2012 FTZ Regulations - Summary of Changes (effective April 30, 2012)

All Applications

  • All applications for new zones, expansions, reorganizations, ASF reorganizations, subzones (not within an ASF service area) and production applications require the submission of a "pre-docketing" copy of the application.
  • The pre-docketing copy should be complete and should be submitted in electronic form (PDF or Word-compatible format) to ftz@trade.gov
  • The FTZ Staff will let the applicant know within 30 days if the pre-docketing copy is sufficient, or if any changes or additional information are needed.
  • The final version of the application (hard copies and final electronic version) can only be submitted once the FTZ Staff determines that the pre-docketing copy is sufficient.

Production

  • The term "production" replaces "manufacturing" and "processing".
  • Production is defined as, "Activity involving the substantial transformation of a foreign article resulting in a new and different article having a different name, character, and use, or activity involving a change in the condition of the article which results in a change in the customs classification of the article or in its eligibility for entry for consumption ." (15 CFR 400.2(o))


  • The first step to request production authority is to submit a "Production Notification".
  • The standard timeframe for the FTZ Board to make a decision on a production notification is 120 days from submission of a complete notification.


  • If the FTZ Board determines not to authorize certain activity at the end of the notification process, the applicant may choose to use the more extensive “application” process for production authority.

Subzones

  • Subzone designation purely relates to the designation of the land.
  • A grantee under the ASF submitting a request for a boundary modification for a company located within the service area can designate the site(s) as a subzone (or usage-driven site(s), if preferable).


  • If not designated through a minor boundary modification under the ASF, the subzone application process will be 3 or 5 months.
  • If the grantee elects for the proposed subzone to be subject to the overall zone’s FTZ Board-approved activation limit, then the processing time will be 3 months.
  • If the proposed subzone will not be subject to the overall zone’s activation limit, the processing time will be 5 months.