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FTZ 056 — Foreign-Trade Zone 056 — City of Oakland

California · Oakland · Port of entry: CA, San Francisco

FTZ 056 is a Foreign-Trade Zone administered by the City of Oakland in California, serving the Oakland area and using the San Francisco port of entry.

Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 056 is administered by the City of Oakland, based in Oakland, California. The zone's grantee, the City of Oakland, oversees the zone's operation and coordinates with the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to make FTZ status available to qualifying businesses in the surrounding area. FTZ 056 uses the San Francisco, CA port of entry for the movement of merchandise into and out of zone territory.

A Foreign-Trade Zone is a designated area, secure and under the oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where imported merchandise can be admitted for storage, processing, assembly, or manufacturing without immediate payment of duties. Depending on how the merchandise is handled and ultimately shipped, duties may be deferred, reduced, or in some cases eliminated. This can be relevant to importers, manufacturers, and distributors that operate — or are considering operating — a facility within Oakland or the broader area served by this zone.

Companies evaluating whether FTZ status makes sense for a specific facility in this region typically work with a customs broker or an FTZ compliance consultant. These professionals help determine whether a proposed operation fits within FTZ program rules and assist with the paperwork required to obtain site or subzone designation under the City of Oakland's grant of authority.

Who qualifies

FTZ 056 is relevant to importers, manufacturers, and distributors with existing or planned facilities in Oakland, California and the surrounding service area covered by the City of Oakland's grant. Businesses that regularly import goods, assemble or process merchandise, or distribute products through this region may find FTZ status applicable to their operations. Eligibility for a specific facility depends on FTZ Board and Customs and Border Protection review, not simply location within the general service area.

How to apply

1. Contact the City of Oakland, the grantee for FTZ 056, to discuss whether a specific facility in the service area could qualify for site or subzone designation. 2. Engage a customs broker or FTZ compliance consultant to review the facility's operations against FTZ program requirements. 3. Review the official FTZ Board application process at https://www.trade.gov/how-to-apply to understand the formal steps for requesting zone authority.

Contact zone operator ↗

FTZ Board source ↗

Questions people ask

What is FTZ 056?

FTZ 056 is a Foreign-Trade Zone administered by the City of Oakland, serving the Oakland, California area and using the San Francisco, CA port of entry.

Who is the grantee for FTZ 056?

The City of Oakland holds the grant of authority for FTZ 056.

What area does FTZ 056 cover?

It covers Oakland, California and the surrounding service area under the City of Oakland's grant.

What port of entry does FTZ 056 use?

FTZ 056 uses the San Francisco, CA port of entry.

Do I need a customs broker to use an FTZ?

Most companies work with a customs broker or FTZ compliance consultant to navigate admission procedures and determine whether their operations fit FTZ program rules.

Is an FTZ the same as a bonded warehouse?

No, though both involve customs oversight, FTZs offer broader activities like manufacturing and assembly, while bonded warehouses are generally limited to storage.

How do I get subzone status for my own facility?

You would work with the grantee, the City of Oakland, and typically a customs broker or consultant, then follow the FTZ Board's application process to request subzone or site designation.

What benefits does FTZ status provide?

Depending on the operation, FTZ status can allow duty deferral, reduction, or elimination on qualifying imported merchandise.

Who oversees FTZ activity day to day?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection oversees zone activity in coordination with the grantee, the City of Oakland.

Can any business in Oakland automatically use FTZ 056?

No, a specific facility must be approved for site or subzone status under FTZ 056 before it can operate under FTZ procedures.

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