Foreign Trade Zone 147
Fees, Policies & FAQs
Explore more information about FTZ-147's fees, policies, and frequently asked questions.
FTZ-147 Fees
Application for Designation
$2,500
One-time; required prior to FTZ Board submission
Application for Activation
$2,500
One-time; required prior to activation concurrence
Production Notification
$2,500
One-time; if applicable
Annual Operator Fee (per site)
$12,000
Due upon activation; billed annually
Payment Policy
The FTZ Corp of Southern Pennsylvania is the Grantee of FTZ 147. The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance provides administrative and regulatory support.
Neither entity is a vendor to FTZ Operators and cannot accept payments through third-party payment platforms.
Each FTZ Operator must designate an internal primary point of contact responsible for managing FTZ-related invoices and payments directly.
Accepted payment methods: check or bank transfer only.
Foreign Trade Zone
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to move my facility to use Foreign-Trade Zone 147?
No. FTZ 147 operates under the Alternative Site Framework (ASF), which allows eligible companies to designate and activate FTZ space at their existing facility (within the FTZ 147 service area) or at an approved third-party logistics or warehouse location within the FTZ 147 service area.
Is FTZ 147 a physical location or warehouse?
FTZ 147 is not a single physical site and does not operate warehouses or provide logistics services. It is a federally designated service area that allows approved sites within 12 southcentral Pennsylvania counties to operate under FTZ procedures once designated and activated.
What types of companies benefit most from using an FTZ?
FTZs are most commonly used by manufacturers, distributors, importers, and third-party logistics providers that regularly import goods, export finished products or manage large inventories subject to customs duties or tariffs.
Can I use an FTZ for only part of my operation?
Yes. Many companies designate and activate only a portion of their facility or operation for FTZ use, depending on their workflow, inventory, and compliance needs.
What activities are allowed inside an FTZ?
While retail sales are prohibited, companies may store, distribute, repackage, relabel, test, sort, sample, salvage, scrap, or destroy merchandise within an FTZ. Manufacturing and assembly are also permitted with approval from the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board.
How long can merchandise remain in an FTZ?
There is no time limit on how long merchandise may remain in a Foreign-Trade Zone, provided all FTZ and U.S. Customs & Border Protection requirements are met.
Are duties always reduced or eliminated in an FTZ?
Not necessarily. FTZ benefits depend on how merchandise is used. Duties may be deferred, reduced, eliminated, or still paid, depending on whether goods enter U.S. commerce, are exported, destroyed, or manufactured under approved FTZ procedures.
Are there additional compliance or reporting requirements in an FTZ?
Yes. FTZ operations require enhanced inventory controls, recordkeeping, and reporting to U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Many companies use automated systems or trade-management software to support compliance and ensure accurate reporting.
Does FTZ 147 provide warehousing, logistics, or operational services?
No. FTZ 147 does not provide warehousing, transportation, or operational services. Companies must operate within their own designated facility or work with a third-party operator that has an approved and activated FTZ site.
What costs are associated with participating in FTZ 147?
Costs may include FTZ designation and activation fees, an annual operator fee, and potential internal costs related to compliance, inventory systems, or facility preparation. A no-cost evaluation can help determine whether FTZ participation makes financial sense for your operation.
Who do I contact to get started?
Companies interested in FTZ 147 are encouraged to request a no-cost evaluation. The FTZ Administrator can help assess eligibility, explain the process, and determine whether FTZ participation is a good fit.
Do I need to move my facility to use Foreign-Trade Zone 147?
No. FTZ 147 operates under the Alternative Site Framework (ASF), which allows eligible companies to designate and activate FTZ space at their existing facility (within the FTZ 147 service area) or at an approved third-party logistics or warehouse location within the FTZ 147 service area.
Is FTZ 147 a physical location or warehouse?
FTZ 147 is not a single physical site and does not operate warehouses or provide logistics services. It is a federally designated service area that allows approved sites within 12 southcentral Pennsylvania counties to operate under FTZ procedures once designated and activated.
What types of companies benefit most from using an FTZ?
FTZs are most commonly used by manufacturers, distributors, importers, and third-party logistics providers that regularly import goods, export finished products or manage large inventories subject to customs duties or tariffs.
Can I use an FTZ for only part of my operation?
Yes. Many companies designate and activate only a portion of their facility or operation for FTZ use, depending on their workflow, inventory, and compliance needs.
What activities are allowed inside an FTZ?
While retail sales are prohibited, companies may store, distribute, repackage, relabel, test, sort, sample, salvage, scrap, or destroy merchandise within an FTZ. Manufacturing and assembly are also permitted with approval from the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board.
How long can merchandise remain in an FTZ?
There is no time limit on how long merchandise may remain in a Foreign-Trade Zone, provided all FTZ and U.S. Customs & Border Protection requirements are met.
Are duties always reduced or eliminated in an FTZ?
Not necessarily. FTZ benefits depend on how merchandise is used. Duties may be deferred, reduced, eliminated, or still paid, depending on whether goods enter U.S. commerce, are exported, destroyed, or manufactured under approved FTZ procedures.
Are there additional compliance or reporting requirements in an FTZ?
Yes. FTZ operations require enhanced inventory controls, recordkeeping, and reporting to U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Many companies use automated systems or trade-management software to support compliance and ensure accurate reporting.
Does FTZ 147 provide warehousing, logistics, or operational services?
No. FTZ 147 does not provide warehousing, transportation, or operational services. Companies must operate within their own designated facility or work with a third-party operator that has an approved and activated FTZ site.
What costs are associated with participating in FTZ 147?
Costs may include FTZ designation and activation fees, an annual operator fee, and potential internal costs related to compliance, inventory systems, or facility preparation. A no-cost evaluation can help determine whether FTZ participation makes financial sense for your operation.
Who do I contact to get started?
Companies interested in FTZ 147 are encouraged to request a no-cost evaluation. The FTZ Administrator can help assess eligibility, explain the process, and determine whether FTZ participation is a good fit.
Get Started Today
Request a No-Cost Evaluation
Find out if you're able to take advantages of the benefits of Foreign-Trade Zone 147. Fill out our form to receive a complimentary evaluation at no-cost to you.