An explanation of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and how exporters can utilize them. This information is from "A Basic Guide to Exporting" provided by the U.S. Commercial Service to assist U.S. companies with exporting.
Last Published: 7/9/2016
To encourage and facilitate international trade, countries all over the world have established export processing zones (EPZs) of many types, including free trade zones, special economic zones, bonded warehouses, free ports, and customs zones. EPZs have evolved from initial assembly and simple processing activities to encompass high-tech and science parks, finance zones, logistics centers, and even tourist resorts.

They now include not only general-type zones but also single-industry zones and single-commodity zones. Both the number of EPZs and the number of countries hosting them have expanded rapidly. There are now more than 600 EPZs in more than 100 countries. Many U.S. manufacturers and their distributors use these zones for receiving shipments of goods that are reshipped in smaller lots to customers throughout the surrounding areas. For more information, contact your local U.S. Commercial Service office.