On September 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce approved the Port’s application to reorganize FTZ #135 under the Alternative Site Framework (ASF). ASF is an optional framework for organizing and designating sites that allows zones to use quicker and less complex procedures to obtain FTZ designation for eligible facilities.
Since its establishment on March 16, 1987, FTZ #135 had been operating under the Traditional Site Framework, in which the ordinary timeframe to process a request under the FTZ Board’s regulations is 10 months from the date of docketing. Under the Alternative Site Framework, the ordinary timeframe is shortened by 75 days.