International access
Ohio has 10 designated Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) strategically located around the state that help companies reduce operating costs while increasing profits. Within each FTZ, special customs procedures may be utilized that allow domestic value-added activity of foreign origin merchandise prior to formal customs entry.
Duty-free treatment is available to items that are re-exported, and duty payment is deferred on items sold in the U.S. market - thus offsetting customs advantages available to overseas producers who compete with producers located in the United States.
Foreign origin items may be assembled/manufactured in a FTZ and achieve a lower duty rate, or duty-free status, for finished goods that exit the FTZ for sale in the U.S.
Ohio's Foreign Trade Zones can provide:
- Improved cash flow
- Scrap/waste savings
- Reduced/eliminated taxes
- Production machinery duty savings
- Duty reduction, elimination and tax deferral
- Quota management
- Inventory costs, broker fee and insurance savings
- Inventory control and security measures
- Logistical and exhibition advantages
- Zone-to-zone transfers
- Direct delivery (without customs clearance)
- Weekly entry
For a list of Ohio's Foreign Trade Zones, click here.
The Ohio Department of Development's International Trade Assistance Center Program operates from the state's six Small Business Development Centers and provides support for businesses new to the export market. The program offers free consulting services and fee-based training and market research, among other marketplace support.
The International Trade Assistance Centers link with offices worldwide to help Ohio companies target new customers in international markets. To learn more, call 1-800-848-1300 or e-mail sbdc@odod.state.oh.us.
