revenue to the Government Exchequer.

> Water discharged by the assessee is partly de-mineralized in nature. Hence the classification of “Water including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter not flavoured [other than drinking water packed in 20 liter bottles] under 2201 is not correct.

> She has also submitted that, on verification of monthly returns of the taxpayer for the period from July 2017 to February 2018, it reflects that taxpayer have paid tax dues of Rs.45,41,058/-(CGST+SGST) on 01.02.2022 for the difference in rate of tax at 18% from June 2017 to February 2018 and 12% from March 2018 belatedly beyond the due dates which attract interest as per section 50(1) of the TNGST Act, 2017.

> The taxpayer is requested to pay the interest dues to the tune of Rs.33,66,126/- due to be paid DRAC-01A notice to the taxpayer on 04.07.2022.

> Also, the taxpayer has not filed GSTR 3B returns from January -2022. Hence assessment made under section 62 of the TNGST Act on 18.05.2022 for the month January-2022 and demand raised along with interest of Rs.30,89,895/- in form ASMT-13.

4.0 With the above background of facts, the Applicant is before us seeking ruling on the following question:-

1. Whether the classification of supply of outputs as sale of goods is correct.

2. Whether the classification of water sold as ‘water including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or sweetening matter, not flavoured (other than drinking water packed in 20 litre bottles) under heading 2201 is correct.

As the question is to determine the nature of supply, which is within the ambit of the authority under section 97 (2) (g) of the CGST Act, the same is taken up for decision.

4.1 We have carefully examined the statement of facts, supporting documents filed by the Applicant along with application, submissions/Additional submissions made and the comments of the Central/State Jurisdictional Authority.

4.2 The Applicant is a common effluent treatment plant engaged in rendering hazardous waste treatment and disposal services. The treated water and salt recovered during the treatment /process are being supplied to member units for their reuse. So far, they have paid tax @ 12% classifying their services under the group 99943 water treatment and disposal services.

4.3 . In order to prevent pollution of River water and ground water, TNPCB has made the Zero Liquid Discharge system (ZLD in short) mandatory for all the highly polluting industries including Textile Dyeing and Bleaching industries, Tanneries etc., which use considerable amount of salt in the process and consume huge quantity of water. The ZLD system ensures recovery of water & salt from the effluent water, thus preventing pollution of River / ground water.

4.4 In this context, the Applicant is functioning as a common plant to treat the effluents generated in the member textile dyeing units during the dyeing and bleaching process recovering maximum quantity of water, salts and other solids which could be beneficially reused, leaving zero discharge at the end of the treatment process.

4.5 As per the submissions made, at present, the Applicant is rendering the service of hazardous waste treatment and disposal services, by treating the effluent water and supplying treated water and other recovered products for reuse by the member units. Now, they have proposed to purchase effluent water from the member unit and after treating the same they propose to supply the resultant products to their member units so as to classify their activities as supply of goods.

4.6 From the various submissions of the Applicant both during the personal hearing and written submissions, it is clear that the applicant seeks to purchase the raw effluent and proposes to treat the same. The applicant proposes to sell the resultant products at market rates.

4.7 In terms of section 4 of The Sale of Goods Act, 1930,-

“4. Sale and agreement to sell.-

(1) A contract of sale of goods is a contract whereby the seller transfers or agrees to transfer the property in goods to the buyer for a price. There may be a contract of sale between one part-owner and another.

(2) A contract of sale may be absolute or conditional.

(3) Where under a contract of sale the property in the goods is transferred from the seller to the buyer, the contract is called a sale, but where the transfer of the property in the goods is to take place at a future time or subject to some condition thereafter to be fulfilled, the contract is called an agreement to sell.

(4) An agreement to sell becomes a sale when the time elapses or the conditions are fulfilled subject to which the property in the goods is to be transferred, ”(emphasis applied)

4.8 The Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of State Of Madras vs Gannon Dunkerley & Co.,(Madras) (958 AIR 560, 1959 SCR 379) had observed, interalia, that:-

Thus, according to the law both of England and of India, in order to constitute a sale it is necessary that there should be an agreement between the parties for the purpose of transferring title to goods which of course presupposes capacity to contract, that it must be supported by money consideration, and that as a result of the transaction property must actually pass in the goods. Unless all these elements are present, there can be no sale. Thus, if merely title to the goods passes, but not as a result of any contract between the parties, express or implied, there is no sale. So also if the consideration for the transfer was not money but other valuable consideration, it may then be exchange or barter but not a sale. And if under the contract of sale, title to the goods has not passed, then there is an agreement to sell and not a completed sale, (emphasis applied)

4.9 From the conjoined reading of section 4 of The Sale of Goods Act, 1930 and the Hon’ble Supreme Court judgement cited supra, it is clear that the modus of operation as purchase of effluent and sale of output is applicable only if all the elements cited in the Section and judgement cited are present. If that is the case, then the classification of supply by the Applicant as sale of goods is correct. However, it is emphasized that the mode of operation intended by the applicant i.e. purchase of raw effluent, treating the same and selling the resultant products, can be classified as sale of goods, if and only if, the applicant follows the procedures envisaged in the Sale of Goods Act and rationale of the observations of Hon’ble Supreme Court. If such is the case, the proposed mode of purchase of raw effluent, treat it on own account and supply of output, can be treated as sale of goods and consequently the first question is answered in the affirmative.

4.10 . The next question to be examined is ‘whether the classification of water sold as ‘water including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or sweetening matter, not flavoured (other than drinking water packed in 20 litre bottles) under heading 2201 is correct.’

4.11 In this context, the Applicant has referred the advance rulings pronounced in the identical issue in the following cases.-

1. M/s. Hojiwala Infrastructure Limited (AAR Gujarat – GUJ/GAAR/R/2002/48)

2. M/s. PalsanoEnviro Protection Limited (AAR Gujarat – GUJ/GAAR/R/2002/47).

3. M/s. Kasipalayam Common Effluent Treatment Plant Private Limited (AAR Tamilnadu -23/AAR/2021)

4.12. In all the above referred advance rulings, it was pronounced that, Water recovered out of effluent treatment process, which is de-mineralized water for Industrial use is classifiable under Heading No. 2201 as Waters described under SI. No. 24 of Annexure-III of Notification No.01/2017 – Central Tax (Rate), dated 28-6-2017 taxable at the rate of 18 per cent GST.

4.13. To decide upon the taxability of effluent treated water, it is required to analyze the aforesaid classification. Water recovered has been categorized as dc-mineralised water in aforesaid rulings, classifiable under Heading No. 2201 under the following entry in Notification No.01/2017 – Central Tax (Rate), dated 28-6-2017;

4.14 But, as per the Customs Tariff Act, de-mineralised water has been grouped in chapter 28 under the heading 28.53 – Distilled and conductivity water and water of similar purity. As per explanatory notes, this heading covers only distilled water, redistilled water or electro osmotic water, conductivity water and water of similar purity, including water treated with ion exchange media, which have got special usages.

4.15 Moreover, de-mineralised water is obtained by passing water successively through a cation exchange ( in the H+ form) and an anion exchange (in the OH- form) resin and it is free from all soluble mineral salts. This makes it ideally suited to a large range of uses from pharmaceutical manufacturing to the automotive industry. (Ref: NCERT Chemistry Text book).

4.16 Upon going through the process, the effluent water is not subjected to any such ionization process and as per the report furnished by The South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) Textile Testing and Service Centre, test report No.V2000610 dated 30.03.2021 of Sample No.:V2000610-3, in the case of Kasipalayam CETP, it is seen that the recovered water contains chlorides, sulphates, Bicarbonates, etc. Therefore, it is clear that effluent treated water cannot be construed as de-mineralised water.

4.17. On the contrary, Chapter 22- Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar, covers water, nonalcoholic, alcoholic beverages which are meant for human consumption. Effluent treated water does not fit into this group as it is unfit for human consumption.

4.18. More specifically, as per explanatory notes to the Heading 22.01 – Waters including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured; Ice and snow, this heading covers;

(A) Ordinary natural water of all kinds (other than sea water – see heading 25.01).

Such waters remain in the heading, whether or not clarified or purified, except that distilled or conductivity water and water of similar purity are classified in heading 28.53.

The heading excludes sweetened or flavoured water (heading 22.02)

(B) Mineral Waters, whether natural or artificial

Natural mineral waters contain mineral salts or gases. The composition of these waters varies considerably and they are generally classified according to the chemical characteristics or their salts, e.g.:-

(1) Alkaline waters

(2) Sulphated waters

(3) Halide waters

(4) Sulphuretted waters

(5) Ferruginous waters

Such natural mineral waters may also contain natural or added carbon dioxide.

Artificial mineral waters are prepared from ordinary potable water by adding the active principles (mineral salts or gases) present in the corresponding natural waters so as to produce waters of the same properties.

(C) Aerated Waters (carbonated waters), i.e. ordinary potable waters charged with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. They are often called “soda waters” or “Seltzer” waters although true “Seltzer” water is a natural mineral water.

The heading excludes sweetened or flavoured aerated waters (heading 22.02)

(D) Ice and snow, i.e. natural snow and ice, and artificially frozen water.

4.19. Thus, water grouped under the heading 22.Olis ordinary water whether or not clarified or purified. And this heading specifically excludes distilled or conductivity water and water of similar purity which arc classified in heading 28.53. Therefore, it is amply clear that, water recovered out of the effluent treatment process nothing but an ordinary water which is suitable for reuse by the dyeing and bleaching units as a solvent and as a washing, rinsing medium. Thus, it aptly fits into SI. No. 99 of Notification No. 02/2017, CT (Rate), dt.28.06.2017 under the heading 2201 rather than SI.No.24 of Notification No. 01/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 under the same heading 2201.

4.20. As per Circular No. 179/11/2022, dated 03.08.2022, issued by Ministry of Finance, regarding applicability of GST on various goods and services, it has been clarified that treated sewage water attracts Nil rate of tax. The relevant portion of the Circular stated supra, is as under:-

“5.Treated sewage water attracts Nil rate of GST:

5.1.Representations have been received seeking clarification regarding the applicable GST rate on treated sewage water. Treated sewage water was not meant to be construed as falling under “purified” water for the purpose of levy of GST.

5.2.In general, Water, falling under heading 2201, with certain specified exclusions, is exempt from GST vide entry at SI. No. 99 of notification No. 2/2017-Central Tax (Rate), dated the 28th June, 2017.

5.3. Accordingly, it is hereby clarified that supply of treated sewage water, falling under heading 2201, is exempt under GST. Further, to clarify the issue, the word ‘purified’ is being omitted from the above-mentioned entry vide notification No. 7/2022-Central Tax (Rate), dated the 13th July, 2022.

4.21 The same analogy is applicable to the case on hand. The relevant entry in notification No. 2/2017-Central Tax (Rate), dated the 28th June, 2017  is:

4.22. In this connection, it is observed that, all the other categories of water as mentioned in the exclusion clause have some special characteristics and specialized uses such as they are used in aerated drinks, medicinal/ health uses, automotive cooling system, sterilization, laboratory application, car battery etc.

4.23. In a similar issue, the AAAR / Maharashtra in it its ruling MAH/AAAR/AN-RM/02/2022-23, dated 01.04.2022 in the case of M/s. Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. has held that as the water coming out from Sewage Treatment Plant still contains organic and inorganic substances, such as suspended particles, grit, clays, pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, etc. is not pure due to presence of the said impurities and foreign elements and therefore will be eligible for exemption in terms of entry at SI. No. 99 of Notification No. 02/2017, CT (Rate), dt.28.06.2017.

4.24. In this regard, it is observed that the process carried out by the Applicant involves conversion of effluent water into treated water to make it suitable for reuse by the member units. At the same time, the treated water cannot be put into any other usage, as the same is not completely free of impurities, bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms and chemicals.

4.25. The above facts reiterate that the ultimate intention behind the effluent treatment process is to treat the effluent water discharged by textile units to recover water, salt and other chemicals consumed during the course of dyeing and bleaching to the maximum extent possible so as to reuse the same without getting it discharged to pollute water bodies. Moreover, ZLD has been mandated by the TNPCB for all the highly polluting industries including Textile Dyeing and Bleaching industries in order to prevent pollution of River water and ground water. Therefore, it is evident that the common effluent treatment plant has been set up in order to comply with the legislative and environment regulations thereby conserving water through recovery and reuse and not to manufacture water or chemicals.

4.26. Therefore, we find that effluent treated water is eligible for exemption as per Notification No. 02/2017, CT (Rate), dt.28.06.2017 as amended vide notification No. 7/2022-Central Tax (Rate), dated the 13th July, 2022 and the relevant entry is as under;

5.0 In view of the above discussion and findings, we rule as under:

RULING

1. Classification of outputs as supply of goods is correct, subject to the condition that the applicant follows the guidelines mentioned in para 4.9 of this order.

2. The classification of water sold by the applicant is correctly classifiable as per Notification No. 02/2017, CT (Rate), dt.28.06.2017, as under: