The following procedure is applicable when merchandise is to be unladen from any carrier in the zone for immediate transfer to Customs territory, or if it is to be transferred from Customs territory through the zone for immediate lading on any carrier in the zone:

(a) Application. Application for permission to lade or unlade will be filed with the port director on Customs Form 3171 prior to transfer of the merchandise into the zone.

(b) Permit. The port director shall permit the transfer unless he has reason to believe that the merchandise will not be moved promptly from the zone or will be made the subject of an application for admission in accordance with §146.32(a).

(c) Treatment of merchandise. Upon the issuance of a permit to lade, or unlade, the merchandise will be treated as though the lading or unlading were in the Customs territory.

(d) Delay in zone transit. Merchandise delayed while transiting a zone must be made the subject of an application for admission in accordance with §146.32, or it must be removed from the zone.