Spring Seminar Agenda

• Explore the daily outlook & NAFTZ developments

• Review latest developments impacting the Foreign-Trade Zones program.

• Review important policy changes affecting U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones.
• ACE
  Functionality Updates Impacting FTZs and Import Processes
• Part 146 Rewrite Update
  Truck Manifest Update

• Desc. Attendees will walk away with
• (1.) a foundation of the FTZ requirements,
• (2.) explanation of the many unique differences for multi-user 3PL operations as compared to single user non-3PL operations, and
• (3.) a list of best practices specifically based upon 3PL needs.

• Assess FTZ systems readiness
• Understand how to implement effective training plan
• Establish a plan for documented FTZ processes and controls –
• Understand how to coordinate stakeholders for proper go-live planning and
• Evaluate overall readiness of FTZ program before go-live.

• Desc. Explore Marketing methodologies specific zone sites, magnet sites, local industry, and unique strategies

*Asked Grantee Comm./Robbie for suggestions

• (1.) a comprehensive list of the topics and areas to be reviewed and/or considered;
• (2.) the pros & cons of insourcing vs. outsourcing; and
• (3.) recommendations on best practices for improved chances of success.

• Review upcoming E-filing deadlines and compliance
• Understand the different types of CPSC reporting methods and their application in FTZ environments.
• Identify when and how zones must report CPSC certificate information to ensure compliance.
• Recognize the unique challenges zones face compared to other PGA programs and apply strategies to overcome them.

• Diving deeper into the balance of economic development mindset and FTZ company benefits in reaching target audiences
• How to craft FTZ value propositions for the C-suite and civic leaders
• Balance economic-development goals with compliance credibility and myth-busting talking points.
• Community storytelling: Translate FTZ benefits for local stakeholders (jobs, capex, resilience) without hype; prepare elected-official talking points and “why here/why now” narratives.

• 1. How AI agents function as operational teammates across classification, validations, exception handling, and reporting.
• 2. A blueprint for designing intelligent workflows that combine humans, systems, and agents into a coordinated operational model.
• 3. Governance and controls required to deploy agents safely in regulated and audit-sensitive environments.
• 4. Where AI agents deliver the biggest value first and which areas still require human judgment.
• 5. How trade and compliance teams can prepare now for a future of continuously improving, semi-autonomous operations.

3:00-3:30pm REFRESHMENT BREAK 

• desc - Review a full and complete listing of content needed for compliance with 19 CFR 146, as well as a tool to assist FTZ Operators especially during headcount transition.

• The breadth of merchandise subject to Section 232 additional tariffs has dramatically increased in the last 12 months. Then the expansion to ‘derivative’ products made FTZ reporting more cumbersome and complicated, and recent changes by CBP haven’t helped. Join this session as we explore:

  • Understand the different types of Section 232 trade remedy tariffs and their reporting requirements.
  • Impact of the recent lawsuit on derivative valuation and how that may complicate recordkeeping.
  • The inclusion process and how that may expand the breadth of products to which Section 232 applies.

• Desc. 1. Understand the path from inactivity to activation — how designated but dormant zones can be revived through clear planning, partnerships, and outreach,
• 2. Learn how to translate complex FTZ regulations into plain language and actionable steps, ensuring alignment among public, private, and federal partners
• 3. Gain practical communication and coordination strategies that foster collaboration between grantees, operators, and consultants — building a sustainable foundation for long-term FTZ success
• 4. Explore ways to effectively manage FTZ responsibilities alongside other core duties, developing systems and partnerships that allow limited-staff entities to stay compliant and proactive without dedicated full-time FTZ personnel

• Join the discussion on hot topics for Operators/Users

• Join the discussion on hot topics for Grantees

Location: TBD