Unlock Greater Efficiency and Savings with THL’s FTZ Certification

Helping you manage tariffs, optimize supply chains, and grow your global reach.

FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) logo with bold blue letters and horizontal red and gray lines, representing international trade and customs efficiency. Highlights official certification and streamlined logistics capabilities for global commerce.

What is a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)?

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a secured, designated area within the United States, typically located near ports of entry, where businesses operate under the oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection using special customs procedures. Although physically located within U.S. borders, an FTZ is considered outside of U.S. customs territory for duty and tax purposes.

Companies operating in an FTZ can bring in merchandise without immediately paying duties or completing formal customs entry. This setup allows for delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign goods, along with other cost-saving advantages. By providing these benefits, FTZs help U.S. companies remain competitive with foreign-based operations.

Is an FTZ right for your business?

Certified. Experienced. Ready.

At TH Logistics, our FTZ-certified facility in Plant City, FL empowers clients to defer, reduce, or eliminate duties while gaining unparalleled flexibility in managing imports, exports, and supply chain operations. By leveraging our FTZ, customers lower landed costs, streamline compliance, and access value-added services under a single roof.

“THL provides that third-party logistics factor that is so needed in the marketplace... Without that type of service, smaller and medium-sized companies may not even have the opportunity to enter the international market.”

Torrey Chambliss - Director, FTZ and Cargo Business Development, Port of Tampa Bay

Why Choose an FTZ Partner?

  • You can delay paying customs duties until your products enter the U.S. market, improving your cash flow. If you re-export products, you may avoid duties altogether.

  • You'll benefit from lower merchandise processing fees by consolidating weekly entries rather than paying per shipment.

  • You can store international merchandise indefinitely without time constraints, giving you greater flexibility in your supply chain management.

  • Use our FTZ space to inspect merchandise before paying duties, ensuring you only pay for products that meet your standards.

  • If you manufacture or assemble products in our facility, you may pay lower duty rates on finished goods compared to imported components.

Who Benefits from THL's FTZ Services?

Import Icon Importers
Businesses bringing goods into the country, leveraging FTZs to defer duties and streamline customs.
Export Icon Exporters
Companies shipping goods internationally, benefiting from FTZs for duty savings on re-exports.
Buy Icon E-commerce Retailers
Online sellers using FTZs to improve inventory management and reduce import costs.
Factory Icon Manufacturers
Producers leveraging FTZs to conduct manufacturing or assembly with duty deferral benefits.
Supply Chain Icon Supply Chain Managers
Professionals optimizing FTZ operations for compliance, cost savings, and efficient inventory flow.

How TH Logistics Makes FTZ Simple

  • 1) Discovery Call

    We start with a conversation to understand your business, your import/ export activities, and your supply chain goals. We’ll help assess if an FTZ is the right fit.

  • 2) Custom Analysis

    Our team evaluates your data, estimating potential savings and compliance requirements. You’ll get a tailored cost-benefit assessment and operational roadmap.

  • 3) Strategy & Site Selection

    We collaborate with you to choose the best FTZ site—whether it’s our Plant City, FL facility or another qualified location—and finalize your participation agreement.


  • 4) Applications & Approvals

    We handle the complex paperwork and guide you through approvals with U.S. Customs and the FTZ Board, ensuring compliance every step of the way.

  • 5) System Integration & Testing

    We connect your systems with ours and test everything in a secure sandbox environment. We make sure inventory tracking, customs reporting, and security protocols are ready to go.

  • 6) Training & Go-Live Support

    Your team gets hands-on training and walkthroughs. We simulate real operations before you go live, so you’re confident and prepared.

  • 7) Ongoing Management & Optimization

    Once you’re operational, we stay by your side—managing compliance, monitoring performance, and identifying ways to boost savings and efficiency.

How an FTZ Outperforms a Bonded Warehouse

Feature Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Bonded Warehouse
Duty Payment Timing
Upon entry into U.S. commerce Upon withdrawal for consumption
Duty on Waste/Scrap
No duties paid on waste, scrap, or destroyed goods Duties must still be paid unless destroyed under CBP supervision
Storage Duration
Indefinite, as long as compliance is maintained Up to 5 years from date of importation
Manufacturing/Processing
Permitted; value-added activities allowed Limited; requires prior approval
Goods Eligibility
Both domestic and foreign goods Only foreign (dutiable) goods
Location Flexibility
Must be within a designated FTZ service area Can be located anywhere with CBP approval
Re-Exports
No duties paid if goods are exported directly from FTZ No duties paid if exported, but stricter control required
Administrative Burden
Higher; requires FTZ operator agreements and reporting systems Moderate; simpler CBP-managed requirements