Rafiki Trade Group, PLLC

Rafiki Trade Group, PLLC is a Seattle-area customs brokerage and trade compliance consulting firm headquartered in Mercer Island, Washington. Licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under filer code EJP, the firm has been in continuous operation since 2006 under the leadership of founder and President Andrea Holtan. With nearly two decades of experience, Rafiki Trade Group has built a practice centered on helping commercial importers understand and manage the regulatory demands of cross-border trade — not just processing entries, but building the knowledge and systems importers need for long-term compliance.

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Rafiki Trade Group is strategically positioned to support importers utilizing the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, which together form one of the busiest gateway complexes on the West Coast for Asia-origin cargo. Companies importing electronics, consumer goods, machinery and equipment, or other manufactured products from East Asian suppliers frequently route shipments through this corridor, and a locally based broker with deep compliance expertise is a valuable partner in that process.

Rafiki Trade Group's services extend well beyond customs entry preparation. The firm is noted for its work in import and export compliance audits — a critical offering for companies that want to identify classification errors, assess HTS code accuracy, and evaluate whether their internal processes meet CBP expectations. Proper 10-digit HTS code classification is foundational to determining correct duty rates, qualifying for trade agreement benefits, and avoiding costly CBP penalties. An experienced compliance consultant can identify misclassifications before they become audit findings.

For importers navigating questions around importer of record requirements, continuous customs bond coverage, single entry bond thresholds, formal versus informal entry determinations, or partner government agency (PGA) requirements from agencies like the FDA, EPA, or USDA, working with a compliance-focused broker like Rafiki Trade Group provides more than clearance — it provides guidance. The firm also brings relevant knowledge to topics such as duty drawback programs, importer security filing (ISF) obligations, and the distinctions between Schedule B and HTS codes for export versus import purposes.

Whether you are a first-time importer establishing a recurring import program, a growing company conducting a customs compliance audit, or an established importer looking for a broker with genuine regulatory depth in the Pacific Northwest, Rafiki Trade Group, PLLC offers the combination of CBP licensing and consulting expertise to support your trade operations effectively.