The History, Definition and the Advantages of the FTZ Program

This program was created by the Federal Government, has existed since the 1930's, and is thriving today. Its purpose is to facilitate trade and increase the global competitiveness of U.S.-based companies.

Legally, a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) is an area within the United States that the Government considers outside the country, or at least, outside of the U.S. Customs territory. Certain types of merchandise can be imported into a Zone without going through formal Customs entry procedures or paying import duties.

Some of the benefits of operating within an FTZ are obvious. At the very least an FTZ can help you defer paying duties. More often, the company pays lower costs, not only to U.S. Customs, but to its bank, insurance company, and other vendors.

Foreign Trade Zone 193

Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando Counties

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Is an ftz right for me?

Do you manufacture, assemble or process imports?

Do you export previously imported materials?

Do you regularly pay more than $485/week in merchandise processing fees?

Do you have to wait long periods of time for your orders to get through customs?

Do you scrap reject, destroy, waste or return some of your imports?

Streamline Customs Clearance
A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a secured site within the United States, but technically considered outside of U.S. Customs’ jurisdiction, allowing shippers to streamline Customs clearance.

Operate More Efficiently
Efficiently manage cash flow and save a significant amount of money on imported cargo shipments or manufacturing and distribution operations by using FTZ 193.

Easy Integration
The FTZ’s Alternative Site Framework allows for easy integration into your company’s existing site/location.

Room to Grow
FTZ 193 operates under the Alternative Site Framework (ASF), which extends the zone to include three counties and more than 2,000 square miles in the Tampa Bay region.

Fast Approvals
Storage and distribution sites can be approved in 30 days; manufacturing and processing plants can be approved within 120 days.

Superior Sites
Some of the best industrial land sites in the entire United States are available within FTZ 193

Defer and Reduce Taxes

  • Defer customs duties and taxes until merchandise is transferred from the FTZ to domestic market.

  • Reduce merchandise processing/entry fees substantially with just one entry filed each week and just one fee per entry.

  • Reduce duties on goods processed or assembled in the FTZ when imported components have a higher duty rate than the finished goods.

  • Eliminate duties entirely on scrap, damages, zone transfers, and on goods re-exported.