FTZ: Heidtman notice; Hypertherm yes; Turbocam no

The Foreign-Trade Zones Board published six notices dated November 2, 2026 by Colin Agostisi, Executive Secretary: a proposed production notification for Heidtman Tubular Products, LLC; limited authorization for Hypertherm Inc.; a not-authorized decision for Turbocam Inc.; a withdrawal for Super Micro Computer, Inc.; and two corrections (Fermi Inc. and Kerrville Public Utility Board Public Facility Corporation). The notices (FR Docs. 2026-22620, 2026-22622, 2026-22634, 2026-22621, 2026-22619, 2026-22635) are scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on November 5, 2026. Background: trade.gov/ftz; 15 CFR part 400; 19 U.S.C. 81c.

Heidtman notification open for comment. Hypertherm authorized on a limited one-year basis. Turbocam not authorized. Super Micro withdrawn. Two duty-rate corrections.

Heidtman Tubular Products (FTZ 70 / Subzone 70AF)

Notification of proposed production activity for galvanized tubing in Erie, Michigan (B-142-2026), received October 20, 2026. Proposed finished products: steel row tubes, steel tubes, and steel brackets (duty free). Proposed foreign-status inputs: flat rolled steel coils and zinc-coated flat rolled steel coils (duty free). Certain inputs are subject to Section 232 duties depending on origin, and the applicable Section 232 decisions require privileged foreign status admission (19 CFR 146.41). For Section 232 substitution drawback context, see Section 232 substitution. Comments to the Board are due 40 days after publication (by our count December 15, 2026); use the submission address in the notice.

Hypertherm authorized; Turbocam not authorized

Hypertherm Inc. (plasma cutting equipment and components) in Hanover and Lebanon, New Hampshire, Subzone 81H (B-32-2026): notified March 20, 2026; comment notice 91 FR 14679 (March 26, 2026). On November 2, 2026 the Board authorized the activity on a limited basis, subject to the FTZ Act and Board regulations including 400.14, with a one-year time limit, except precision cut hafnium wire as a foreign-status component, which requires further review (would need a production authority application under 400.23). Turbocam Inc. (turbine system components) in Ladson, South Carolina, FTZ 21 (B-37-2026): submitted March 30, 2026 by the South Carolina Ports Authority; comment notice 91 FR 17245 (April 6, 2026). On November 2, 2026 the Board decided further review is warranted and the activity was not authorized; it would need a production authority application under 400.23. Recent Board decision roundups: FTZ Board production decisions (Tesla, Baker Hughes, Stadler, AuroraTe) and FTZ production notifications (Atlantic Veal, ElringKlinger, WWT).

Super Micro withdrawal; two corrections

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (high-performance computing systems) in San Jose, Fremont, and Milpitas, California, FTZ 18 (B-75-2026): notification docketed June 17, 2026 (91 FR 37072, June 22, 2026); withdrawal requested October 30, 2026. Fermi Inc. FTZ 252 correction (B-64-2026): the June 11, 2026 notice (91 FR 35458) is corrected to show the constructed nuclear power plant facility and natural gas power plant facility finished products at duty rate 2.5%. Kerrville Public Utility Board Public Facility Corporation FTZ 155 correction (B-141-2026): the October 28, 2026 notice (91 FR 67815) is corrected to show the natural gas reciprocating internal combustion engine generation power plant facility at duty rate 2%. That correction updates the duty-rate detail in FTZ 155 Garwood power plant production notification.

Action items

• Parties interested in the Heidtman galvanized-tubing notification: comment within 40 days of publication (by our count December 15, 2026) using the Board's published submission channel.
• Operators with Hypertherm-style limited authorizations: calendar the one-year time limit and track any excepted components that still need a 400.23 application.
• If a notification is not authorized (Turbocam pattern), plan a full production authority application under 15 CFR 400.23 rather than relying on the notification path.
• Update any working notes on the Kerrville FTZ 155 notification to reflect the corrected 2% finished-product duty rate.

FTZ procedures and drawback are separate duty-management tools; some companies use both. Production authority covers only the specific foreign-status materials and finished products described and authorized (15 CFR 400.14(b)). FTZ admission does not refund duties already paid. Ordinary customs duties that remain drawback-eligible on qualifying exports or destructions are covered in how to file a duty drawback claim and 19 U.S.C. 1313.

This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.