FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

Tex. BUS. & COM Code ch. 681
in effect

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.001. DEFINITION.

In this chapter, "foreign trade zone" has the meaning assigned to the term "zone" by the Foreign Trade Zones Act (19 U.S.C. Section 81a et seq.). Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.002. AUTHORIZATION SUBJECT TO FEDERAL LAW AND REGULATIONS.

An authorization under this chapter is subject to the requirements of federal law and the regulations of the board established to carry out the provisions of the Foreign Trade Zones Act (19 U.S.C. Section 81a et seq.). Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009. SUBCHAPTER B. GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF FOREIGN TRADE ZONES BY CERTAIN ENTITIES

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.051. DEFINITIONS.

In this subchapter: (1) "Eligible corporation" means a corporation organized to establish, operate, and maintain a foreign trade zone. (2) "Governmental entity" means: (A) this state; (B) a state agency; (C) a county, municipality, or special district; or (D) a combination of entities listed in Paragraphs (A)-(C). Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.052. GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR ELIGIBLE CORPORATION OR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY.

(a) An eligible corporation or a governmental entity may: (1) apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain a foreign trade zone and subzones; and (2) take other actions necessary to establish, operate, and maintain the foreign trade zone and subzones. (b) An applicant under Subsection (a) may select and describe the location of the foreign trade zone and subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009. SUBCHAPTER C. GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF FOREIGN TRADE ZONES BY CERTAIN JOINT BOARDS

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.101. DEFINITION.

In this subchapter, "joint board" means a joint board created by two or more municipalities with a combined population of more than one million under: (1) Chapter 114 , Acts of the 50th Legislature, Regular Session, 1947; or (2) Section 22.074 , Transportation Code. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.102. GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR JOINT BOARD.

(a) A joint board may apply for and accept a permit, license, or other grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) one or more foreign trade zones, as Texas ports of entry under federal law, in any county in which the board's airport is located; and (2) other subzones or other additions to an existing zone inside or outside that county. (b) In operating and maintaining a foreign trade zone or subzone under this subchapter, a joint board may exercise any power or authority necessary to establish, operate, and maintain the foreign trade zone or subzone in accordance with federal law, rules, and regulations. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009. SUBCHAPTER D. SPECIFIC AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.151. AMARILLO TRADE ZONE CORPORATION.

The Amarillo Trade Zone, Inc., organized under the laws of this state, with offices at or near Amarillo, Potter, and Randall Counties, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Amarillo, Potter, and Randall Counties; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.152. CITY OF AUSTIN OR DESIGNEE.

The City of Austin, or a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the City of Austin, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Travis County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.153. CITY OF BEAUMONT; JEFFERSON COUNTY; PORT OF BEAUMONT NAVIGATION DISTRICT; OR CERTAIN OTHER CORPORATIONS OR ENTITIES.

(a) This section applies to: (1) the City of Beaumont; (2) the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce; (3) Jefferson County; (4) the Port of Beaumont Navigation District of Jefferson County; (5) the Beaumont Economic Development Foundation, a nonprofit corporation organized under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act (Article 1396-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), with offices at Beaumont, Jefferson County; or (6) any other corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the Port of Beaumont Navigation District of Jefferson County. (b) A corporation or entity listed in or described by Subsection (a) may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain a foreign trade zone and subzones in Beaumont, Jefferson County, or another location in the portion of the Port Arthur Customs District located in this state. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.154. PORT FREEPORT OR DESIGNEE.

Port Freeport, or a corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by Port Freeport, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone adjacent to a port of entry in Port Freeport; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969 ), Sec. 4.013, eff. September 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.155. BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT.

The Brownsville Navigation District may: (1) apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (A) a foreign trade zone at the Brownsville port of entry; and (B) subzones of that zone; and (2) on issuance of the grant of authority, take any action necessary or appropriate to establish, operate, or maintain the foreign trade zone and subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.156. CALHOUN-VICTORIA FOREIGN TRADE ZONE CORPORATION.

The Calhoun-Victoria Foreign Trade Zone, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of this state, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Calhoun County, Victoria County, or both; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.157. CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI AUTHORITY, OR DESIGNEE.

The City of Corpus Christi, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority of Nueces County, or any other approved public agency designated by the City of Corpus Christi or the Port of Corpus Christi Authority of Nueces County may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain a foreign trade zone and subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.158. CITY OF DEL RIO OR DESIGNEE.

The City of Del Rio, or a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the City of Del Rio, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Del Rio, Val Verde County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.159. CITY OF EAGLE PASS OR DESIGNEE.

The City of Eagle Pass, or a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the City of Eagle Pass, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Eagle Pass, Maverick County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.160. CITY OF EL PASO OR EL PASO TRADE ZONE CORPORATION.

The City of El Paso or the El Paso Trade Zone, Inc., organized under the laws of this state, with offices at or near El Paso, El Paso County, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone adjacent to any port of entry in El Paso County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.161. CITY OF GALVESTON OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF GALVESTON WHARVES.

The City of Galveston or the Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves may: (1) apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (A) a foreign trade zone at the Galveston port of entry; and (B) any subzones of that zone; and (2) on issuance of the grant of authority, take any action necessary or appropriate to establish, operate, and maintain the foreign trade zone and subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.162. HARLINGEN TRADE ZONE CORPORATION.

The Harlingen Trade Zone, Inc., organized under the laws of this state, with offices at or near Harlingen, Cameron County, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone adjacent to any port of entry in Cameron County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.163. CITY OF HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY, OR CERTAIN OTHER CORPORATIONS OR ENTITIES.

(a) This section applies to: (1) the City of Houston; (2) Harris County; (3) a corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the City of Houston or Harris County; or (4) any municipality or county located within five miles of a major space and aeronautics center. (b) To establish, operate, and maintain a space facility to be named "Star Port," a corporation or entity listed in or described by Subsection (a) may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone adjacent to or near a facility of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Harris County; and (2) other subzones. (c) The corporation or entity may apply for or adopt any appropriate inducements for the establishment and operation of the foreign trade zone, including any appropriate or applicable tax abatement or tax exemption. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.164. CITY OF HOUSTON, PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY, OR HOUSTON FOREIGN-TRADE ZONE CORPORATION.

The City of Houston, the Port of Houston Authority, and the Houston Foreign-Trade Zone, Incorporated, a private corporation organized under the laws of this state, may each: (1) apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (A) a foreign trade zone at the Houston port of entry; and (B) any subzones of that zone; and (2) if the grant of authority is approved, take any action necessary to establish, operate, and maintain the foreign trade zone. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.165. JEFFERSON COUNTY AIRPORT GOVERNING BODY.

The governing body of the Jefferson County Airport may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Jefferson County, which may include: (A) land inside the boundaries of the airport; and (B) private industrial land, not to exceed 1,000 acres, adjacent to the airport; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.166. CITY OF LAREDO.

The City of Laredo or an instrumentality of the City of Laredo may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone at the Laredo port of entry; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.167. CITY OF LUBBOCK OR DESIGNEE.

The City of Lubbock, or a corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the City of Lubbock, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone adjacent to the United States Customs port of entry at Lubbock; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.168. MCALLEN TRADE ZONE CORPORATION.

The McAllen Trade Zone, Inc., organized under the laws of this state, with offices at McAllen, Hidalgo County, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone at the McAllen port of entry; and (2) other subzones, one of which may be located in Starr County. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.169. CITY OF MIDLAND OR DESIGNEE.

The City of Midland, or a corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the City of Midland, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone adjacent to the Midland Regional Airport; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.170. CITY OF MIDLOTHIAN.

The City of Midlothian may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Midlothian, Ellis County, adjacent to the port limits of the Dallas-Fort Worth port of entry; and (2) other subzones in Ellis County. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442 ), Sec. 70, eff. September 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.171. ORANGE COUNTY NAVIGATION AND PORT DISTRICT.

The Orange County Navigation and Port District may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Orange County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.172. PORT OF PORT ARTHUR NAVIGATION DISTRICT.

The Port of Port Arthur Navigation District of Jefferson County may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Jefferson County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.173. SAN ANGELO TRADE ZONE CORPORATION.

The San Angelo Trade Zone, Inc., organized under the laws of this state, with offices at San Angelo, Tom Green County, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in San Angelo, Tom Green County; (2) a foreign trade zone at the San Angelo port of entry; and (3) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.174. CITY OF SAN ANTONIO OR DESIGNEE.

(a) The City of San Antonio, or a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the City of San Antonio, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone at or adjacent to any port of entry in Bexar County; and (2) other subzones. (b) After a nonprofit corporation has accepted a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain a foreign trade zone under this section, the City of San Antonio may not exercise any further control or supervision over the corporation with regard to: (1) the naming of directors and officers of the corporation; or (2) the corporation's internal management or organization. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.175. SATURN TRADE ZONE CORPORATION.

The Saturn Trade Zone Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of this state, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone at the location designated by General Motors Corporation in this state for the Saturn automobile production facility; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.176. STARR COUNTY INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION.

The Starr County Industrial Foundation, a nonprofit corporation organized under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act (Article 1396-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), to promote the economic development of Starr County, with offices at Rio Grande City, Starr County, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Rio Grande City, Starr County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.177. CITY OF WESLACO OR WESLACO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

The City of Weslaco or the Weslaco Development Corporation, Incorporated, a corporation organized under the laws of this state, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in Weslaco, Hidalgo County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.178. WESTPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

The Westport Economic Development Corporation, organized as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of this state, with offices at El Paso, El Paso County, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone in or adjacent to the United States Customs port of entry at El Paso, El Paso County; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.

Tex. BUS. & COM Code § 681.179. CITY OF PHARR OR DESIGNEE.

The City of Pharr, or a corporation organized under the laws of this state and designated by the City of Pharr, may apply for and accept a grant of authority to establish, operate, and maintain: (1) a foreign trade zone at or adjacent to the Pharr port of entry; and (2) other subzones. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 362 (H.B. 2515 ), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2015.
Source: TX Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Fetched: 6/28/2026