Foreign-Trade Zone Blog

Foreign-Trade Zone 89 - Expansion Application

2009-11-17T09:50:00.003-05:00

The grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone #89 Las Vegas, NV submitted application for expansion to the FTZ Board last week. The zone applied to expand to include a new site in the City of North Las Vegas (Clark County): Proposed Site 8 (365 acres) the City View Business Park located west of the intersection of Interstate 15 and State Road 604. The site will provide warehousing and distribution services to area businesses. No specific manufacturing authority is being requested at this time. Such requests would be made to the Board on a case-by-case basis.

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FTZ Subzone Application Submitted for Fuel Product Storage Company

2009-10-29T10:58:00.002-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 25 - Port Everglades, FL; Application for Subzone South Florida Materials Corporation (Fuel Product Storage) Port Everglades, FL

The FTZ Board recently received an application requesting FTZ special-purpose subzone status for South Florida Materials Corporation (SFMC). The application was submitted by the grantee of FTZ #25 Port Everglades, Florida.

An approved FTZ application would exempt SFMC from duties imposed on foreign status jet fuel used for international flights and duty deferral for domestic sourced fuels.

Click here to read the release in its entirety.

FTZ 174 Application for Expansion and Reorganization Under ASF

2009-10-21T09:53:00.003-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 174 Tucson, Arizona, Application for Expansion and Reorganization under Alternative Site Framework

The grantee of FTZ 174 recently submitted an application to the FTZ Board to expand the foreign-trade zone in Pima County, AZ and reorganize under Alternative Site Framework.

Click here for additional information.

FTZ Board Receives Revised Proposal for Changes to Annual Report Submissions

2009-10-12T11:52:00.003-04:00

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

The FTZ Board recently requested comments regarding the proposed changes to the format of the annual reports submitted to the FTZ Board by grantees.

Click here to read the article in its entirety.

FTZ 43 Termination of Review of Sourcing Change

2009-10-08T09:59:00.001-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 43 Battle Creek, Michigan, Termination of Review of Sourcing Change, Subzone 43D, Perrigo Company (Ibuprofen  Products), Allegan, Michigan      Notice is hereby given of termination of a sourcing change review relating to the over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen operations at Subzone  43D at the Perrigo Company (Perrigo) OTC pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Allegan, Michigan (72 FR 10642, 3/9/07). The termination  is based on an analysis of the record and resulting determination that no Board action is warranted.

Volkswagen FTZ T/IM Application Terminated

2009-10-06T13:35:00.003-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 134--Chattanooga, TN; Application for Temporary/Interim Manufacturing Authority; Termination of Review; Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC (Motor Vehicles)

Notice is hereby given that the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board staff has terminated its review of the application requesting temporary/interim manufacturing (T/IM) authority within FTZ 134 at the Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC (VGACO) facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The application was filed on July 10, 2009 (74 FR 34714, 7-17-2009). Substantive comments submitted in opposition to the VGACO application during the public comment period remove the application from eligibility under the specific T/IM standard of ``clearly presenting no new, complex, or controversial issues'' (see ``Proposals to Facilitate the Use of Foreign-Trade Zones by Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers,'' 69 FR 17643, 4/5/2004). The review was terminated on September 22, 2009.

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FTZs 29 & 203 Applications for Subzone Authority

2009-10-05T09:40:00.003-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zones 29 and 203 Applications for Subzone Authority Dow Corning Corporation and REC Silicon Extension of Comment Period

The comment period for the applications for subzone status at the Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning) facilities in Carrollton, Elizabethtown and Shepherdsville, Kentucky (74 FR 21621-21622, 5/8/09) and at the REC Silicon facility in Moses Lake, Washington (74 FR 25488-25489, 5/28/09) is being extended to October 21, 2009 to allow

interested parties additional time in which to comment. Rebuttal comments may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period, until November 5, 2009. Submissions (original and one electronic copy) shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary at: Foreign-Trade Zones Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 2111, 1401 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20230.

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World Trade Center of Central Pennsylvania Elects New Chairman

2009-10-01T14:05:00.001-04:00

World Trade Center of Central Pennsylvania Elects New Chairman

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FTZ 72; Termination of Application for Subzone

2009-10-01T09:38:00.004-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 72--Indianapolis, IN; Termination of Review of Application for Subzone GETRAG Transmission Manufacturing LLC (Automotive Transmissions), Tipton, IN

Notice is hereby given of termination of review of an application submitted by the Indianapolis Airport Authority, grantee of FTZ 72, requesting special-purpose subzone status for the automotive transmission manufacturing plant of GETRAG Transmission Manufacturing LLC, located in Tipton, Indiana. The application was filed on August 8, 2008 (73 FR 48194, 8-18-08).

The termination is a result of changed circumstances, and the case has been closed without prejudice.

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FTZ 196 Application for Processing Authority ATC Logistics

2009-09-28T09:46:00.003-04:00

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.

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

2009-09-14T08:32:00.001-04:00

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.

Foreign-Trade Zone #25 Reorganization and Expansion

2009-09-10T10:35:00.002-04:00

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.

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Foreign-Trade Zone Subzone Application Submitted for Schwarz Pharma

2009-09-03T11:01:00.002-04:00

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.

FTZ Manufacturing Authority Application Submitted for Volkswagen

2009-08-28T10:07:00.002-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 134 - Chattanooga, TN, Application for Manufacturing Authority, Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC (Motor Vehicles),Chattanooga, TN

An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by the Chattanooga Chamber Foundation, grantee of FTZ 134, pursuant to Section 400.28(a)(2) of the Board's regulations (15 CFR Part 400), requesting authority on behalf of Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC (VGACO) to produce light-duty passenger vehicles under FTZ procedures within FTZ 134. It was formally filed on August 19, 2009.

The VGACO facility (1,187 acres, 2.1 million sq.ft.) is located at 7351 Enterprise South Boulevard within the Enterprise South Industrial Park in Chattanooga (Hamilton County), Tennessee (Site 3). The facility (approximately 2,000 employees), currently under construction, will be used to produce passenger sedans, sport utility vehicles, and minivans for export and the domestic market. At full capacity, the facility will manufacture up to approximately 150,000 vehicles annually. Components to be purchased from abroad (representing about 25% of total material inputs, by value) would include: paint and varnish, zinc coating, sealants, grease/lubricating agents, adhesives, motor oil, transmission fluid, fuel additives, anti-freeze, tubing, flexible rubber tubes/hoses, self-adhesive plastic or polyurethane sheets/foil/film, labels, sealing tape, plastic bags, articles of plastic (incl. handles, grips, knobs, locks, seals, o-rings, caps), articles of rubber (incl. belts, tubes, hoses, dampeners, grommets, plugs, mountings), tires, gaskets, seals, floor mats, leather bags, man-made fiber and cotton bags/cases (HTSUS categories 4202.12.8030, 4202.12.8070, 5608.19, 6305.20; will be admitted to the zone under privileged foreign status (19 CFR Sec. 146.41) or domestic (duty paid) status (19 CFR Sec. 146.43)), leather articles, wood boxes, printed materials, nets, carpet sets, safety glass, glass lenses, mirrors, car covers, heat deflectors, tube/pipe fittings, pins, hangers, body parts, trim parts, articles of base metals, doors, fasteners, cotter pins, helical springs, clamps, articles of aluminum, hand tools, catalytic converters, locks and keys, spark-ignition and diesel engines, engine parts, pumps, compressors, air conditioner components, turbochargers, cooling boxes, filters, valves, parts of steering systems, steering wheels, hubs and flanges, chain, universal joints, clutches, half/drive shafts, transmissions and parts thereof, torque converters, differentials, bearings and parts thereof, compasses, thermostats, motors, batteries, ignition parts, electrical parts, lighting equipment, horns, windshield wipers, electric heaters, cameras, audio/video components, speakers, antennas, wiring harnesses, seats, seat belts, airbag modules/inflators, brake components, wheels, wheel locks, lug nuts, lug wrenches, suspension components, radiators, heater cores, exhaust systems, hinges, pneumatic dampeners, speedometers, tachometers, voltmeters, flow meters, anti-theft systems, regulators/controllers, sensors, resistors, relays, starters, electrical components, cigarette lighters, clocks, spark plugs, and switches (duty rate range: free 20%). The application also requests authority to include a broad range of inputs and finished motor vehicles that VGACO 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 VGACO from customs duty payments on foreign components used in export production (estimated to be 20% of plant shipments). On its domestic sales, VGACO would be able to choose the duty rate that applies to finished passenger vehicles (2.5%) for the foreign inputs noted above that have higher rates. Certain logistical/supply chain management savings would also be realized through FTZ procedures. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign status production equipment. The application indicates that the savings from FTZ procedures would help improve the facility's international competitiveness.

In accordance with the Board's regulations, Pierre Duy 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 following address: Office of the Executive Secretary, Room 2111, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230-0002. The closing period for receipt of comments is October 26, 2009. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period to November 10, 2009.

FTZ #8 Expansion

2009-08-21T15:43:00.003-04:00

Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 8, Toledo, Ohio

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 Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone No. 8, submitted an application to the Board for authority to expand Site 1 at the Port of Toledo Complex, within the Toledo/Sandusky Customs and Border Protection port of entry (FTZ Docket 64-2008, filed 12/2/2008);

Whereas, notice inviting public comment was given in the Federal Register (73 FR 78289, 12/22/2008) and the application has been processed pursuant to the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations; and,

Now, therefore, the Board hereby orders:

The application to expand FTZ 8 - Site 1 is approved, subject to the Act and the Board's regulations, including Section 400.28.

FTZ Application for Reorganization Under ASF

2009-08-06T10:33:00.005-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 54--Clinton County, NY; Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site Framework

An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board (the Board) by Clinton County, New York, grantee of FTZ 54, requesting authority to reorganize the zone under the alternative site framework (ASF) adopted by the FTZ Board (74 FR 1170, 01/12/09; correction 74 FR 3987, 01/22/09). The ASF is an option for grantees for the establishment or reorganization of general-purpose zones and can permit significantly greater flexibility in the designation of new ``usage- driven'' FTZ sites for operators/users located within a grantee's ``service area'' in the context of the Board's standard 2,000-acre activation limit for a general-purpose zone project. The application was submitted pursuant to 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 July 31, 2009.

The grantee's proposed service area under the ASF would be Clinton County, New York. If approved, the grantee would be able to serve sites throughout the service area based on companies' needs for FTZ designation. The proposed service area is adjacent to the Champlain Customs and Border Protection port of entry.

FTZ 54 was approved on February 14, 1980 (Board Order 153, 45 FR 12469, 02/26/80), and expanded on: September 23, 1982 (Board Order 196, 47 FR 43012, 09/30/82); May 29, 1996 (Board Order 829, 61 FR 28840, 06/06/96); May 29, 2001 (Board Order 1169, 66 FR 31612, 06/12/01); and November 16, 2001 (Board Order 1199, 66 FR 59235, 11/27/01). The applicant is requesting to include its current sites in the reorganized zone as ``magnet'' sites. The applicant proposes that Site 4 be exempt from ``sunset'' time limits that otherwise apply to sites under the ASF. No usage-driven sites are being proposed at this time. Because the ASF only pertains to establishing or reorganizing a general-purpose zone, the application would have no impact on FTZ 54's authorized subzones.

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 October 5, 2009. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15- day period (to October 20, 2009).

FTZ Notice of Public Hearing and Comment Period

2009-08-03T10:06:00.001-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 82, Application for Subzone Authority, ThyssenKrupp Steel and Stainless USA, LLC, Notice of Public Hearing and Reopening of Comment Period

A public hearing will be held on the application for subzone authority at the ThyssenKrupp Steel and Stainless USA, LLC (ThyssenKrupp) facility in Calvert, Alabama (73 FR 58535-58536, 10/7/08). The Commerce examiner will hold the public hearing on September 10, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., at the Department of Commerce, Room 4830, 1401 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20230. Interested parties should indicate their intent to participate in the hearing and provide a summary of their remarks no later than September 4, 2009.

The comment period for the case referenced above is being reopened through September 25, 2009, to allow interested parties additional time in which to comment. Rebuttal comments may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period, until October 13, 2009. Submissions (original and one electronic copy) shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary at: Foreign-Trade Zones Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 2111, 1401 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20230.

FTZ 49 Expansion

2009-07-29T14:49:00.004-04:00

Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 49, Newark, New Jersey, Area

Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones 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 Authority of New York and New Jersey, grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone 49, submitted an application to the Board for authority to expand its zone to include a site at the Heller Industrial Park (Site 11) in Edison, New Jersey, within the Newark/New York Customs and Border Protection port of entry (FTZ Docket 5-2009, filed 2/6/09);

Whereas, notice inviting public comment was given in the Federal Register (74 FR 7392-7393, 2/17/09) and the application has been processed pursuant to the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations; and,

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

Now, therefore, the Board hereby orders:

The application to expand FTZ 49 is approved, subject to the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations, including Section 400.28, and to the Board's standard 2,000-acre activation limit for the overall general-purpose zone project, and further subject to a sunset provision that would terminate authority on July 31, 2014, for Site 11 if no activity has occurred under FTZ procedures before that date.

Signed at Washington, DC, this 16th day of July 2009.

Foreign-Trade Zone 7 Scope Clarification Request; IPR Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

2009-07-22T10:08:00.002-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 7--Mayaguez, PR; Scope Clarification Request; IPR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Pharmaceuticals)

A request for clarification of scope has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by IPR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPR), operator of IPR's pharmaceuticals manufacturing operations within FTZ 7, in Canovanas, Puerto Rico.

Manufacturing authority for pharmaceuticals and intermediates at IPR's FTZ 7 manufacturing facilities was issued on December 14, 2001 (Board Order 1203, 67 FR 71934, 12/03/2002). IPR listed in the original application specific component/product manufacturing which would be performed at the outset and also listed categories of components and products which might be sourced from abroad in the future. IPR has now informed the Board that future production will involve the use of an imported ingredient that was not specifically listed as a foreign-sourced component in the original manufacturing request. The company intends to use a foreign-sourced active ingredient, AZD0530 difumarate (HTSUS 2934.99.3000--6.5%), in production of difumarate tablets (HTSUS 3004.90.9115--duty-free).

The FTZ staff invites the comments of interested parties for consideration in its review. Submissions shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary at the address listed below. The closing period for their receipt is August 21, 2009.

A copy of the request will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room 2111, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230-0002.

Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site Framework

2009-07-22T09:46:00.001-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 39--Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site Framework

An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board (the Board) by Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board, grantee of FTZ 39,requesting authority to reorganize the zone under the alternative site framework (ASF) adopted by the Board (74 FR 1170, 01/12/09; correction 74 FR 3987, 01/22/09). The ASF is an option for grantees for the establishment or reorganization of general-purpose zones and can permit significantly greater flexibility in the designation of new ``usage-driven'' FTZ sites for operators/users located within a grantee's ``service area'' in the context of the Board's standard 2,000-acre activation limit for a general-purpose zone project. The application was submitted pursuant to 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 July 17, 2009.

The grantee's proposed service area under the ASF would be the Texas counties of Dallas, Tarrant, Kaufman, Collin, Grayson, and Denton. If approved, the grantee would be able to serve sites throughout the service area based on companies' needs for FTZ designation. The proposed service area is adjacent to the Dallas/Fort Worth Customs and Border Protection port of entry.

FTZ 39 was approved on August 17, 1978 (Board Order 133, 43 FR 37478, 8/23/78), and expanded on: December 11, 1992 (Board Order 613, 57 FR 61046, 12/23/92); December 27, 1994 (Board Order 723, 60 FR 2377, 1/9/95); December 27, 1994 (Board Order 724, 60 FR 2376, 1/9/95); March 12, 1999 (Board Order 1028, 64 FR 14212, 3/24/99); March 29, 2002 (Board Order 1213, 67 FR 17049, 4/9/02); and February 27, 2008 (Board Order 1542, 73 FR 13531-13532, 3/13/08). The applicant is requesting to include its current sites in the reorganized zone as ``magnet'' sites. The applicant proposes that Site 1 be exempt from ``sunset'' time limits that otherwise apply to sites under the ASF. No usage-driven sites are being proposed at this time. Because the ASF only pertains to establishing or reorganizing a general-purpose zone, the application would have no impact on FTZ 39's authorized subzones.

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 September 21, 2009. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period (to October 5, 2009).

A copy of the application will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room 2111, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230-0002, and in the ``Reading Room'' section of the Board's Web site, which is accessible via http://www.trade.gov/ftz.

Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site Framework

2009-07-22T09:30:00.001-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 260--Lubbock, TX; Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site Framework

An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board (the Board) by the City of Lubbock, Texas, grantee of FTZ 260, requesting authority to reorganize the zone under the alternative site framework (ASF) adopted by the Board (74 FR 1170, 01/12/09; correction 74 FR 3987, 01/22/09). The ASF is an option for grantees for the establishment or reorganization of general-purpose zones and can permit significantly greater flexibility in the designation of new ``usage-driven'' FTZ sites for operators/users located within a grantee's ``service area'' in the context of the Board's standard 2,000-acre activation limit for a general-purpose zone project. The application was submitted pursuant to 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 July 15, 2009.

The grantee's proposed service area under the ASF would be Garza, Hale, Hockley, Lubbock and Terry Counties, Texas. If approved, the grantee would be able to serve sites throughout the service area based on companies' needs for FTZ designation. The proposed service area is adjacent to the Lubbock Customs and Border Protection port of entry.

FTZ 260 was approved by the FTZ Board on January 14, 2004 (Board Order 1315, 69 FR 3876, 1/27/04). The applicant is requesting to include the following current sites in the reorganized zone as ``magnet'' sites: Proposed Site 1 (693 acres)-Lubbock International Airport, 5401 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Lubbock; and Proposed Site 2 (1700 acres)-Reese Technology Center, 9801 Reese Blvd., Lubbock. The applicant proposes that Site 1 be exempt from ``sunset'' time limits that otherwise apply to sites under the ASF. The applicant is also requesting approval of the following initial ``usage-driven'' sites: Proposed Site 3 (1.4 acres)--Holiday LiteSource, 301 Southeast Loop 289, Lubbock; and Proposed Site 4 (5.3 acres)--J&B Industrial Services, Inc., 529 N.E. Loop 289, Lubbock.

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 September 21, 2009. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period (to October 5, 2009).

A copy of the application will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary,Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room 2111, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230-0002, and in the ``Reading Room'' section of the Board's Web site, which is accessible via http://www.trade.gov/ftz.

Foreign-Trade Zone 234 Application for Reorganization under Alternative Site Framework

2009-07-17T09:00:00.003-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zone 234 Gregg County, Texas, Application for Reorganization under Alternative Site Framework

An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board by Gregg County, Texas, grantee of FTZ 234, requesting authority to reorganize the zone under the alternative site framework (ASF) adopted by the Board (74 FR 1170, 01/12/09; correction 74 FR 3987, 01/22/09). The ASF is an option for grantees for the establishment or reorganization of general-purpose zones and can permit

significantly greater flexibility in the designation of new ``usage-driven'' FTZ sites for operators/users located within a grantee's ``service area'' in the context of the Board's standard 2,000-acre activation limit for a general-purpose zone project. The application was submitted pursuant to 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 July 7, 2009.

The grantee's proposed service area under the ASF would be Gregg County, Texas. If approved, the grantee would be able to serve sites throughout the service area based on companies' needs for FTZ designation. The proposed service area is adjacent to the Shreveport-Bossier City Customs and Border Protection port of entry.

FTZ 234 was approved by the FTZ Board in 1998 (Board Order 1003, 63 FR 63671, 11/16/1998) and expanded in 2008 (Board Order 1590, 73 FR 76611, 12/17/2008). The applicant is requesting to include the following current sites in the reorganized zone as ``magnet'' sites: Proposed Site 1 (239 acres)-Gregg County Airport, 269 Terminal Circle, Longview; Proposed Site 2 (60 acres)-warehouse facility, 1320 East Harrison Road, Longview; and, Proposed Site 3 (217 acres)-Synergy Park, 1000 Synergy Boulevard, Elder Lake. The applicant proposes that Site 1 be exempt from ``sunset'' time limits that otherwise apply to sites under the ASF. No usage-driven sites are being proposed at this time.

In accordance with the Board's regulations, Kathleen Boyce 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 September 15, 2009. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period (to September 30, 2009).

A copy of the FTZ application will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room 2111, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230-0002, and in the ``Reading Room'' section of the Board's website, which is accessible via www.trade.gov/ftz.

Foreign-Trade Zones Notice of Public Hearing and Extension of Comment Period

2009-07-07T10:44:00.002-04:00

Foreign-Trade Zones 29 and 203 Applications for Subzone Authority Dow Corning Corporation and REC Silicon; Notice of Public Hearing and Extension of Comment Period

A public hearing will be held on the foreign-trade zone applications for subzone authority at the Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning) facilities in Carrollton, Elizabethtown and Shepherdsville, Kentucky (74 FR 21621-21622, 5/8/09) and at the REC Silicon facility in Moses Lake, Washington (74 FR 25488-25489, 5/28/09). The Commerce examiner will hold the public hearing on September 1, 2009 at 1 p.m., at the Department of Commerce, Room 4830, 1401 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230. Interested parties should indicate their intent to participate in the hearing and provide a summary of their remarks no later than August 28, 2009.

The comment period for the cases referenced above is being extended to September 16, 2009, to allow interested parties additional time in which to comment. Rebuttal comments may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period, until October 1, 2009. Submissions (original and one electronic copy) shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary at: Foreign-Trade Zones Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 2111, 1401 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230.

Grant of Authority for Subzone Status, Thor Industries,Inc.

2009-06-22T15:55:00.002-04:00

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

[Order No. 1625]

Grant of Authority for Subzone Status, Thor Industries,Inc.

(Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing), Jackson Center, Ohio

Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones 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 Foreign-Trade Zones Act provides for ``...the establishment... of foreign-trade zones in ports of entry of the United States, to expedite and encourage foreign commerce, and for other purposes,'' and authorizes the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to grant qualified corporations the privilege of establishing foreign-trade zones in or adjacent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection ports of entry;

Whereas, the Board's regulations (15 CFR Part 400) provide for the establishment of special-purpose subzones when existing zone facilities cannot serve the specific use involved, and when the activity results in a significant public benefit and is in the public interest;

Whereas, the Greater Dayton Foreign-Trade Zone Inc., grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone 100, has made application to the Board for authority to establish a special-purpose subzone at the recreational vehicle manufacturing facilities of Thor Industries, Inc., located in Jackson Center, Ohio

(FTZ Docket 66-2008, filed 12/4/08);

Whereas, notice inviting public comment was given in the Federal Register (73 FR 76611-76612, 12/17/08); and,

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

Now, therefore, the Board hereby grants authority for subzone status for activity related to recreational vehicle manufacturing at the facilities of Thor Industries, Inc., located in Jackson Center, Ohio (Subzone 100D), as described in the application and Federal Register notice, and subject to the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations, including Section 400.28.

Signed at Washington, D.C., this 12th day of June 2009.

Ronald K. Lorentzen,

Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Import Administration,

Alternate Chairman, Foreign-Trade Zones Board.

Attest:

Andrew McGilvray,

Executive Secretary.

[FR Doc. E9-14629 Filed 6-19-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S

Approval for Expanded Manufacturing Authority, Foreign-Trade Subzone 82D, Dothan, Alabama

2009-06-22T15:42:00.004-04:00

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

[Order No. 1624]

Approval for Expanded Manufacturing Authority, Foreign-Trade Subzone 82D, Sony Electronics Inc. (Digital Print Media Products),  Dothan, Alabama

Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones 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, Sony Electronics Inc., operator of Subone 82D, has requested an expansion of the scope of manufacturing authority approved  within Subzone 82D in Dothan, Alabama, (FTZ Docket 68-2008, filed December 11, 2008);

Whereas, notice inviting public comment has been given in the Federal Register (73 FR 78290, 12/22/2008) 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  Board's regulations are satisfied, and that the proposal is in the public interest;

Now, therefore, the Board hereby orders:

The application to expand the scope of manufacturing authority under zone procedures within Subzone 82D, as described in the  application and Federal Register notice, is approved, subject to the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations, including Section 400.28.

Signed at Washington, DC, this 12th day of June 2009.

Ronald K. Lorentzen,

Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Import Administration,

Alternate Chairman,

Foreign-Trade Zones Board.

Attest: Andrew McGilvray, Executive Secretary.

[FR Doc. E9-14630 Filed 6-19-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S

75th Anniversary of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Act

2009-06-18T16:20:00.004-04:00

Today marks the 75th Anniversary of the enactment of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Act. To celebrate this anniversary, the FTZ Board posted some interesting historic material its website. The link featured near the top of its homepage, www.trade.gov/ftz, leads to the newly posted information.

CBP To Require Fingerprints For All Background Checks

2009-05-29T16:27:00.004-04:00

We were informed yesterday by a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Officer that CBP Headquarters recently issued instructions to the field stating that all background checks now require fingerprints. We will post additional details as they become available.

Approval of Manufacturing Authority Within Foreign-Trade Zone 50 Long Beach, CA; Phoenix MC, Inc. d/b/a Phoenix Motorcars, Inc. (Motor Vehicles)

2009-05-28T13:17:00.004-04:00

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

[Order No. 1622]

Approval of Manufacturing Authority Within Foreign-Trade Zone 50 Long Beach, CA; Phoenix MC, Inc. d/b/a Phoenix Motorcars, Inc. (Motor Vehicles)

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

Whereas, the Board of Harbor Commissioners of the Port of Long Beach, grantee of FTZ 50, has requested authority under Section 400.28(a)(2) of the Board's regulations on behalf of Phoenix MC, Inc. d/b/a Phoenix Motorcars, Inc., to assemble light-duty passenger electric vehicles under FTZ procedures within FTZ 50--Site 2, Ontario, California (FTZ Docket 40-2008, filed 6-13-2008);

Whereas, notice inviting public comment has been given in the Federal Register (73 FR 34916, 6-19-2008);

Now, therefore, the Board hereby grants authority for the assembly of light-duty passenger electric vehicles within FTZ 50 for Phoenix MC, Inc. d/b/a Phoenix Motorcars, Inc., as described in the application and Federal Register notice, subject to the Act and the Board's regulations, including Section 400.28.

Click here for additional information.

Foreign-Trade Zone 203 Moses Lake, Washington, Application for Subzone, REC Silicon (Polysilicon and Silane Gas)

2009-05-28T10:14:00.004-04:00

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

(Docket 22-2009)

Foreign-Trade Zone 203 Moses Lake, Washington, Application for Subzone, REC Silicon (Polysilicon and Silane Gas), Moses Lake, Washington

An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by the Port of Moses Lake Public Corporation, grantee of FTZ 203, requesting special-purpose subzone status for the polysilicon and silane gas manufacturing facility of REC Silicon, located in Moses Lake, Washington. 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 May 21, 2009.

The REC Silicon facility (425 employees, 219 acres, 10,500 metric ton capacity) is located at 3322 Road ``N'' NE, Moses Lake, Washington. The facility is used for the manufacturing and warehousing of solar grade polysilicon and silane gas using domestic and imported silicon metal (duty rate ranges from 5.3-5.5%). Pursuant to Section 400.33 of the Board's regulations, any silicon metal subject to antidumping or countervailing duties would be required to be admitted to the subzone in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41).

FTZ procedures could exempt REC Silicon from customs duty payments on the silicon metal used in export production. The company anticipates that over 95% of polysilicon and 90% of silane gas shipped from the plant will be exported. On its domestic sales, REC Silicon would be able to choose the duty rates during customs entry procedures that apply to polysilicon and silane gas (duty rate ranges from duty-free to 3.7%) for the foreign inputs noted above. FTZ designation would further allow REC Silicon 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.

In accordance with the Board's regulations, Elizabeth Whiteman of the FTZ Staff is designated examiner to investigate the application and report 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 July 27, 2009. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period to August 11, 2009.

A copy of the application will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room 2111, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230-0002, and in the ``Reading Room'' section of the Board's website, which is accessible via www.trade.gov/ftz.

For further information, contact Elizabeth Whiteman at Elizabeth_Whiteman@ita.doc.gov or (202) 482-0473.

Grant of Authority for Subzone Status; Grafil, Inc. (Carbon Fiber), Sacramento, CA

2009-05-26T15:04:00.008-04:00

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

[Order No. 1620]

Grant of Authority for Subzone Status; Grafil, Inc. (Carbon Fiber), Sacramento, CA

Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones 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 Foreign-Trade Zones Act provides for ``* * * the establishment * * * of foreign-trade zones in ports of entry of the United States, to expedite and encourage foreign commerce, and for other purposes,'' and authorizes the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to grant to qualified corporations the privilege of establishing foreign-trade zones in or adjacent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection ports of entry;

Whereas, the Board's regulations (15 CFR part 400) provide for the establishment of special-purpose subzones when existing zone facilities cannot serve the specific use involved, and when the activity results in a significant public benefit and is in the public interest;

Whereas, the Sacramento-Yolo Port District, grantee of FTZ 143, has made application to the Board for authority to establish special-purpose subzone status at the carbon fiber manufacturing plant of Grafil, Inc., located in Sacramento, California (FTZ Docket 37-2007, filed 8/14/2007);

Whereas, notice inviting public comment has been given in the Federal Register (72 FR 48612, 8/24/07); 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 would be satisfied, and that approval of the application would be in the public interest, if approval were subject to the condition listed below;

Now, therefore, the Board hereby grants authority for subzone status for activity related to the manufacture of carbon fiber at the Grafil, Inc., facilities, located in Sacramento, California (Subzone 143D), as described in the application and Federal Register notice, subject to the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations, including Section 400.28, and also subject to the condition that approval is for an initial period of five years, subject to extension upon review.

For further information visit, the FTZ Board website.

Proposal for Changes to the Format of Annual Reports Submitted to

2009-05-21T13:49:00.007-04:00

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

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

SUMMARY: The Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board is inviting public comment on a staff proposal to revise the format of annual reports that are submitted by zone grantees to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board. The revisions are intended to clarify the information that is being requested and focus on the information that is most important for oversight of the FTZ program. For comparison, the current format for annual reports is available on the FTZ Board's Web site -- accessible via http://www.trade.gov/ftz the ``Already in a Zone?'' section. Relative to the current format, a number of multiple-part questions have been broken out into separate questions for purposes of clarity and ease of use. In general, the amount of information being requested in the proposed format is reduced relative to the existing format.

Click here to view the article in its entirety.

Welcome to the Foreign-Trade Zone Blog

2009-05-20T16:18:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the Foreign-Trade Zone Blog. The purpose of the blog is to provide the latest news and information regarding FTZ's nationwide. The site was created by FTZ consulting firm, Campbell Trade Group, Inc., to provide a centralized location for up-to-date information related to the FTZ Program. Please visit our blog again soon for late-breaking FTZ news.