A U.S. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a restricted-access site within the United States that is legally considered outside of Customs territory for the purpose of tariffs or duties, so goods may be brought into site duty-free and without formal customs entry. The purpose of the FTZ program has ben to expedite and encourage foreign commerce within the United States. The benefits are to reduce, defer, or eliminate duties, reduce merchandise processing fees, weekly entry, and no import quotas. Lake Development Staff can direct you to the local Zone administrators.