INzone Is
Your Guide To
Foreign-Trade
Zones
We educate, assist, and support Central Indiana companies, as they navigate the federal Foreign-Trade Zone program and access cost-saving benefits for their import-export business.
INzone is the 501(c)6 nonprofit responsible for administering the Greater Indianapolis Foreign-Trade Zone Program on behalf of the Indianapolis Airport Authority.
Our mission is to foster business growth in Central Indiana by helping companies discover and access the opportunities of the Foreign-Trade Zone program.
In 1981, the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) was awarded a Grant of Authority to establish FTZ #72 in the counties surrounding the Indianapolis International Airport. The IAA created INzone to manage local FTZ operations and promote the program as the region’s dedicated Zone Administrator.
Today, we are a one-stop shop for information on foreign-trade zones — and your guide through the FTZ application process.
Most facilities in Indiana are eligible to become designated FTZ sites, where companies can reduce, defer, and even eliminate import duties. As your local Grantee, the IAA can sponsor your application for FTZ designation after obtaining approval from the INzone Board.
Our Support Services
Confidential Assistance
We are a neutral, nonprofit resource you can trust to protect your proprietary information and thoroughly answer your questions — off the record and free of charge.
Free Feasibility Study
If you’re in Central Indiana, INzone will cover the cost of your Feasibility Study, paying up to $5,000 for a professional consultant to assess if FTZs can benefit your business.
Ongoing Audit Support
We offer free bi-annual audits for Zone Users in our service area, ensuring your company is in compliance before Customs & Border Protection conducts a review.
NAFTZ Membership
We pay for our active FTZ operators to become members of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) and access the world’s largest community of FTZ professionals.
While our team specializes in FTZ regulations, please note that our services are not a replacement for consultations with Customs Brokers, FTZ Consultants, and other legal professionals. We highly recommend that companies partner with a consultant who can be their confidant and advocate throughout the application process.
Raising Awareness Around Foreign-Trade Zones
Operating in an FTZ is more than just good business. It’s about creating jobs, supporting American industry, and bolstering our local economy.
Congress established the Foreign-Trade Zone program in the wake of the Great Depression to ensure U.S. companies could stay competitive in the global market. By promoting the program and helping more companies unlock FTZ benefits for their business, our work helps:
- Attract Foreign Direct Investment
FTZs incentivize foreign-owned companies to bring their business to the United States by offering reduced duty rates and streamlined entry procedures. - Retain and Onshore American Jobs
Manufacturing in an FTZ can counteract the advantages of offshoring, encouraging more companies to manufacture in the United States. - Expand Our International Footprint
FTZs can help U.S. companies minimize landed costs, export more affordably, and ultimately expand their impact across the globe.
For all these reasons, FTZs remain a critical tool to support economic development efforts in Indiana and beyond. That’s why INzone provides a suite of resources to help local organizations discuss foreign-trade zones with prospective companies.
FTZ History
1934
The Foreign-Trade Zones Act is signed by Congress to incentivize international investment in the United States.
1950
Congress amends the FTZ Act to permit manufacturing, offsetting the cost advantages of operating overseas.
1981
The Indianapolis Airport Authority is awarded the Grant of Authority to establish FTZ #72 in Central Indiana.
Serving Companies In Central Indiana
Indiana is one of the only states with 100% access to the Foreign-Trade Zone program, so your facility can become an FTZ — no matter where in the state you do business.
INzone’s service area spans the 41 counties surrounding the Indianapolis International Airport and all the designated FTZ sites within them. If you’re not located in Central Indiana, check out our FTZ Service Area Map below to find the grantee who can sponsor your application!
FTZ #152
Ports of Indiana – Burns HarborKent Ebbing, Foreign-Trade Zone Directorkebbing@portsofindiana.com150 West Market Street, Suite 450Indianapolis, IN 46204https://www.portsofindiana.com/463.280.8529
FTZ #125
St. Joseph County Airport AuthorityRenata Matousova, Vice President of Financeftz@sbnair.com4477 Progress DriveSouth Bend, IN 46628https://flysbn.com/574.544.6223
FTZ #182
City of Fort Wayne Community Development DivisionAndrea Robinsonandrea.robinson@cityoffortwayne.org200 E. Berry St., Suite 320Fort Wayne, IN 46802https://www.cityoffortwayne.in.gov/bizftw-about-us260.427.1127
FTZ #72
Indianapolis Airport AuthorityEmily Higgins, FTZ Marketing Managerehiggins@inzone.orgP.O. Box 51681Indianapolis, IN 46251https://www.inzone.org317.625.7096
FTZ #177
Ports of Indiana – EvansvilleKent Ebbing, Foreign-Trade Zone Directorkebbing@portsofindiana.com150 West Market Street, Suite 450Indianapolis, IN 46204https://www.portsofindiana.com/463.280.8529
FTZ #170
Ports of Indiana – Clark CountyKent Ebbing, Foreign-Trade Zone Directorkebbing@portsofindiana.com150 West Market Street, Suite 450Indianapolis, IN 46204https://www.portsofindiana.com/463.280.8529