Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 38, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; ElringKlinger South Carolina, LLC; (Automotive Battery Subassemblies); Easley, South Carolina

ElringKlinger South Carolina, LLC submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board (the Board) for its facility in Easley, South Carolina within FTZ 38. The notification conforming to the requirements of the Board's regulations (15 CFR 400.22) was received on September 24, 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: battery cell interconnection assembly; battery distribution and sensing assembly; and flexible printed circuit (duty rate ranges from duty-free to 3.4%).

The proposed foreign-status materials/components include: cleaning paste; plastic resin; insulating plastic film; plastic protective cover; steel bolts; steel screws; copper busbar; aluminum sheet; aluminum connector; plastic support used to secure busbar; plastic fastener for screws; flexible printed circuit; flexible electrical connector; and plastic carrier used to support busbar (duty rate ranges from duty-free to 8.5%).

The request indicates that certain materials/components are subject to duties under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 or section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, 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 December 9, 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.