Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) allow businesses within the zone to receive, warehouse, and re-export products duty-free, thus reducing costs and helping businesses become more globally competitive. Thousands of businesses each year use foreign trade zones to coordinate foreign and domestic shipments.

FTZ 281 is strategically situated as a trade nexus for Asia, Europe, and the Americas making it the most accessible Transshipment Hub in the Western Hemisphere

• Any business within the boundaries of FTZ 281 is eligible – from SW 8th Street North to the County Line
• Direct linkages to FEC Railway/national rail system and easy access to major highway corridors: I-95, I-75, SR-826, SR-836, Florida Turnpike
• Air and Sea logistics opportunities
• On-dock Intermodal Rail provides access to 70% of the U.S. population within 1-4 days
• Florida is the third most populous U.S. state, with over 20 million residents and more than 105 million visitors

Knowledgeable and experienced port staff is ready to answer questions and help you navigate the FTZ application process.

FTZs are secured areas under CBP supervision that are considered outside CBP territory upon activation. It means that while in the zone, merchandise is not subject to U.S. duty and excise tax.

It offers many advantages for users/operators:

• Duties are only due upon entry for U.S. consumption
• Defer the payment of duties while merchandise is stored in your site
• Reduce duties on merchandise assembled or manufactured into finished products
• Re-export goods duty-free
• Unlimited storage period
• Goods may be manufactured, cleaned, destroyed, and/or assembled

FTZ 281 operates as a utility, guaranteeing customers affordable rates for zone services and privileges.

Fast, easy, low-cost application:

• Application fee: $2,500

Annual Fees applicable upon site designation:

• Non-active site fee: $2,500
• Active site fee: $6,500

• Improve cash flow and global competitiveness
• Expand your business, create jobs and attract investments
• Reduce Merchandise Processing Fees by submitting customs entries on a weekly basis
• Speed customs clearance and eliminate paperwork
• Benefit from less regulation and more flexibility than a bonded warehouse
• Consolidate your cargo into larger shipping units thanks to duty deferral

In Miami-Dade County, there are a few hundred bonded warehouses. View a table that outlines the differences between a Foreign Trade Zone and a bonded warehouse