Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 126, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America; (Lithium-Ion Battery Cells); Sparks, Nevada

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board (the Board) for its facilities in Sparks, Nevada within Subzone 126H. The notification conforming to the requirements of the Board's regulations (15 CFR 400.22) was received on August 6, 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: Finished Lithium-Ion Battery Cells (duty rate ranges from 3.4%). ( printed page 55078)

The proposed foreign-status materials/components include: Natural Graphite; Sealants (Ingredients: Conjugated diene type polymer, Carbon Black, Xylene [Dimethyl benzene], Ethyl benzene); Sealants; SiC (Silicon Carbide); N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP); NMP Conductive Paste (FT6810, NMP, Polyvinylpyrrolidone); Artificial Graphite; NCMA (Aluminum- and yttrium- and zirconium-doped, Cobalt lithium manganese nickel oxide); NCMA (Cobalt lithium manganese nickel oxide, Aluminum- and titanium- and zirconium-doped); Silicon Composite Material (Silicate Glass, Silicon, Iron, Zirconium Oxide, Carbon); Silicon Monoxide; P Binder (1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, Polyvinylidene Fluoride); PVDF: Polymer of 1, 1-difluoroethene; Acrylic acid-based Salt; Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose thickener; Polyimide Adhesive Tape; Polypropylene Film with Acrylic Adhesive Tape; Polyethylene Separators; Polypropylene Gaskets; Latex Rubber Binder (Water, Butadiene-styrene type copolymer); Copper Foil; Nickel Clad Copper Negative Tabs; Aluminum Rolls; Aluminum Foil; Aluminum Rupture Discs; and Aluminum Cathode Tab (duty rate ranges from duty-free to 6.5%).

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 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 October 5, 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 John Frye at John.Frye@trade.gov.