Indefinite storage of goods to await favorable marketing conditions, without being subject to import quotas.

Opportunity to test merchandise and to destroy, return, or repair substandard goods and thus avoid import duties.

Manufacture goods within the zone leaving waste behind, and paying duty only on saleable product.

Savings on duty payments due to evaporation, scrap, seepage, shrinkage or other accountable loss since duty paid is based on most recent weight of the material.

Assembling and/or combining domestic and imported materials or components to lower import duties payable and obtain an edge in the American market. (If total value exceeds 50% of the total it can qualify for "Made in the U.S.A." label.)

Use of Foreign Trade Zone marketing services including international trademarks, display areas, and showrooms.

Indefinite and duty free exhibitions of goods in the zone.

Retention of more operating capital - duty is not paid until the product is sold or removed from the zone.

Avoidance of fines assessed on improperly marked goods reaching Customs territory. Users may withdraw a sample to determine how U.S. Customs identifies the product.

Alteration of imported goods to conform to foreign market specifications or to conform to U.S. standards before entry into U.S. Customs territory.

Money is not tied up in drawbacks, since import duties are avoided on imported goods to be re-exported to foreign markets.

Premiums on insurance payments are based only upon the value of goods insured plus freight (but exclude duties and taxes) which allows for insurance savings.