The cost to establish and operate an FTZ varies somewhat by location. The largest expense is typically the internal cost to setup and operate an inventory control and recordkeeping system (ICRS) that meets the special reporting requirements of U.S. Customs. Costs generally do not increase with volume, so there are significant economies of scale to FTZ operation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection assigns a 7-character alphanumeric Zone ID for each activated zone site, including each activated site within a subzone. The Zone ID is required for electronic submission of certain filing requirements. number assigned to the activated portion of the subzone by CBP is also shown. The Port Director has authorized the use of local control procedures […]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection assigns a 4-character alphanumeric Facility Information and Resources Management System (FIRMS) Code for each activated zone site, including each activated site within a subzone.

A 3-character alphanumeric code assigned by U.S. Cutoms which permits electronic filing directly into ABI/ACE. A Filer Code is not required unless the FTZ Operator or User would like to self-file some or all of the electronic filing requirements. 

Foreign-trade zones are subject to additional security requirements. The guidelines for bonded facilities are interpreted by the Port Director based on the merchandise to be stored in the zone, and the location of the zone site or subzone.

In the context of foreign-trade zones, the Port Director is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection director responsible for the port of entry. Some smaller ports of entry have only an Officer physically located at the port, and are under the jurisdiction of an Area Port Director.

Zone Restricted (Z, or ZR) status merchandise in an FTZ may only be exported or destroyed. This restriction means it is used sparingly, but one benefit is that drawback claims may be filed on merchandise that has been admitted in ZR status. 

Privileged Foreign (P, or PF) status merchandise in an FTZ is taxed based on its condition at the time is admitted to the FTZ. For certain types of merchandise, PF status is mandated by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board even if NPF status would be advantageous. 

Non Privileged Foreign (N, or NPF) status merchandise in an FTZ is taxed based on its condition at the time is withdrawn from the FTZ.