In today’s fast-paced global trade environment, Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZ) in India have become the backbone for businesses looking to simplify third country export, streamline logistics, and minimize costs. For international traders and import-export companies, FTWZ offers unmatched advantages — from duty-free storage to seamless re-export procedures under India’s MOOWR scheme.

At Awat Logistics, we specialize in providing end-to-end FTWZ solutions through our FTWZ warehouses in Chennai, Mumbai, and other key logistics hubs across India. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to effectively use FTWZ for re-export operations, ensuring compliance, cost efficiency, and faster market access.

What is an FTWZ (Free Trade Warehousing Zone)?

A Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) is a special economic zone designed to promote international trading and warehousing. It allows global businesses to store, process, and re-export goods without paying import duties until the products enter the Indian market.

FTWZs serve as duty-free shops for global traders, offering world-class facilities for custom bonded warehousing, freight forwarding, and supply chain management. These zones also allow value-added services such as labeling, packaging, and quality inspections — making them a strategic hub for re-export and third country trade.

Why Use FTWZ for Re-Export?

Using FTWZ in India for re-export offers numerous commercial and operational benefits:

1. Duty-Free Storage – Goods stored in FTWZ are not subject to customs duties or GST until sold in India.

2. Simplified Customs Procedures – Custom clearance is streamlined, allowing easy re-export to other countries.

3. Ideal for Third Country Export – You can import goods from one country, store them in FTWZ, and re-export them to another without paying import duties in India.

4. Supports the MOOWR Scheme – The MOOWR (Manufacturing and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations) scheme allows importers to defer or waive customs duty while conducting business operations inside FTWZ.

5. Integrated Supply Chain Management – FTWZ offers a one-stop solution for logistics and freight forwarding, ensuring faster turnaround and reduced logistics costs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use FTWZ for Re-Export

Step 1: Import Goods into FTWZ

Begin by importing goods from your supplier country into an FTWZ warehouse (such as FTWZ Chennai or FTWZ Mumbai).
At this stage, no customs duty or GST is levied since FTWZ is treated as being outside the customs territory of India.

Step 2: Store Goods in Custom Bonded Warehousing

Once the goods arrive, they can be stored in custom bonded warehousing for as long as needed — there’s no time restriction. This flexibility helps companies manage inventory efficiently and respond to changing market demands.

Awat Logistics provides state-of-the-art FTWZ warehouse facilities with temperature control, security, and dedicated zones for alcohol warehousing and liquor warehouse management, making it ideal for global beverage brands.

Step 3: Value Addition & Repacking

Within FTWZ, you can undertake permitted operations such as:

• Repacking, labeling, and barcoding

• Quality inspection and testing

• Kitting or assembly for exports

These activities add value without triggering customs duty obligations.

Step 4: Re-Export to Global Markets

Once the goods are ready for dispatch, Awat Logistics handles freight forwarding and custom clearance for re-export to the final destination.
The process involves minimal paperwork, faster clearances, and direct shipping from FTWZ to the overseas buyer.

This step eliminates the need for routing goods through traditional bonded warehouses or inland depots — saving both time and money.

Step 5: Manage Documentation and Compliance

Proper documentation ensures compliance with DGFT and Customs regulations.
Awat Logistics offers end-to-end support for:

• Shipping bill filing

• Export documentation

• Inventory management

• EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) reporting

By automating compliance and document control, our team minimizes errors and delays, ensuring smooth third country export operations.

FTWZ Locations for Re-Export: Chennai and Mumbai

Awat Logistics operates strategically located FTWZ warehouses in Chennai and Mumbai, India’s busiest trade corridors.

• FTWZ Chennai – Ideal for traders dealing with Southeast Asian and Far East markets.

• FTWZ Mumbai – Perfect for Middle East, Europe, and African routes.

Both zones are equipped with advanced warehousing, custom bonded storage, and freight forwarding capabilities to handle diverse products, from electronics to alcohol and luxury goods.

FTWZ and the MOOWR Scheme: The Perfect Pair

The MOOWR (Manufacturing and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations) scheme complements FTWZ operations by enabling:

• Deferred customs duties on imported goods.

• Manufacture, processing, or repair inside bonded zones.

• Tax benefits for exporters and re-exporters.

Awat Logistics combines FTWZ and MOOWR advantages to create a seamless ecosystem for global traders looking to leverage India’s strategic location as a re-export hub.

Industries Benefiting from FTWZ Re-Export

1. Liquor and Alcohol Brands – Use alcohol warehousing in FTWZ for storage and duty-free re-export.

2. Electronics & Technology – Benefit from deferred duties and global supply chain management.

3. Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare – Ensure compliance and quality assurance with temperature-controlled warehousing.

4. Luxury Goods & Retail – Use duty-free shops and bonded warehouses for high-value re-export.

Why Choose Awat Logistics for FTWZ Re-Export Services?

• Expert in FTWZ in India operations (Chennai, Mumbai, and more).

• 360° solutions covering custom bonded warehousing, custom clearance, and freight forwarding.

• Integrated supply chain management for seamless re-export logistics.

• Trusted partner for third country exports, liquor warehousing, and MOOWR-based operations.

With a deep understanding of international trade regulations and customs procedures, Awat Logistics empowers businesses to expand globally through efficient FTWZ solutions.

Conclusion

Using Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZ) in India for re-export is not just a smart strategy — it’s a competitive edge in modern global trade.
From duty-free storage to simplified custom clearance, FTWZ warehouses in Chennai and Mumbai offer exporters the agility and savings they need to succeed.

Partner with Awat Logistics today to leverage India’s FTWZ advantage and transform your third country export operations into a seamless, profitable, and compliant trade solution.