CBP Issues New Version of Its Foreign Trade Zones Manual
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site a new version of its Foreign Trade Zones Manual (FTZ Manual) which it compiled as a joint effort with the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (FTZB), the Bureau of the Census (Census), and the National Association of FTZs.
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CBP notes that the purpose of this new FTZ Manual is to place together in one document the various laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, scattered among numerous documents, that grantees, operators and users need to know in their daily operations.
New FTZ Manual Supercedes October 1996 Manual
According to CBP, this new FTZ Manual supercedes the previous FTZ Manual issued in October 1996. Additionally, CBP states that its internal instructions which are not intended for public disclosure are not included in this manual; however, such instructions are still in effect.
CBP explains that the new FTZ manual is for use by existing and prospective FTZ grantees, operators, and users, in addition to CBP personnel responsible for supervising FTZ operations. CBP adds that this FTZ Manual may also be useful for customhouse brokers, freight forwarders, bonded and international carriers, and other members of the import-export community.
New FTZ Manual is Intended as a Guide Only
CBP explains that the new FTZ Manual is not itself law, but is intended as a guide. CBP also notes that readers may seek rulings from CBP concerning matters covered in the FTZ Manual under procedures of 19 CFR Part 177.
CBP states that in the new FTZ Manual, many laws and regulations are paraphrased for the sake of simplicity and easier reading. Therefore, existing and prospective zone grantees, operators, users, and other readers are urged to study the actual text of the cited laws and/or regulations before making any costly investment decisions initially based on information in this manual.
CBP to Make Available Supplements to FTZ Manual
CBP adds that this FTZ Manual is intended to be maintained with current information to better serve all parties. According to CBP, any new measures it takes affecting the FTZs program, after the issuance of this new Manual will be announced through various methods (e.g. CBP electronic bulletin board (CEBB), e-mail, fax, directives, and rulings). CBP states that these issuances will be provided as supplements for inclusion in the FTZ Manual upon release.
Suggestions Concerning New FTZ Manual May be Submitted to CBP
In the new FTZ Manual, CBP states that it welcomes any suggestions from readers as to any additions, corrections, or deletions to improve this new FTZ Manual.
FTZ Manual (Publication 0000-0559, posted 11/13/06) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/manuals_handbooks/ftzmanual.ctt/FTZManual2.pdf