Sarah Hinman

Sarah Hinman is a licensed U.S. customs broker located in Everett, Washington, operating under CBP filer code NRW. Everett sits at the heart of one of the most active import corridors in the United States — the Puget Sound region, flanked by the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma. These ports handle tens of millions of metric tons of cargo annually, with strong inbound trade lanes from Asia, Canada, and beyond. For importers moving goods through this corridor, working with a locally licensed broker can make a meaningful difference in clearance efficiency and communication.

As a CBP-licensed customs broker, Sarah is authorized to act as importer of record on behalf of clients, prepare and file customs entries, and navigate the regulatory requirements that govern commercial imports into the United States. Whether a shipment requires a formal entry or qualifies as an informal entry, understanding the distinction matters — formal entries are generally required for commercial shipments valued above $2,500, while informal entries apply to lower-value or non-commercial goods. Getting this classification right is foundational to avoiding delays.

ISF filing — the Importer Security Filing, sometimes called ISF 10+2 — is a mandatory pre-arrival requirement for ocean freight shipments. Failure to file accurately and on time can result in CBP holds and monetary penalties. A licensed broker handles this filing on the importer's behalf, coordinating the required data elements from shippers and freight forwarders before the vessel departs the origin port.

For importers who are new to U.S. trade compliance, understanding the difference between a Schedule B code and an HTS code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule, 10-digit) is critical — these codes determine the applicable duty rate and any trade remedy tariffs that may apply to a given product. Brokers assist in classifying goods accurately to avoid underpayment or overpayment of duties.

Additional compliance areas relevant to Pacific Northwest importers include import bond requirements — whether a single entry bond or a continuous customs bond makes more sense depends on import frequency and volume — as well as duty drawback programs for eligible importers who re-export or destroy imported merchandise. Everett-area importers in industries such as electronics, consumer goods, machinery, and textiles moving through the Seattle-Tacoma port complex may find Sarah's local knowledge and CBP licensure a practical asset for their import operations.