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Duty deferral, reduction, and elimination
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FTZ compliance and risk management
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Flexible FTZ implementation options
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FTZ technology integration and visibility
Duty deferral, reduction, and elimination
GEODIS Foreign-Trade Zone services help you to manage cash flow and optimize your duty payments. Our expert FTZ management transforms your import operations. We'll guide you through the process on how to defer duties until goods enter US commerce, eliminate duties on re-exports, and destroyed merchandise.
- Defer duty payments until products move from the FTZ into the domestic US marketplace, improving your cash flow and working capital
- Eliminate duties completely on merchandise that is re-exported from an FTZ without entering US commerce
- Pay no duties on goods that are scrapped or destroyed to the point of having no commercial or residual value
- Access potential inverted tariff relief when manufacturing in FTZs, allowing for lower duty rates on foreign inputs
- Take advantage of weekly entry processing that consolidates multiple shipments, dramatically reducing merchandise processing fees
- Benefit from potential tax reductions as products held in an FTZ may be exempt from state and local inventory taxes
- Eliminate the need for drawback administration, reducing associated costs and complexity
- Gain complete visibility of your inventory throughout the FTZ process with our advanced tracking systems
+
2.5
billion dollars
in duty payments deferred annually through GEODIS FTZ solutions
FTZ compliance and risk management
GEODIS oversees your Foreign-Trade Zone compliance, ensuring your operations meet all CBP requirements. Our experienced team manages the complex regulatory environment while you focus on your core business.
- Access a team of FTZ and customs experts with deep regulatory knowledge
- Benefit from our stringent internal audit processes that ensure continuous compliance
- Receive assistance with US Customs and Border Protection compliance reviews at FTZ facilities
- Get support for FTZ inspections with comprehensive documentation and process validation
- Stay compliant with changing FTZ policies through regular updates and guidance
- Reduce compliance risk through proper classification of goods entering and leaving the FTZ
- Maintain accurate FTZ documentation with our record-keeping systems
- Take advantage of our experience working with multiple government agencies including the FDA
- Benefit from our established relationships with US Customs and Border Protection
+
50
tenured FTZ and customs experts
managing your compliance requirements
Flexible FTZ implementation options
GEODIS provides multiple Foreign-Trade Zone solutions to match your specific business needs. Whether you need space in an existing FTZ facility or want to establish your own FTZ operation, we provide flexible options with expert support.
- Choose from existing GEODIS-operated FTZ facilities near major ports of entry
- Convert your current GEODIS-managed warehouse into an FTZ with our assistance
- Establish your own facility as an FTZ with GEODIS providing administration services
- Access scalable space from a few pallets to extensive warehouse operations
- Benefit from our proven implementation methodology for predictable results
- Receive complete project management from application through activation
- Get expert guidance on which FTZ approach will deliver maximum benefits for your specific products
- Access specialized services for high-volume operations with complex requirements
- Scale your FTZ operations up or down based on your changing business needs
FTZ technology integration and visibility
GEODIS uses advanced technology solutions that provide complete visibility and control of your FTZ operations. Our systems give you real-time insights while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Benefit from specialized FTZ software that integrates with your existing systems
- Access real-time inventory visibility throughout the FTZ process
- Receive automated customs documentation with our electronic filing systems
- Track all FTZ movements with detailed audit trails for complete accountability
- Generate comprehensive reports for management, compliance, and optimization
- Automate weekly entry filing to reduce administrative burden
- Identify duty savings opportunities through data-driven analytics
- Improve supply chain decision-making with enhanced data visibility
Foreign-Trade Zone services
Frequently asked questions about Foreign-Trade Zones
A Foreign-Trade Zone is a designated area within the United States which, for purposes of tariff laws and customs entry procedures, is treated as if it were outside of U.S. Customs Territory. Key benefits include duty deferral (paying duties only when goods enter US commerce), elimination of duties on re-exported goods, weekly entry filing (reducing merchandise processing fees), and potential tax reductions on inventory. For businesses importing high-value goods or with significant import volume, FTZs can dramatically improve cash flow and reduce overall duty expenditures.
The standard timeline is four to six months under optimal conditions. Low-volume operations in existing FTZs may be established more quickly (30-45 days), while complex implementations may take longer. The process includes application with the FTZ Board, CBP activation, systems integration, and operational setup. GEODIS manages this entire process with our proven implementation methodology to ensure predictable results.
GEODIS offers three primary options for Foreign-Trade Zone implementation: 1) Use space in an existing GEODIS-operated FTZ (subject to availability), 2) Convert a GEODIS facility that you already use into an FTZ, or 3) Have GEODIS help establish your own facility as an FTZ. The best option depends on your volume, specific requirements, and existing supply chain structure. Our team conducts a detailed analysis to determine which approach delivers maximum benefits for your business.
Weekly entry filing allows you to consolidate all FTZ withdrawals during a calendar week into a single customs entry. Instead of filing an entry for each shipment and paying multiple merchandise processing fees (MPF), you pay just one MPF per week. Companies with more than 52 entries per year can realize substantial savings
FTZs must meet stringent security and compliance standards, including: minimum security requirements for the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program, camera systems, controlled building access with limited entry points, and specific inventory control procedures. CBP conducts security inspections before approval and regular compliance reviews afterward. GEODIS handles these requirements as part of our comprehensive FTZ management services, ensuring your operations remain fully compliant with all regulations.
Yes, products regulated by Partnering Government Agencies (PGAs) like the FDA can be admitted to Foreign-Trade Zones. This is particularly valuable for pharmaceutical and medical device companies that want to import products while awaiting FDA approval. Having products physically present in an FTZ allows for immediate distribution once approvals are received, saving 4-6 weeks of shipping time compared to waiting for approval before shipping. GEODIS has extensive experience working with PGA-regulated products and can help you navigate these complex requirements.
In specific situations, the key difference is that FTZs lock in duty rates at the time of admission, while bonded warehouses apply whatever duty rate is in effect when goods are withdrawn. This is particularly relevant in today's fluctuating tariff environment. Additionally, FTZs allow for indefinite storage with no time limits, permit manufacturing – with FTZ Board approval - and manipulation of goods under customs supervision. FTZs also offer weekly entry filing. GEODIS currently specializes in FTZ operations in the US market, providing complete management services for these facilities.
Inventory accuracy is critical in FTZ operations, as all movements must be documented and reported to US Customs and Border Protection. GEODIS employs multiple audit processes, including pre-admission reviews, post-admission audits, and continuous monitoring through specialized FTZ software. Our approach includes detailed issue logs, comprehensive training programs with annual recertification, and regular health checks to identify and resolve discrepancies before they impact compliance.
Products with high duty rates, seasonal demand patterns, or significant re-export volumes typically benefit most from FTZ operations. Consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, apparel, and footwear are common industries that realize substantial savings. Products subject to frequent tariff changes or additional duties under provision trade remedies can also benefit from the cash flow advantages of duty deferral. GEODIS conducts detailed cost-benefit analyses to determine if your specific products are good candidates for FTZ operations.
GEODIS provides a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to determine if an FTZ makes financial sense for your business. We analyze your import data, including duty rates, annual import value, number of entries, percentage of re-exports, and inventory carrying costs. Our analysis includes all startup fees, recurring annual costs, transactional expenses, and projected savings to calculate your net benefit. Generally, companies importing more than $2 million in dutiable goods annually or filing more than 52 entries per year will see positive returns from an FTZ implementation.