April 2012, FTZ Regulations - Summary of Changes (effective April 30, 2012)

To provide training and enable discussion about the FTZ Board’s new regulations, they are planning a series of free training/outreach events across the country.

All applications for new zones, expansions, reorganizations, ASF reorganizations, subzones (not within an ASF service area) and production applications require the submission of a "pre-docketing" copy of the application. The pre-docketing copy should be complete and should be submitted electronic form (PDF or Word-compatible format) to ftz@trade.gov The FTZ Staff will let the applicant know within 30 days if the pre-docketing copy is sufficient, or if any changes or additional information are needed.
The final version of the application (hard copies and final electronic version) can only be submitted once the FTZ Staff determines that the pre-docketing copy is sufficient.

For further information: http://ia.ita.doc.gov/ftzpage/regs/events.html

April 2012, Training/ Outreach Events on the New regulations

To provide training and enable discussion about the FTZ Board’s new regulations, they are planning a series of free training/outreach events across the country.

There will be no charge for attendees, but RSVPs are necessary for any of the sessions.

For further information: http://ia.ita.doc.gov/ftzpage/regs/events.html

March 2012, President Obama cites Foreign Trade Zones as helping to encourage manufacturing and investment in the US

The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) applauds President Obama’s announcement today of new steps aimed at promoting American manufacturing and increasing U.S. exports. During a speech at Boeing in Washington state, the president noted the role of foreign-trade zones (FTZs) in expanding exports and previewed a rule change that will provide a streamlined, shorter and more effective process for manufacturers and exporters seeking FTZ authority that will help expedite decision making and reduce paperwork burdens.

Further information: http://www.naftz.org/resource/resmgr/docs/the_white_house_release_-_fe.pdf

March 2012, NAFTZ Commends Foreign-Trade Zones Board for Responsiveness to Industry Concerns in New Regulations

The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) today commended the Foreign-Trade Zones Board for its comprehensive revision of regulations issued pursuant to the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of 1934. Published Monday in the Federal Register, the new rule is a complete revision of policies last updated in 1991 that aims to expedite and simplify many Board procedures in order to encourage greater utilization of Foreign-Trade Zones and stimulate U.S. manufacturing and export activity.

For further information: http://www.naftz.org/resource/resmgr/docs/02-29-12_news_release_-_naft.pdf