Foreign-Trade Zone 89 - Expansion Application

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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Volkswagen FTZ T/IM Application Terminated

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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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.

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FTZ Manufacturing Authority Application Submitted for Volkswagen

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 Notice of Public Hearing and Comment Period

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.

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

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

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.

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 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

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.

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 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.