Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 153, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Aptera Motors Corp; (Solar Electric Vehicles); Carlsbad, California

Aptera Motors Corp submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board (the Board) for its facility in Carlsbad, California within Subzone 153P. The notification conforming to the requirements of the Board's regulations (15 CFR 400.22) was received on July 23, 2026.

Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), FTZ production activity would be limited to the specific foreign-status material(s)/component(s) and specific finished product(s) described in the submitted notification (summarized below) and subsequently authorized by the Board. The benefits that may stem from conducting production activity under FTZ procedures are explained in the background section of the Board's website—accessible via www.trade.gov/​ftz.

The proposed finished products include solar electric vehicles (duty rate is 2.5%).

The proposed foreign-status materials/components include: cross car beams; vehicle interior headliners; i-shaft steering racks; airbags; airbag inflators; airbag modules; airbag covers; sun visors; fluid lines; fluid manifolds; collectors; floor mats; tempered safety glass; laminated windscreens; door hinge arms; door hinges; upper door hinge assemblies; lithium-ion battery cells; vehicle horns; telematics units; audio speakers; thermistors; busbars; cooling plates; photovoltaic cells; body inner panels; body outer panels; body panels; body structural tubs; exterior body panels; seat belt retractors; seat belt b-pillar anchorage; seat belt buckle; suspension control arms; side extrusions; control arm bushings; cross bars; engine castings; suspension rockers; suspension push rods; steering knuckles; suspension arms; rear suspension pillars; kick down rails; compressor supports; tie bars; subframes; rear suspension assemblies; steering yokes; center control units; tires; wheel bearing units; brake caliper and rotors; and brake calipers (duty rates range from duty-free to 5.5%).

The request indicates that certain materials/components are subject to duties under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (section 232), or section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (section 301), depending on the country of origin. The applicable section 232 and section 301 decisions require subject merchandise to be admitted to FTZs in privileged foreign (PF) status (19 CFR 146.41). The request also indicates that aluminum extrusions, passenger vehicle tires, and tapered roller bearing units are subject to antidumping/countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders/investigations if imported from China. The Board's regulations (15 CFR 400.13(c)(2)) require that merchandise subject to AD/CVD orders, or items which would be otherwise subject to suspension of liquidation under AD/CVD procedures if they entered U.S. customs territory, be admitted to the zone in PF status (19 CFR 146.41).

Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary and sent to: ftz@trade.gov. The closing period for their receipt is September 8, 2026.

A copy of the notification will be available for public inspection in the “Online FTZ Information System” section of the Board's website.

For further information, contact Christopher Williams at christopher.williams@trade.gov.