Foreign-trade zone (FTZ) and bonded warehouses
Tailored strategies to streamline your global supply chain
Navigating the complexities of international trade requires precision, agility and deep regulatory insight. GXO’s Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) and bonded warehouse offerings help businesses improve cash flow, enhance compliance and simplify cross-border logistics. We work closely with our customers to deliver tailored, cost-effective logistics strategies that align with unique business goals and market conditions.
Our strategies are trusted by leaders in engineering, technology, apparel, footwear, outdoor and consumer products, where we bring deep operational and regulatory expertise.
Find the right fit for your international trade strategy
Foreign-trade zone (FTZ) solutions
Efficient trade zones with cost-saving advantages
A Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated area within the United States considered outside of U.S. Customs territory. This allows businesses to defer, reduce or eliminate customs duties on imported goods.
Ideal for companies looking to simplify customs and minimize duty exposure, GXO’s services support faster throughput and greater adaptability in international trade.
Key benefits:
- Duty deferral: Pay customs duties only when goods enter U.S. commerce
- Elimination of duties: No duties on goods re-exported from the FTZ
- Weekly entry savings: File a single customs entry per week to reduce fees
- Inverted tariff benefits: Pay duties on finished goods instead of components
- Operational flexibility: Activities like assembly, kitting, testing, relabeling and storage are permitted
- Compliance assurance: Full support with CBP, FTZ Board and local agency requirements
- Technology integration: Tools to manage zone operations and maximize savings
- Training and audits: Export compliance education and proactive oversight programs
Bonded warehouse solutions
Deferred duty storage with full customs compliance
A bonded warehouse is a secure facility authorized by customs for storing imported goods without immediate payment of duties or taxes.
Well-suited for businesses managing long-term inventory or positioning goods for regional distribution, GXO’s bonded warehouse provide secure, resilient and well-regulated inventory control.
Key benefits:
- Duty deferral: Delay duty payments until goods are withdrawn for domestic use
- Re-export support: Avoid duties entirely by exporting goods directly from the warehouse
- Inventory flexibility: Goods may be stored in bonded warehouses under customs supervision, subject to local regulatory requirements
- Permitted activities: Repackaging, relabeling, inspection, testing and consolidation (with approval)
- Customs control: Enhanced compliance and audit readiness through secure, regulated storage
- Supply chain agility: Buffer stock closer to demand centers without full importation
- Risk management: GXO systems and oversight help ensure compliance and reduce exposure
Built for global trade agility
Adapt quickly to shifting regulations and market demands
Our solutions scale with your business, supporting growth, expansion and smarter trade strategies.
- 70+ FTZ and bonded warehouse operations globally
- 20+ years of customs and trade compliance experience
- Proven success across key verticals
- Aligned with intermodal advantages like direct delivery, weekly entry and zone-to-zone transfers
- Integrated with major FTZ software providers to manage operations and expedite cross-border movement
Compliance without compromise
End-to-end support for customs, trade and regulatory requirements
GXO’s Trade Compliance team ensures your operations meet the highest standards:
- Export compliance training for personnel
- Site audits with shared learnings across locations
- Full documentation support for international shipments
- Application and activation support
Not sure which option is right for you?
Our team can help you evaluate your supply chain goals and regulatory requirements to determine the most effective solution.
Let’s build a smarter, more agile supply chain, together.