> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/osint-tools/import-yeti.md).

# Import Yeti

| **Import Yeti**  | **Quick Overview**                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| URL              | <https://www.importyeti.com/>                                                                                                                                                                        |
| What it does     | Searches and analyses U.S. import records to reveal supplier-customer relationships, shipping activity, manufacturers, sourcing locations & supply chain connections.                                |
| How to use it    | Search by company name, supplier, brand, manufacturer, or product keyword to explore import records and supply chain relationships.                                                                  |
| Cost             | Free with optional premium features and business services.                                                                                                                                           |
| Account required | No for basic searching. Some features may require an account.                                                                                                                                        |
| Cookies          | Very minimal - uses a security/anti-bot cookie, most likely generated by Cloudflare.                                                                                                                 |
| Ownership        | A US-based company founded by [David Applegate](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemapplegate) and [James Brewer. ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrsbrewer/)                                             |
| Use in Reporting | Useful for supply chain investigations, corporate profiling, sanctions research, ESG investigations, due diligence, procurement analysis, trade intelligence and identifying business relationships. |

### What does Import Yeti do?

Import Yeti transforms complex U.S. customs and shipping records into an easy-to-search database, making it possible to map business relationships, identify manufacturers, uncover sourcing patterns, and investigate supply chains.&#x20;

**The lowdown:** It can reveal hidden business connections that may not be obvious from company websites or public statements.

### How to Use:

**1. Simply enter the name of a company, brand, importer, or manufacturer into the search bar.**

<img src="/files/PKf7063at3YrD4VoxfBG" alt="" height="440" width="602">

**2. Review the profile page to see shipment history, suppliers, and trade activity. Explore supplier relationships, then pivot and expand your investigation.**

<img src="/files/e5Ty3ZQaKm6WyyZ1Saq3" alt="" height="349" width="602">

### Cost

* [x] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid

Free with optional premium features and business services.&#x20;

## Data Processing

### Account Required:

* [ ] Yes
* [x] No

No for basic searching. Some features may require an account.

### Cookies:&#x20;

Very minimal - the site uses a security/anti-bot cookie, most likely generated by Cloudflare.&#x20;

### Use in Reporting

Import Yeti can support reporting by helping researchers:

* Verify supply chain claims.
* Identify overseas manufacturers.
* Investigate sourcing practices.
* Confirm trade relationships.
* Support due diligence investigations.
* Examine corporate transparency.
* Trace import activity over time.
* Identify potential links between companies.
* Contextualise business operations.

The Global Investigative Journalism Network includes ImportYeti in its guidance for investigating supply chains and [specifically mentions it ](https://gijn.org/stories/investigating-green-energy-supply-chains-global-south/)as a free tool for finding suppliers through a database of tens of millions of U.S. sea shipment records.

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="248.3333740234375"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Capabilities</strong></td><td><strong>Limitations</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Identifies suppliers, manufacturers, and importers linked to a company.</td><td>Coverage is largely restricted to U.S. customs and import data.</td></tr><tr><td>Maps commercial relationships across supply chains.</td><td>Records may be incomplete, delayed, or inconsistently reported.</td></tr><tr><td>Reveals historical import activity and sourcing patterns.</td><td>Company names and entities can be difficult to match accurately.</td></tr><tr><td>Supports due diligence, procurement, and investigative research.</td><td>Import records alone do not confirm current business relationships.</td></tr><tr><td>Helps uncover business connections that may not be publicly disclosed.</td><td><br></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Summary

Import Yeti provides a fast and accessible starting point for supply chain intelligence and is typically most valuable during the enrichment, analysis, and relationship-mapping stages of the OSINT workflow.

### Ownership

ImportYeti is a US-based company founded by [David Applegate](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemapplegate) and [James Brewer.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrsbrewer/)

### Ethical Considerations

* Remember that shipping records show commercial activity, not wrongdoing.
* Avoid drawing conclusions from a single shipment record.
* Corroborate findings using multiple independent sources.
* Consider the age and completeness of the data.
* Be mindful of privacy, reputational impact, and context when reporting findings.
* Follow organisational and legal guidelines when conducting investigations.

### Related Tools:

* ImportGenius
* OpenCorporates
* TradeMap
* [Marine Traffic](/osint-tools/marinetraffic.md)

#### Sources

<https://www.importyeti.com/> &#x20;

<https://www.importyeti.com/about>&#x20;

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemapplegate>&#x20;

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrsbrewer/>&#x20;

<https://gijn.org/stories/investigating-green-energy-supply-chains-global-south/>