The U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ or Zone) is a designated area considered outside the U.S. for Customs purposes.

Foreign Trade Zones are secure and enclosed areas that are either operated as a public utility at a general-purpose zone or designated for a single business to use at an approved site.  All zones are overseen by U.S. Customs Border Protection and located near a Customs Port of Entry.  Each zone must meet adjacency and security requirements prior to being activated.