Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)
Whether you’re importing, manufacturing, or distributing, FTZ 181 can help you defer, reduce, or eliminate duties. DFA guides you through every step — from the first conversation to an activated zone. We’re here to help make it happen.
FTZ 181 Service Area
Ashtabula · Columbiana · Mahoning · Medina · Portage · Richland · Stark · Summit · Trumbull · Wayne
The Basics
What is a Foreign Trade Zone?
A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is land physically inside the U.S. but treated as outside U.S. Customs territory for duty and entry purposes. Authorized by Congress in 1934, the program keeps U.S. operations competitive with foreign alternatives, and its use has grown sharply over the past decade.
Merchandise in a zone is still considered imported and stays under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. All other local, state, and federal laws continue to apply.
Grantee
Development Finance Authority of Summit County
Counties served
Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties
Size
Over 800 acres of general purpose zone and subzone land in Northeast Ohio
Why use an FTZ?
Inside a zone, customs entry isn’t required and duty isn’t paid at importation.
Duty Deferral
Goods withdrawn for U.S. consumption benefit from deferred duty payment, freeing up cash flow until merchandise enters the market.
Re-Export, Scrap, & Disposal
Goods re-exported, scrapped, or disposed of from a zone are generally not subject to duty at all.
Inverted Tariff Relief
When production happens in the zone and the finished product carries a lower duty rate than its components, operators may qualify for a reduced rate.
Resources
Online FTZ Information System
Service areas, activation limits, sites, and subzones for every FTZ.
FTZ Staff Representative
Find your regional contact at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Ready to explore Foreign Trade Zones?
Weighing a new subzone or just want to understand the savings? Our team can walk you through it.