Monday, September 28, 2009

FTZ 196 Application for Processing Authority ATC Logistics

Foreign-Trade Zone 196; Fort Worth, Texas Application for Processing Authority ATC Logistics & Electronics (Personal Navigation Devices)


An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by ATC Logistics & Electronics (ATCLE), an operator of FTZ 196, requesting processing authority within FTZ 196 in Fort Worth, Texas. The application was submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Foreign-Trade Zones Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-81u), and the regulations of the Board (15 CFR part 400). It was formally filed on September 16, 2009.


The ATCLE facility (817 employees, 6 million unit capacity) is located within Site 2 of FTZ 196. The facility is used for the kitting of personal navigation devices. Components and materials sourced from abroad (representing 97% of the value of the finished product) include: LCD tape; plastic self-adhesive labels; dummy SIM cards; labels; LCD film; screw covers; plastic brackets and washers; USB connector housings; foam strips; rubber O-rings, gaskets, buffers and serial port plug covers; foam fronts; leather bags and holsters; screws and nuts; locking washers; anti-ESD foil; LCD copper; antennas and parts; speaker labels; steel brackets; label printers; disk drives; stylus pens; USB travel chargers with captive cables; power adapters; batteries; microphones; speakers; recorded media; GPS units; remote controls; FM transmitters; keyboards; SIM cards; plastics kits; SD card doors; shield cases; car kits; LCD modules; capacitors; keypads; rail clamps; switches; cables; adaptors; integrated circuits; security tags; adhesive mounting discs; bean bag mounts; LCD optis unified (flat panel display); LCD multi-source (flat panel display 5; high definition); battery analyzers; and battery adapters (duty rate ranges from duty-free to 6.5%).


FTZ procedures could exempt ATCLE from customs duty payments on the foreign components used in export production. The company anticipates that some 10% percent of the plant's shipments will be exported. On its domestic sales, ATCLE would be able to choose the duty rates during customs entry procedures that apply to the assembled personal navigation device kits (duty-free) for the foreign inputs noted above. FTZ designation would further allow ATCLE to realize logistical benefits through the use of weekly customs entry procedures. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign status production equipment. The request indicates that the savings from FTZ procedures would help improve the facility's international competitiveness.


In accordance with the FTZ Board's regulations, Elizabeth Whiteman of the FTZ Staff is designated examiner to evaluate and analyze the facts and information presented in the application and case record and to report findings and recommendations to the Board.


Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions (original and 3 copies) shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary at the address below. The closing period for their receipt is November 27, 2009. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period to December 14, 2009.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Revised Proposal for Changes to the Format of Annual Reports Submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board

Revised Proposal for Changes to the Format of Annual Reports Submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board


Summary: On May 15, 2009, the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board published a notice seeking comments on proposed revisions to the format of annual reports that are submitted by grantees to the FTZ Board. Based on comments received, the FTZ Board has made further revisions to the proposed annual report format. The most significant revision is a proposed shift from reporting on a Federal fiscal year basis to reporting on a calendar-year basis. The Board is inviting public comment on the latest proposal. Comments and questions regarding the original proposal are summarized and addressed below by general topic. The revised format follows the discussion of the comments.


Click here to read the article in its entirety.


Thursday, September 10, 2009

Foreign-Trade Zone #25 Reorganization and Expansion

Reorganization/Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 25; Broward County, FL

Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Act of June 18, 1934, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-81u), the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) adopts the following Order:

Whereas, the Port Everglades Department of Broward County, grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone 25, submitted an application to the Board for authority to expand and reorganize FTZ 25, within the Port Everglades Customs and Border Protection port of entry (FTZ Docket 70-2008, filed 12/11/2008);

Whereas, notice inviting public comment was given in the Federal Register (73 FR 79441, 12/29/2008) and the application has been processed pursuant to the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations; and,

Whereas, the Board adopts the findings and recommendations of the examiner's report, and finds that the requirements of the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations are satisfied, and that the proposal is in the public interest;

Now, therefore, the Board hereby orders:

The application to reorganize and expand FTZ 25 is approved, subject to the Act and the Board's regulations, including Section 400.28.

Click here for additional information.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Foreign-Trade Zone Subzone Application Submitted for Schwarz Pharma

Foreign-Trade Zone 170--Clark County, IN; Application for Subzone; Schwarz Pharma Manufacturing Ltd. (Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing), Seymour, IN


An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by the Ports of Indiana, grantee of FTZ 170, requesting special-purpose subzone status for pharmaceutical manufacturing facility of Schwarz Pharma Manufacturing Ltd. (Shwarz Pharma), located in Seymour, Indiana. The application was submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Foreign-Trade Zones Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-81u), and the regulations of the Board (15 CFR part 400). It was formally filed on August 25, 2009.


The Schwarz Pharma facility (450 employees, 28.8 acres, 1. 8 billion doses) is located at 1101 C Avenue West, Seymour, Indiana. The facility is used to manufacture, test, package and warehouse pharmaceutical products. Components and materials sourced from abroad (representing 75% of the value of the finished product) include: alprostidil, edex applicators, lacosamide, moexipril, kremozin, vanlafaxim, and esomeprazole magnesium (duty rate ranges from duty free to 5.3%). The application also requests authority to include a broad range of inputs and finished pharmaceutical products that Schwarz Pharma may produce under FTZ procedures in the future. New major activity involving these inputs/products would require review by the FTZ Board.


FTZ procedures could exempt Schwarz Pharma from customs duty payments on the foreign components used in export production. The company anticipates that less than 5 percent of the plant's shipments will be exported. On its domestic sales, Schwarz Pharma would be able to choose the duty rates during customs entry procedures that apply to Edex kits, Vimpat, Moexipril, Kremozin, Vanlafaxim and an acid reflux pharmaceutical (all duty free) for the foreign inputs noted above. FTZ designation would further allow Schwarz Pharma to realize logistical benefits through the use of weekly customs entry procedures. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign status production equipment. The request indicates that the savings from FTZ procedures would help improve the plant's international competitiveness.