How To Take Advantage of Foreign Trade Zones and Bonded Warehouses for Import-Exports

Learn how to take advantage of the benefits of foreign trade zones (FTZs) and bonded warehouses, such as improved cash flow, lower costs, improved inventory management, increased visibility of the supply chain, improved customs compliance. It is a way to reduce costs, save money, and run a more efficient inventory control. 

Many importers are unaware of the benefits and opportunities available in using these alternative import methods. By using a Foreign-Trade Zone, the company avoids the lengthy Customs duty drawback process. And Bonded warehousing provides a safe environment where commodities subject to import duty and VAT, often known as bonded goods, are stored to avoid being confiscated.

Foreign-trade zones (FTZs) and bonded warehouses are two of the most effective tools for manufacturers and importers to avoid, reduce or defer duties. An FTZ is a geographical area in a US port of entry, where merchandise can be loaded, handled, stored, manipulated, manufactured, and exhibited, without being subject to Customs duties. Duties are only accessed when the merchandise is taken out of the FTZ or re-exported. This tariff relief is designed to lower the costs of US-based operations engaged in international trade. Any company in any industry may apply to be a part of an FTZ.

A bonded warehouse is a building in which dutiable goods may be stored, manipulated, exhibited without payment of duty. Companies must provide a customs bond to the government for the deferred duties. 

This webinar will explore the uses of FTZs and bonded warehouses, how to set them up and operate them, and how to determine their practicality and effectiveness for your business.

• Overview of FTZs and bonded warehouses
• Status of goods entering an FTZ
• Reducing, eliminating and deferring duties in an FTZ
• General-purpose zones vs. private subzones
• Permitted activities
• FTZ benefits
• Privileged foreign, non-privileged foreign and zone-restricted merchandise
• Classes of bonded warehouses
• Advantages and disadvantages of bonded warehouses vs. FTZs

• Importer-Exporters
• Compliance Managers
• Legal Departments
• Logistics and Shipping Personnel
• Chambers of Commerce
• Foreign Trade Offices
• Customs Personnel
• Supply Chain Managers