Federal Trade Zone #33

Unlock Your Global Advantage with Foreign Trade Zone #33

FTZ #33 offers businesses throughout southwestern Pennsylvania a powerful incentive to compete and grow in today’s global economy. As part of the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone program, FTZ #33 provides manufacturers, distributors and logistics companies the strategic benefits that reduce costs, streamline operations and improve global competitiveness.

Why FTZ #33?

Located in a region with robust multimodal transportation – including access to rail, river, highway and air – FTZ #33 supports a diverse range of industries, from advanced manufacturing and energy to life sciences and logistics.

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Administered by the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC), FTZ #33 is organized under the highly flexible and much simpler Alternative Site Framework (ASF) servicing eleven counties in southwestern Pennsylvania within the Pittsburgh Port of Entry.
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FTZ #33 encompasses all 8,800 acres of Pittsburgh International Airport’s property, including all of PIT’s air cargo facilities.
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Located halfway between New York and Chicago, Pittsburgh enables efficient distribution of cargo both east and west while providing lower costs and a robust supply chain network versus other regional gateways.
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Pittsburgh is located within 500 miles of 50 percent of the U.S. population and 54 percent of the top U.S. buying power.
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Pittsburgh provides an ample customer base and labor force with nearly 8.8 million people living within a 2-hour drive from the region.

FTZ #33 offers cost savings and flexibility benefits including:

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Duty deferral, reduction or elimination
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Elimination of duty drawback
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Weekly entry filings and lower merchandise processing fees
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Increased security and reduced Customs compliance risk
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Enhanced inventory tracking and quality control
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Direct delivery of merchandise
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Lower administrative fees

FAQs

What is a Foreign Trade Zone?

A Foreign Trade Zone is a designated area within the United States where merchandise can be imported, stored, assembled, manufactured or re-exported without formal customs entry or payment of duties.

What are the advantages of using a Foreign Trade Zone?

• Merchandise in a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) is exempt from U.S. duty, excise tax and generally from state/local ad valorem taxes.
• Duties and taxes apply only when goods enter U.S. commerce.
• Goods can be exported from the zone without duty or tax. Merchandise may stay in a zone indefinitely and benefit from CBP protection against theft.
• Duty rates may vary based on zone operations, allowing users to choose the lower rate – on either raw materials or finished goods.
• Items imported under bond may enter a zone to meet federal or state export requirements, including those under the Tariff Act of 1930 or similar laws.

Who can use a Foreign Trade Zone?

Manufacturers, importers, exporters and third-party logistics providers can all use FTZs. It is especially beneficial for companies dealing with high volumes of imports or re-exports.

Who oversees FTZ #33?

FTZ #33 is administered by the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) and is under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

Can airlines or handling agents operate their own FTZ site?

Yes. An airline or logistics operator can apply for and become an FTZ operator at a facility they control, allowing for more flexible cargo handling, storage and processing services within FTZ compliance.

Can air cargo be moved directly into FTZ #33 from aircraft?

Yes. Once FTZ procedures are established, air cargo arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) or nearby regional airports can be transferred directly into an FTZ-approved facility with minimal delay – bypassing immediate duty payment and enabling quicker throughput.

Is an FTZ right for my operations?

Things to consider when applying for an FTZ:
• Do you have a high volume of entries into the US?
• Do you have large Customs duty payments?
• Have you experienced delays in receiving shipments through Customs?
• Do you pay more than $485 in weekly entry fees?
• Do you apply for duty drawback?
• Do you scrap, waste, destroy or reject some of your imports?
• Costs to consider in your evaluation:
      o FTZ Board Fees
      o Grantee Fees
      o Consultant Fees
      o Operator’s Bond Fee
      o Security
      o Software
      o Training

How can I apply for FTZ designation?

Interested companies can apply for FTZ #33 designation through [email protected] and work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection for approval.

How can I learn more about FTZ #33?

For additional information, contact Jeni Cooper at 412-315-6442 or [email protected]