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FTZ 181 — Foreign-Trade Zone 181 — Development Finance Authority of Summit County
Ohio · Akron/Canton · Port of entry: OH, Cleveland
FTZ 181 is a Foreign-Trade Zone administered by the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, based in the Akron/Canton area of Ohio. It allows qualifying companies in its service area to defer, reduce, or in some cases eliminate customs duties on goods handled within the zone.
Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 181 is administered by the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, with its base of operations in the Akron/Canton, Ohio area. The zone's grantee oversees FTZ activity for a service area covering Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Wayne Counties in Ohio. FTZ 181 uses the port of entry at Cleveland, OH, for customs processing of goods moving into and out of the zone.
A Foreign-Trade Zone is a designated area, secure and supervised by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where companies can bring in foreign and domestic merchandise for storage, assembly, manufacturing, or processing without immediately paying customs duties. Depending on the activity performed and how goods are ultimately shipped, duty payments may be deferred, reduced, or in some cases eliminated. This structure is generally relevant to importers, manufacturers, and distributors that operate — or are considering establishing — a facility within FTZ 181's service area.
Businesses exploring whether FTZ status fits a specific facility in this region typically work with a customs broker or an FTZ compliance consultant. These professionals help evaluate whether the activity and location qualify, and help prepare and file the paperwork required to obtain site or subzone designation under the zone administered by the Development Finance Authority of Summit County.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Service area: Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Wayne Counties
Questions people ask
What is FTZ 181?
FTZ 181 is a Foreign-Trade Zone administered by the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, serving an area based around Akron/Canton, Ohio.
Who is the grantee of FTZ 181?
The Development Finance Authority of Summit County is the grantee responsible for administering FTZ 181.
What area does FTZ 181 cover?
Its service area includes Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Wayne Counties in Ohio.
What port of entry does FTZ 181 use?
FTZ 181 uses the port of entry at Cleveland, Ohio.
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 this is a general practice rather than a strict legal requirement.
Is an FTZ the same as a bonded warehouse?
No, an FTZ and a bonded warehouse are different customs designations with different rules, though both allow certain deferral of duties on goods.
How do I get subzone status for my own facility?
You would typically contact the grantee, the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, and follow the FTZ Board application process at trade.gov to pursue subzone designation.
Can any business in Summit County automatically use FTZ 181?
No, a specific facility must be designated as part of the zone through the application process; being located in the service area alone does not confer FTZ status.
Does FTZ status eliminate all customs duties?
Not necessarily; depending on the activity and how goods are shipped, duties may be deferred, reduced, or in some cases eliminated, but this varies by situation.
Where can I find the official application process for FTZ status?
The official FTZ Board application 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.