Secure areas under U.

Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)are secured, designated areas within the United States that are treated, for customs purposes, as outside U.S. territory. According to CLT 4.0, goods entering an FTZ can be stored, assembled, or processed without immediate payment of customs duties. Duties are assessed only when goods leave the zone for domestic consumption, reducing cash-flow and tariff burdens. FTZs support international logistics efficiency by encouraging domestic manufacturing and re-exporting activities. CLT emphasizes FTZ operations as part of global trade compliance and customs procedures, distinguishing them from programs like FAST (a trusted shipper initiative) or CSI (a port security initiative).