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FTZ 176 — Foreign-Trade Zone 176 — Greater Rockford Airport Authority

Illinois · Rockford · Port of entry: IL, Greater Rockford Airport

FTZ 176 is a Foreign-Trade Zone sponsored by the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, based in Rockford, Illinois, covering a multi-county service area in northern Illinois.

Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 176 is sponsored by the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. The zone's service area covers Winnebago, Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, and Boone Counties, along with portions of Bureau, McHenry, Kane, Putnam, and LaSalle Counties. The zone uses the Port of Entry at Greater Rockford Airport, Illinois.

A Foreign-Trade Zone is a designated area within the United States that is treated, for customs purposes, as if it exists outside U.S. commerce. Companies operating within an FTZ can defer, reduce, or in some cases eliminate customs duties on imported merchandise, depending on the nature of the activity conducted (such as storage, assembly, processing, or manufacturing) and the ultimate disposition of the goods. This structure is generally used by importers, manufacturers, and distributors who bring foreign-origin merchandise into the country for storage, further processing, or re-export.

Businesses with existing or planned facilities within FTZ 176's service area may evaluate whether their operations could benefit from zone status. This typically involves determining whether a specific site or facility qualifies as a zone site or subzone under the sponsor's grant of authority. Companies considering this generally work with a customs broker or an FTZ compliance consultant to assess fit, review recordkeeping requirements, and prepare the necessary filings with the FTZ Board and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Who qualifies

FTZ 176 is relevant to importers, manufacturers, and distributors that operate or plan to operate a facility within Winnebago, Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Boone, or the applicable portions of Bureau, McHenry, Kane, Putnam, and LaSalle Counties in Illinois. Companies that import foreign-origin merchandise for storage, processing, assembly, or manufacturing may find zone status relevant to their customs planning. Businesses located outside this service area would generally need to look to a different zone grantee covering their location.

How to apply

Companies interested in FTZ status for a facility within this service area should first contact the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, the zone's grantee, to discuss site or subzone designation. Many companies also engage a customs broker or FTZ compliance consultant to help evaluate fit and prepare required filings. The formal FTZ Board application process and requirements are described at https://www.trade.gov/how-to-apply.

Service area: Winnebago, Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, and Boone Counties, and portions of Bureau, McHenry, Kane, Putnam and LaSalle Counties

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FTZ Board source ↗

Questions people ask

What is FTZ 176?

FTZ 176 is a Foreign-Trade Zone sponsored by the Greater Rockford Airport Authority in Rockford, Illinois, covering a defined multi-county service area in northern Illinois.

Who is the grantee for FTZ 176?

The grantee is the Greater Rockford Airport Authority.

What area does FTZ 176 cover?

It covers Winnebago, Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, and Boone Counties, plus portions of Bureau, McHenry, Kane, Putnam, and LaSalle Counties.

What port of entry does FTZ 176 use?

It uses the Greater Rockford Airport port of entry in Illinois.

Do I need a customs broker to use an FTZ?

Many companies work with a customs broker or FTZ compliance consultant to evaluate fit and handle required filings, though this depends on individual circumstances.

Is an FTZ the same as a bonded warehouse?

No, an FTZ and a bonded warehouse are distinct customs designations with different rules, though both can involve deferral of duties on imported goods.

How do I get subzone status for my own facility?

You would generally contact the zone grantee, the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, to discuss designation, and follow the FTZ Board's official application process.

Can any business in Illinois use FTZ 176?

Only businesses with a facility located within the zone's specific service area counties are relevant candidates for FTZ 176 status.

What kinds of duty benefits can an FTZ provide?

FTZs can allow for duty deferral, reduction, or elimination on qualifying imported merchandise depending on the activity performed and how the goods are ultimately used or shipped.

Where can I find the official FTZ application process?

The official process is described 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.