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Code of the District of Columbia

Chapter 5. Foreign Trade Zones.

§ 36–501. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:

(1) “Private corporation” means any corporation, other than a public corporation, organized for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign trade zone.

(2) “Public corporation” means the District of Columbia government or an agency of the District of Columbia government or similar organization that is financed in whole or in part by public funds.

§ 36–502. Authority to establish, operate, and maintain a foreign trade zone.

(a) Any private corporation or public corporation may make application for the privilege of establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign trade zone or subzone in the District of Columbia, pursuant to 19 U.S.C. §§ 81a-81u. Following approval of the application by the Foreign Trade Zones Board established pursuant to 19 U.S.C. §§ 81a-81u, the private corporation or public corporation shall take all actions necessary to comply with 19 U.S.C. §§ 81a-81u and any other applicable laws, rules, and regulations adopted in accordance with 19 U.S.C. §§ 81a-81u.

(b) Any activity in the District of Columbia authorized by 19 U.S.C. §§ 81a-81u to be conducted within a foreign trade zone or subzone:

(1) May be conducted within a foreign trade zone or subzone operated by a private corporation or public corporation within the District of Columbia; and

(2) Shall comply with the Zoning Regulations of the District of Columbia set forth in title 11 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (11 DCMR).

§ 36–503. Licensing and taxation.

Except as provided by 19 U.S.C. §§ 81a-81u , or by other Federal or District law, all activities and entities operating within a foreign trade zone that is established within the District of Columbia shall be subject to all applicable District licenses, permits, and taxation.

§ 36–504. Jurisdiction.

The District of Columbia reserves jurisdiction in a foreign trade zone or subzone in all civil and criminal matters not relating to customs or federal diversity or federal jurisdiction.