About

How FTI Consulting Can Help

For Companies Not Yet Operating in FTZs:

FTI Consulting’s international trade and customs professionals provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of the FTZ program. We assist companies in evaluating the strategy holistically, analyzing the entire international supply chain, including embedded duty and tariff costs. We guide clients through every step of the implementation process, from proof of concept and feasibility to activation approval with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Our goals are to help clients reduce costs while implementing procedures to minimize compliance risks and prevent operational disruptions. After successful implementation, we continue to support our FTZ clients through simulated compliance reviews, process improvements, audit support, and customized training packages.

For Companies Operating in FTZs:

We help seasoned FTZ Operators reexamine their use of the FTZ program and evaluate new opportunities arising from the changing regulatory landscape. Due to the transactional nature of zone management, we provide strategic reviews focused on people, geography, procedures, and technology. Our team also has extensive experience navigating the complex intersection of FTZs with other trade programs and customs topics, such as:

• Punitive tariff treatment
• Forced labor compliance and admissibility
• Valuation planning
• Treatment of scrap and waste

For Grantees:

Many Grantees have broader economic development goals beyond the FTZ program and may lack the bandwidth or experience to align the FTZ program with these initiatives. We partner with Grantees to analyze program leverage, recommend innovative marketing and business development strategies, and implement these strategies. We also conduct joint training sessions targeting interested companies and stakeholders and lead educational and FTZ networking events.

The FTI Consulting Difference

No two FTZ projects are the same, and each grantee is unique. We approach all FTZ clients with customized care and tailored solutions. Our proactive approach addresses potential risks and common barriers to FTZ program success. Our FTZ expertise is complemented by the broader experience and technical knowledge within our Export Controls, Sanctions & Trade team. Since FTZs intersect with many other areas of trade, we can address complex issues comprehensively and strategically.

Our team includes leaders with extensive industry and operational experience, maintaining a forefront position on trade issues impacting the FTZ program.

FTZ Advisory Offerings at FTI Consulting:

• Strategic Feasibility Studies and Presentation to Stakeholders
• Application Preparation and Submission
• Production Authority Preparation and Submission
• Navigation of Local Taxing Jurisdictions and Impact
• Development of Operational Procedures and Inventory Control and Recordkeeping Systems (ICRS)
• FTZ Software Consulting
• Activation Support with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Customizable Training Packages and Simulated Audits
• Support with CBP Compliance Reviews and Audits
• Support with FTZ Board Monitoring Visits and Scope Reviews
• Compliance Program Assessment and Development
• Preparation of Periodic Reporting Requirements
• Analysis of Other Program Impacts to the FTZ
• Technical and Industry Research
• Grantee Marketing Plans and Compliance Support
• FTZ Administrator Insourcing and Training Support

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