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FTZ 051 — Foreign-Trade Zone 051 — Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Minnesota · Duluth · Port of entry: MN, Duluth

FTZ 051 is a Foreign-Trade Zone based in Duluth, Minnesota, sponsored by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. It covers Carlton County and portions of Itasca, Lake, and St. Louis Counties, with Duluth, MN as its port of entry.

Foreign-Trade Zone 051 is a federally designated zone sponsored by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority in Duluth, Minnesota. Its service area covers Carlton County and portions of Itasca, Lake, and St. Louis Counties, and it is associated with the port of entry at Duluth, MN.

A Foreign-Trade Zone is an area of the United States, treated for tariff purposes as if it were outside U.S. customs territory, where qualifying merchandise can be admitted for storage, processing, assembly, or manufacturing before entering U.S. commerce. Depending on the activity involved, use of a zone can allow duties to be deferred until goods leave the zone, reduced if the finished product carries a lower duty rate than its imported components, or eliminated altogether if goods are re-exported rather than sold domestically.

FTZ 051 is relevant to importers, manufacturers, and distributors operating, or considering establishing, a facility within the Duluth Seaway Port Authority's service area. Companies exploring whether a specific site or facility could benefit from zone status typically consult with a customs broker or an FTZ compliance consultant, who can evaluate the operation's import/export profile and help prepare and file the paperwork required for site or subzone designation with the FTZ Board. This listing provides factual identifying information about the zone rather than an assessment of expected savings or processing timelines, which vary by applicant and activity.

Who qualifies

FTZ 051 is relevant to importers, manufacturers, and distributors that operate, or plan to operate, a facility within Carlton County or the covered portions of Itasca, Lake, and St. Louis Counties in Minnesota. Businesses that import components or finished goods, or that manufacture or distribute goods destined for domestic or export markets, are the general audience for FTZ designation. Whether a specific facility qualifies depends on its location within the service area and its import/export activity, which is typically assessed on a case-by-case basis.

How to apply

Companies interested in FTZ status for a facility within FTZ 051's service area should first contact the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the zone's grantee, or a customs broker/FTZ compliance consultant to discuss whether site or subzone designation fits their operation. Next, review the official FTZ Board application process and requirements at https://www.trade.gov/how-to-apply. Applicants generally work with their chosen broker or consultant to prepare and submit the required filings through that process.

Service area: Carlton County, and portions of Itasca, Lake, and St. Louis Counties

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FTZ Board source ↗

Questions people ask

What is FTZ 051?

FTZ 051 is a Foreign-Trade Zone sponsored by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, based in Duluth, Minnesota.

Who is the grantee of FTZ 051?

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority is the grantee that sponsors FTZ 051.

What area does FTZ 051 cover?

Its service area includes Carlton County and portions of Itasca, Lake, and St. Louis Counties in Minnesota.

What port of entry does FTZ 051 use?

FTZ 051 is associated with the port of entry at Duluth, MN.

Do I need a customs broker to use an FTZ?

Most companies work with a customs broker or FTZ compliance consultant to determine fit and handle the required filings, though it is not stated as a strict legal requirement here.

Is an FTZ the same as a bonded warehouse?

No, an FTZ and a bonded warehouse are distinct customs programs with different rules, though both allow certain deferrals of duty on imported goods.

How do I get subzone status for my own facility?

You would typically contact the Duluth Seaway Port Authority or a customs broker/FTZ consultant to evaluate your facility and then apply through the FTZ Board's official process.

Where is FTZ 051 located?

It is based in Duluth, Minnesota.

Can any business in the service area automatically use the zone?

No, businesses must apply for and be granted site or subzone designation for their specific facility through the FTZ Board process.

Where can I find the official application process?

The official FTZ Board application process is available at https://www.trade.gov/how-to-apply.

Source: FTZ Board OFIS zone list (ofis.trade.gov). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with this zone's operator.