Foreign Trade Zone
How to Apply

1) Start the conversation

Say hello to WTC-STL. We’ll confirm you’re eligible and talk through what an FTZ can do for you – duty savings, smoother customs, and (for manufacturers) the possibility of lower duty on finished goods.

2) Bring in a trusted advisor

Engage an FTZ competent attorney, CPA, or customs broker. They’ll estimate savings, outline the steps, and, if you plan to make or assemble products, flag the additional “production authority” you’ll need alongside site designation.

3) Secure early jurisdictional support

Request an early support letter from your own Port Authority or County Commission. This respects jurisdictional boundaries from the outset and sets expectations for the public utility value you’ll present with the grantee.

4) Confirm the Subzone route (TSF)

You’ll pursue FTZ #102 access via a Traditional Site Framework (TSF) Subzone, the standard path when a company’s site is outside an approved ASF service area or ASF isn’t otherwise an option.

5) Decide about production authority (if manufacturing/assembly)

If your operations will change tariff classification, plan to request production authority (notification or application) in parallel with your Subzone request so the Board can review both in sync.

6) Build a concise, complete Subzone application (15 CFR 400.25)

With WTCSTL (the grantee), assemble the essentials: operator/user name, activity description, addresses and acreage/square footage for each proposed site, required maps, right to use, and a brief public interest narrative (jobs, investment, competitiveness, logistics efficiency).

7) Plan for and pay the FTZ Board’s application fee (required for Subzones)

The FTZ Board charges a user fee for Subzone applications, payable before docketing:

• $4,000 if your Subzone does not involve production or involves production with fewer than three products;
• $6,500 if your Subzone includes production with three or more products.
  The Board now accepts electronic payments in addition to checks. Your fee must be submitted in the manner the Executive Secretary specifies.

8) Obtain grantee sponsorship & file the case

WTCSTL coordinates sponsorship with the St. Louis County Port Authority and submits your Subzone application using the Board’s required format – see Subzone (nonASF) Application on the Board’s site.

9) Understand the public comment period mechanics (TSF/Subzone cases)

After predocketing checks and fee handling, the FTZ Board dockets your case (typically within 15 days) and publishes a Federal Register notice inviting public comment. For Subzone designation, the comment period normally closes 40 days after publication. If a hearing is held, the comment period cannot close earlier than 15 days after the hearing. After the general comment deadline, the Board ordinarily allows an additional 15 days for rebuttal comments. In addition to the Federal Register notice, the applicant must publish a notice in a local, general circulation newspaper at least 15 days prior to the close of the public comment period for applications and provide a copy of the published notice to FTZ Staff for inclusion in the case record.

10) What happens after comments close (examiner review & timelines)

The Board’s examiner reviews the record—including public comments—and prepares recommendations. For production authority components, the examiner typically submits a report within ~150 days of the close of the public comment period. If recommendations are preliminarily unfavorable, the applicant gets 45 days to respond; if new evidence appears, the Board publishes another notice and invites at least 30 days of further public comment plus 15 days for rebuttals.

11) Receive the FTZ Board decision

Following review, the Board issues its decision (and any conditions on your Subzone and, if requested, production authority). Your site is now designated under FTZ #102 and ready for the separate CBP activation step.

12) Prepare your activation package

Send CBP a brief intent letter (with the grantee’s concurrence), facility blueprints, and your Procedures Manual describing how you’ll control inventory and keep records. CBP may also ask for standard background/ID steps for staff who need secure area access – your FTZ advisor will help you know who’s needed.

13) Welcome the CBP walkthrough

CBP will visit to confirm security (fences, gates, cameras, access controls), check signage, and see that your system can track goods from admission to exit. If anything needs attention, indicate you’ll tend to it quickly.

14) Post your operator bond

You’ll secure a continuous FTZ operator bond, today, the baseline is $50,000 per activated site (or at least $50,000 per site on a consolidated bond). Your broker or surety will walk you through this.

15) Get your FIRMS code

This is your facility’s “digital address” in CBP systems (ACE/AMS).

16) Receive your green light

Once CBP is satisfied (security, procedures, bond, and systems) the Port Director issues your activation letter. At that point, you’re officially ready to admit merchandise in zone status and begin using FTZ benefits.

17) Make weekly entry work for you

Weekly entry can be a great time/fee saver. Your software or broker should ensure the right line items are included.

18) Keep an eye on the broader trade environment

Tariff programs and surcharges can change. Your advisor and broker will help you stay current, time filings smartly, and make the most of FTZ procedures while you focus on running your business.