Foreign Trade Zone 50

What is a Foreign Trade Zone?

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a federally designated area that allows approved companies to defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties on imported goods.

FTZ designation can improve cash flow, streamline customs processing, and provide greater flexibility for manufacturers and distributors operating in global supply chains.

FTZ 50 in Ontario 

Located in FTZ Site 50, as granted by the Board of Harbor Commissioners of the Port of Long Beach in 1979, the City of Ontario is a predesignated FTZ site that enables approved businesses to reduce, or eliminate customs duties on imported goods.

Companies operating within a FTZ may benefit from:

• Deferred or reduced tariffs
• Direct delivery to company facility; no waiting at port
• Consolidated weekly customs filings
• Lower brokerage and processing fees

For qualifying manufacturers and distributors, FTZs can result in six- to seven-figure annual savings.

Ontario's Magnet Site Advantage

Ontario includes designated Magnet Sites within FTZ 50, allowing companies to activate FTZ designation more efficiently than traditional standalone sites.

Magnet Site benefits may include:

• Lower activation costs
• Streamlined approval timelines
• Expansion flexibility
• Strategic proximity to Ontario International Airport and regional freight corridors

Is FTZ Right for Your Operation? 

FTZ designation is commonly used by:

• Manufacturers importing components
• Distributors consolidating global shipments
• Companies restructuring supply chains
• Firms seeking tariff mitigation strategies

The City works directly with the Port of Long Beach to evaluate eligibility and guide companies through the activation process.