QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
TEMPORARY/INTERIM MANUFACTURING (T/IM) AUTHORITY


  1. What is temporary/interim manufacturing authority?

    Temporary/interim manufacturing (T/IM) authority can be approved within existing zone sites for a period of up to two years.
    T/IM authority is intended for use by companies while they have a case pending for permanent manufacturing authority or for circumstances where permanent zone manufacturing authority is not needed.


  2. How do I know if I’m eligible?

    An operation that is applying for T/IM authority must be located within an existing zone site.

    Not all manufacturing activity is eligible. If your 6-digit HTSUS finished product/component combinations are included within the T/IM database you are eligible. If not, but your products and components fall within eligible 4 digit HTSUS categories, you may provide evidence that the activity is similar to the already approved activity to be eligible for T/IM. For further information, contact the FTZ staff.


  3. How do I find out if a site is within an existing zone?

    There is a list of zones and contact information on our website: http://www.trade.gov/ftz. Many zones have several sites in an area. To determine what sites are available for use, contact the local zone.


  4. What if I’m not eligible for T/IM authority?

    Application for manufacturing authority can be made through the FTZ Board’s standard application process.


  5. Can I apply for permanent authority while my application for interim authority is being reviewed?

    Yes. To do this, check the “Yes” box for Question A2 on the first page of the application form and respond appropriately to the questions in Section C of the form.


  6. How many products and components can be included in the T/IM application?

    There is a limit of 10 finished products and 30 foreign status inputs.

    There is no limit to the number of products or components for permanent manufacturing authority.


  7. What if I have more than 30 inputs?

    Additional inputs could be used in the manufacturing process under T/IM authority if they are domestic or if they are entered (duty paid) prior to use in FTZ manufacturing. They can also be included in an application for permanent manufacturing authority.


  8. What is an inverted tariff?

    An inverted tariff is when the customs duty rate on the finished product is less than the duty rate on the component. HTSUS classifications and duty rates can be found here: http://www.usitc.gov/taffairs.htm


  9. What is included in the application?

    An application consists of:
    1. Letter of transmittal - currently dated and signed by an authorized officer of the FTZ grantee corporation or a zone operator
    2. Properly completed application form
    3. Letter of concurrence from the local Customs and Border Protection Port Director


  10. How many copies should I submit?

    An original and three copies must be submitted.


  11. Where do I send the application?

    Foreign-Trade-Zones Board
    U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 2111
    1401 Constitution Ave. NW,
    Washington, D.C. 20230.


  12. How long does the process take?

    The FTZ staff’s goal is to make a decision on an application for T/IM authority within 75 days of receiving the application.


  13. What does the application process involve?

    Once a T/IM application has been filed and assigned a docket number, a notice will be published in the Federal Register inviting public comment for 30 days. The application will then be reviewed by the FTZ staff in consultation with Department of Commerce industry experts.


  14. Who do I call for help?

    The FTZ staff can be reached at 202-482-2862.