Free-trade zone, also called foreign-trade zone, formerly free port, an area within which goods may be landed, handled, manufactured or reconfigured, and reexported without the intervention of the customs authorities. Only when the goods are moved to consumers within the country in which the zone is free trade zone meaning: a special area within a country where foreign companies can import materials, manufacture goods…. Learn more. Cambridge Dictionary +Plus Free trade zone. Special commercial and industrial area in or near ports of entry where foreign and domestic merchandise may be brought in without being subject to payment of customs duties. Merchandise including raw materials, components and finished goods, may be stored, sold, exhibited, repacked, assembled, sorted, graded, cleaned or otherwise manipulated prior to re-export or entry into