Title 19, Customs DutiesRelease 119-110

§81f Application for Establishment and Expansion of Zone

Title 19 › CHAPTER 1A — FOREIGN TRADE ZONES › § 81f

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

An application to create a foreign-trade zone must give detailed information. It must show the exact site (land, water, or land only for interior ports), explain how it will be kept separate from customs territory, say why the site is suitable, and note if it can be expanded. The application must describe planned facilities and equipment, include basic plans and cost estimates, list existing facilities to be used, give a timeline to start and finish construction, explain how the work will be financed, and provide any other information the Board asks for. The Board can allow changes to the application. Any request to enlarge an approved zone must be applied for and approved in the same way as the original application.

Full Legal Text

Title 19, §81f

Customs Duties, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Application for establishment; requirements

Each application shall state in detail—

(1)The location and qualifications of the area in which it is proposed to establish a zone, showing (A) the land and water or land or water area or land area alone if the application is for its establishment in or adjacent to an interior port; (B) the means of segregation from customs territory; (C) the fitness of the area for a zone; and (D) the possibilities of expansion of the zone area;

(2)The facilities and appurtenances which it is proposed to provide and the preliminary plans and estimate of the cost thereof, and the existing facilities and appurtenances which it is proposed to utilize;

(3)The time within which the applicant proposes to commence and complete the construction of the zone and facilities and appurtenances;

(4)The methods proposed to finance the undertaking;

(5)Such other information as the Board may require.

(b)Amendment of application; expansion of zone

The Board may upon its own initiative or upon request permit the amendment of the application. Any expansion of the area of an established zone shall be made and approved in the same manner as an original application.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

19 U.S.C. § 81f

Title 19, Customs Duties

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110