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FTZ 138 — Foreign-Trade Zone 138 — Columbus Regional Airport Authority

Ohio · Franklin County · Port of entry: OH, Columbus

FTZ 138 is a Foreign-Trade Zone sponsored by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, based in Franklin County, Ohio, and it serves a large service area across central Ohio using the Columbus, Ohio port of entry.

Foreign-Trade Zone 138 is sponsored by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and is based in Franklin County, Ohio. The zone's service area covers a broad swath of central Ohio, including Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Crawford, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Union, Vinton, and Wyandot Counties, plus portions of Athens, Guernsey, and Highland Counties. FTZ 138 uses the Columbus, Ohio port of entry for customs processing.

A Foreign-Trade Zone is a designated area within the United States that is treated, for customs purposes, as if it were outside U.S. commerce. Companies operating within an approved zone or subzone may defer, reduce, or in some cases eliminate customs duties on imported merchandise, depending on how that merchandise is used, stored, or processed before entering U.S. commerce. This structure is generally relevant to importers, manufacturers, and distributors that bring foreign-sourced goods or components into their operations.

Businesses located, or considering locating, within FTZ 138's service area who want to explore whether zone status fits their facility typically work with a customs broker or FTZ compliance consultant. These professionals help evaluate operational fit and prepare the paperwork required to pursue site or subzone designation through the FTZ Board's established process.

Who qualifies

FTZ 138 is relevant to importers, manufacturers, and distributors that operate, or plan to operate, a facility within the zone's central Ohio service area, including Franklin County and the surrounding counties listed for this zone. Companies that regularly import foreign-sourced materials, components, or finished goods are the ones most likely to evaluate whether FTZ designation applies to their operations. Businesses outside this service area would generally need to look at a different FTZ grantee covering their location.

How to apply

1. Contact the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, the grantee for FTZ 138, to discuss whether your facility's location within the service area is a candidate for site or subzone designation. 2. Alternatively, or in addition, consult a customs broker or FTZ compliance consultant familiar with FTZ 138 to review your facility's operations against zone requirements. 3. Review the official FTZ Board application process at https://www.trade.gov/how-to-apply for the formal steps and required filings.

Service area: Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Crawford, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Union, Vinton, and Wyandot Counties, as well as portions of Athens, Guernsey, and Highland Counties

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Questions people ask

What is FTZ 138?

FTZ 138 is a Foreign-Trade Zone sponsored by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, based in Franklin County, Ohio, serving a large area of central Ohio.

Who is the grantee of FTZ 138?

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority is the grantee, or sponsor, of FTZ 138.

What area does FTZ 138 cover?

It covers Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Crawford, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Union, Vinton, and Wyandot Counties, plus portions of Athens, Guernsey, and Highland Counties.

What port of entry does FTZ 138 use?

It uses the Columbus, Ohio port of entry.

Do I need a customs broker to use an FTZ?

Many companies work with a customs broker or FTZ compliance consultant to determine fit and handle the required filings, though the data provided doesn't specify a mandatory requirement.

Is an FTZ the same as a bonded warehouse?

No, a Foreign-Trade Zone and a bonded warehouse are different customs mechanisms, though both relate to deferring or managing duties on imported goods.

How do I get subzone status for my own facility within FTZ 138?

You would typically contact the Columbus Regional Airport Authority or a customs broker/FTZ consultant to discuss your facility, then follow the FTZ Board application 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.

Does FTZ 138 apply to my business if I'm outside the listed counties?

The service area for FTZ 138 is limited to the listed central Ohio counties and portions of a few others, so facilities outside that area would not be covered by this particular zone.

What does FTZ status generally do for a company?

It can allow deferral, reduction, or elimination of customs duties on qualifying imported merchandise, depending on how the goods are used or processed within the zone.

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