In the U.S. textile industry, “Berry compliance” is more than a label, it’s a legal requirement that ensures materials used in certain government and military contracts are fully sourced and produced within the United States.
For manufacturers and suppliers, understanding what Berry compliance means is key to maintaining eligibility for Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal projects that rely on verified, domestic production.
What Is Berry Compliance?
Berry compliance stems from the Berry Amendment, a regulation requiring the Department of Defense to procure textiles, clothing, and other related materials that are entirely made in the U.S. — from fiber to final assembly.
That means every stage of the production process must take place domestically:
fiber → yarn → knit or weave → dye or finish → assembly.
This level of control ensures transparency, quality, and supply chain security for the nation’s defense sector.
Why Berry Compliance Matters for Manufacturers
For manufacturers, Berry compliance signifies more than meeting a regulation — it represents a verified commitment to traceability and accountability. It assures buyers that every material meets U.S. origin standards and provides the documentation to prove it.
In addition, Berry-compliant status can expand market reach. Many DoD, prime, and subcontracted projects require materials that meet these standards, and being compliant can make the difference between qualifying for a bid or being disqualified early in the process.
Key Requirements and Proof of Compliance
To confirm Berry compliance, manufacturers must provide documentation at each stage of production that verifies the domestic origin of materials. These typically include:
- Certificates of Origin (COO) and supplier attestations
- Traceability records showing each manufacturing step
- Testing documentation aligned with recognized standards
Commonly referenced testing methods include ASTM and Martindale test standards (e.g., ASTM D2261, D5733) that measure durability, strength, and performance consistency.
What's The Difference Between Berry Compliance and "Made in the USA"?
Although they sound similar, “Berry-compliant” and “Made in USA” are not interchangeable.
Aspect | Berry Compliance | Made in USA |
Governing Body | Department of Defense (DoD) | Federal Trade Commission (FTC) |
Scope | Full domestic sourcing from raw material to assembly | Majority of manufacturing costs and labor in the U.S. |
Purpose | Military and government procurement eligibility | General consumer marketing |
Documentation | Requires traceable proof at every stage | No mandatory traceability reporting |
Manufacturers that meet both designations strengthen their competitive edge, ensuring both consumer trust and compliance eligibility.
Products and Applications
Berry compliance applies to a wide range of textile categories used in military and government contracts, including:
- Uniform fabrics and tactical gear
- Load-bearing straps, webbings, and belts
- Protective covers, carriers, and tarps
- Polyester grosgrain ribbon used in mil-spec sewing applications
These materials must meet not only the Berry Amendment but also performance and durability benchmarks set by the DoD and related agencies.
Wayne Mills' Berry-Compliant Products
Each product is crafted from yarn made in the USA and proudly manufactured in our Philadelphia facility in full compliance with the Berry Amendment.
How Manufacturers Achieve Compliance
To maintain consistent Berry-compliant production, manufacturers often rely on vertically integrated operations, meaning every stage of development, from design to final finishing, happens in-house. This control supports faster audits, fewer compliance risks, and better quality assurance.
Common practices that support compliance include:
- Maintaining ISO certifications and other quality credentials
- Performing in-house testing and color lab verification
- Adopting PFAS-free, sustainable finishing processes
- Conducting regular audits with documentation retention policies
Ready to Source Berry-Compliant Materials?
Wayne Mills manufactures Berry-compliant textiles designed to meet the rigorous standards of military, defense, and government applications. With traceable, 100% domestic sourcing and in-house production from fiber to finish, our team ensures every yard meets the specifications your contract demands.