What is a foreign-trade zone?

A foreign-trade zone (FTZ) is a defined physical area within the United States that, for customs entry purposes, is treated as if it is outside U.S. borders. Companies may use FTZs for both storage/distribution activities or, after specific authorization by the U.S. FTZ Board, for production.

In FTZs, "production" is considered to be anything that results in a substantial transformation of an article or that changes its HTSUS classification (6-digit) or eligibility for entry.

 

Why would I want to consider operating in an FTZ?

When you operate under FTZ procedures, your company is treated (for purposes of customs duties) like it's located outside the United States. That can mean that U.S. import duties don't have to be paid on imported components coming to your factory. If your finished product is ultimately shipped to the U.S. market, you may have the option of paying the finished product duty rate rather than the component duty rate. (Many finished products have lower duty rates – or are duty-free – than their components.) And if you re-export the finished product, you don't ever pay duties on the component materials. There are other potential savings, too, like avoiding duties on imported materials that become scrap, and possible administrative savings and efficiencies.

 

What is involved in getting FTZ production authority?

To conduct production activity in an FTZ, you will first contact your local foreign trade zone to discuss the requests that will be submitted to the FTZ Board to designate your site as part of the FTZ and prepare the notification of production authority.

The U.S. FTZ Board has simplified its procedures to make the benefits of the FTZ program accessible to a broad range of companies. The production notification process takes 120 days and production authority is approved if no issues come up during that process.

 

What factors does the FTZ Board base its decisions about applications?

In reviewing production notifications, the FTZ Board authorizes activity unless an issue arises in the notification process. In the small percentage of cases where such an issue arises, the FTZ Board concludes that “further review” (through a longer, more detailed “application” process) would be needed before the Board could potentially approve the activity in question.

 

How do I know if I need to apply for authorization?

For any foreign status item, if your activity results in a change in HTSUS classification at the 6-digit level – or otherwise results in “substantial transformation” or a change in eligibility for entry – then you will need production authority from the FTZ Board to conduct the activity under zone procedures.

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Production could include traditional manufacturing activities as well as kitting or assembly operations. When looking at your activity, be sure to consider any imported (foreign status) items, even packaging or other similar materials. If any materials would be used in the zone before a customs entry has been made, then they are considered to be foreign status components.

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Advance approval is needed prior to any production activity in a zone, even if you are proposing that all foreign status inputs be admitted in privileged foreign status.

 

Do I already have to be located in an FTZ to use the program?

No. The FTZ Board has quick, straightforward procedures for you to work with your local FTZ to create a "subzone" or "usage-driven site" at your facility.

 

Is there a fee to apply?

There is no fee to apply for production authority.  If your local zone has reorganized under the FTZ Board's alternative site framework, there would be no fee to request a subzone within that zone's service area. For other zones, or if the subzone is outside of the service area, there is a one-time application fee (either $4,000 or $6,500, depending on the number of products).

 

How do I get in touch with my local FTZ? 

Use the contact box on the website or call XXXXX

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How much will I save?

Use the "Savings Estimator" to get a basic estimate of potential duty savings from the use of FTZ procedures. Contact FTZ #106 for a specific and detailed evaluation of potential participation in the FTZ program, including other cost considerations such as personnel and specialized software.

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How do I access the Online FTZ Information System?

Use the "FTZ Grantee User Guide"