Foreign Trade Zone #227

What is a Foreign Trade Zone?

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated area within the U.S. where companies can use special customs procedures to delay or reduce duty payments on foreign merchandise. Businesses can import, store, process or assemble products in the Zone without paying duties until the goods enter U.S. commerce. 

FTZ #227 is located in southeastern and south-central Oklahoma, offering businesses a unique opportunity to cut costs, streamline operations and expand into global markets. Established in 1998, it’s the first FTZ in Oklahoma to operate outside the ports of Oklahoma City and Tulsa and is located one hour from Dallas, Texas, a national center for cargo distribution.

Why Choose Foreign Trade Zone #227?

FTZs help businesses save money, speed up operations and compete in the global market—all while boosting economic development in the surrounding area.

• Cash Flow Savings: Delay paying customs duties until goods officially enter the U.S. market.
• Duty Exemption (on re-exports): No duty paid if imported product is re-exported from FTZ.
• Duty Deferral (on imports): Customs duties and federal excise tax deferred while product is in FTZ.
• Inverted Tariff (on imports): In FTZ manufacturing or “kitting” activity, imported inputs can have higher duty rates than the finished product to be entered into U.S. commerce. The FTZ Board may allow applying the lower finished-product duty rate to the foreign inputs.
• Logistical Benefits: Companies using FTZ procedures may have access to streamlined CBP procedures (e.g., “weekly entry” or “direct delivery”).
• Other Benefits: Delayed duty payment on imported production equipment to be used in FTZ. Foreign goods and domestic goods held for export are exempt from state/local inventory taxes.

Foreign Trade Zone #227 Location Details

FTZ #227 covers three strategic sites in Oklahoma:

• Site 1: International Business Park (Durant, OK)
  • 30-acre site off U.S. Highway 69/75, the direct route from Laredo, TX to Kansas City, MO.
  • Proximity to major interstate highways:
    • I-35 (45 miles west)
    • I-40 (95 miles north)
    • I-20 (95 miles south)

• Site 2: Ardmore Industrial Airpark (Ardmore, OK)
  • 2,790-acre former Air Force base with two runways, including a 9,000 ft. main runway.
  • Rail spur access from the BNSF main line.
  • Facilities include airplane parking, fueling, FAA control tower and 24/7 security.

• Site 3: Westport Industrial Complex (Ardmore, OK)
  • 122-acre site adjacent to I-35, with easy highway access for logistics and transportation.

Key Transportation and Market Access

• Durant Regional Airport:
  • 5,500 ft. runway with jet fuel and hangar rental available.
  • Located just 1 mile from FTZ #227.
• Rail Access:
  • Served by Kiamichi Railroad (east/west) and Union Pacific (north/south).
• Highway Proximity:
  • Direct access to major interstate highways connecting to Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; and Kansas City, MO.

Foreign Trade Zone #227 Additional Resources

FTZ #227 offers more than just a location:

• Access to capital and business assistance.
• Commercial facilities available for lease.
• Resources to help businesses navigate customs and FTZ regulations.