ITO vs. Net Freight (India) P. Ltd (ITAT Delhi)

Transfer Pricing: Law for applying Profit Split Method as per Rule 10B (1) (d) explained

The Profit Split Method as provided under Rule 10 B(1)(d) is applicable mainly in international transactions: (a) involving transfer of unique intangibles; (b) in multiple international transactions which are so interrelated that they cannot be valuated separately. The method specified in clause (ii) of Rule 10 B(1)(d) that the relative contribution made by each of associated enterprise should be evaluated on the basis of FAR analysis and on the basis of reliable external data. Thus, bench marking by selection of comparables is mandatory under this Method. The profits need to be split among the AEs on the basis of reliable external market data, which indicate how unrelated parties have split the profits in similar circumstances. For practical application, we are of the view that, bench marking with reliable external market data is to be done, in case of residual profit split method, at the first stage, where the combined net profits are partially allocated to each enterprise so as to provide it with an appropriate base returns keeping in view the nature of the transaction. The residual profits may be split as per relative contribution of the Associated Enterprise. In our view at this stage of splitting of residual profits, no bench marking is necessary, as it is not practicable. Nevertheless, for splitting the residuary profits a scientific basis for allocation may be applied.