What Does “Berry Compliant” Mean?
Posted by Simon on May 8th 2025
What Does “Berry Compliant” Mean? A Quick Guide for Tactical and Military Buyers
If you’ve ever browsed tactical gear or textile components and seen the label “Berry Compliant,” you might be wondering — what does it really mean? Is it a quality standard? A manufacturing rule? A government regulation?
In this article, we’ll break it down in plain terms and explain why Berry compliance matters, especially for military, LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces), and OEM buyers.
What Is the Berry Amendment?
The Berry Amendment is a U.S. federal regulation that requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to only purchase certain products that are 100% made in the United States, including:
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The product itself
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All materials used (e.g., fabrics, coatings, thread)
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The manufacturing process
This rule was created to protect domestic suppliers and ensure the U.S. military has access to reliable, locally sourced materials in times of conflict.
It applies mainly to:
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Textiles (webbing, fabric, zippers, etc.)
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Clothing and footwear
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Certain tools and components
?? What Makes a Product “Berry Compliant”?
A product is Berry compliant if:
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It is manufactured in the U.S.
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All raw materials are sourced from the U.S.
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It meets any specific DoD contract requirements
Just being “Made in USA” is not always enough — the raw components must also be domestic.
Examples of Berry Compliant Items:
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Tactical pouches made from U.S.-woven Cordura®
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Webbing or hook & loop made from domestic yarns
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Zippers manufactured by YKK USA
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Apparel and accessories produced entirely within the U.S.
What Is Not Berry Compliant?
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Gear assembled in the U.S. using foreign fabric or hardware
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Tactical equipment using imported plastic or steel
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Any item with non-domestic thread, binding, or trim
Even if something is MIL-SPEC, that doesn’t mean it’s automatically Berry compliant.
Why Berry Compliance Matters
For U.S. military contractors, Berry compliance is often a legal requirement. If your product is going to be used in a government contract, even small components (like buckles or cord locks) may need to meet Berry standards.
For LEAF units, first responders, and OEM builders, Berry compliance is a sign of:
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Domestic reliability
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Ethical sourcing
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Higher assurance in supply chain security
Do You Need Berry Compliant Gear?
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If you sell to the U.S. military or federal agencies: Yes — always confirm compliance.
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If you manufacture tactical or field gear: It’s best to label your components clearly.
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If you're buying for personal or non-government use: You may not need it, but it's still a mark of quality.
How to Verify Berry Compliance
Always ask your supplier for a Certificate of Compliance or written documentation showing that:
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All materials are sourced in the U.S.
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The product is assembled/manufactured domestically
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No non-compliant substitutions have been made
For consumers what is means?
For consumers, choosing Berry-compliant products helps support American jobs, strengthen the economy, and reinforce a self-reliant defense industry.
Final Thought
Berry compliance isn’t just a regulation — it’s a commitment to supporting U.S. manufacturing and ensuring the highest level of traceability and quality in your gear.
If you're unsure whether a product is Berry compliant, always ask. At Hudson Supplies Corp, we’re happy to help clarify when needed.
For official details:
https://www.trade.gov/berry-amendment
Aslo read this:
The Irony and Complexity of “Berry Compliant” and 100% Made in the USA.