| Author | : | Jim Lee |
|---|---|---|
| Position | : | CTC Vice President of Sales |
| Words | : | 977 |
| Read Time | : | 5 minutes |
Summary
In defense manufacturing, Berry Amendment-compliant sewing thread is non-negotiable. Under the Berry Amendment, every textile component—down to the smallest spool of sewing thread—must be 100% domestically produced for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. For a product to truly stand as “American Made,” every single stitch must be addressed.
In the world of sewn products manufacturing, few regulations carry as much weight—or confusion—as the Berry Amendment. Originally enacted in 1941 and later codified in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), the Berry Amendment requires the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to give preference to domestically sourced materials for certain products, including textiles, clothing, and sewing thread.
For manufacturers supplying products to the military or defense contractors, understanding and complying with the Berry Amendment is not just a legal obligation—it’s a strategic imperative. This post explores why Berry-compliant sewing thread matters, how it affects your business, and what steps you can take to ensure compliance.
What Is the Berry Amendment?
The Berry Amendment mandates that certain goods purchased by the DoD must be wholly produced in the United States. This includes:
- Clothing and textiles
- Food
- Specialty metals
- Hand or measuring tools
For sewn products manufacturers, the most relevant categories are textiles and clothing, which encompass everything from uniforms and gear to tents and parachutes. Crucially, sewing thread used in these products must also be Berry-compliant.
Why Berry-Compliant Sewing Thread Matters
Sewing thread may seem like a small detail in a large product, but it plays a critical role in the integrity, durability, and safety of military gear. Whether it’s a combat uniform, a tactical vest, or a parachute harness, the thread holds everything together—literally.
Using a non-compliant thread in a Berry-regulated product can result in:
- Contract violations
- Loss of eligibility for future DoD contracts
- Legal and financial penalties
In short, the thread is not just a component—it’s a compliance checkpoint.
The Strategic Importance of Berry Compliance
- National Security
The Berry Amendment was designed to protect the U.S. industrial base and ensure that critical defense supplies are not dependent on foreign sources. By using Berry-compliant thread, manufacturers contribute to a secure and resilient supply chain. - Economic Impact
Champion Thread Company and other domestic suppliers play a vital role in sustaining American jobs and manufacturing capabilities. Berry compliance supports local economies and helps maintain a skilled workforce in the textile sector. - Quality Assurance
Berry-compliant thread often meets or exceeds MIL-SPEC standards, which define the performance characteristics required for military applications. This ensures that products are not only compliant but also reliable under extreme conditions.
“You cannot be the strongest military in the world while depending on foreign supply chains for mission-critical gear. The Berry Amendment protects our warfighters, protects American manufacturing, and protects our national security… the equipment that defends the United States should be made in the United States.”
— Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Co-Chair of the Congressional Berry Amendment Caucus (2025).
Who Must Comply?
Berry Amendment compliance applies to:
- Prime contractors working directly with the DoD
- Subcontractors supplying components to prime contractors
- Manufacturers producing finished goods for military use
If your product is part of a DoD contract valued over $150,000 andand falls under the covered categories, you are required to use Berry-compliant materials—including sewing thread.
How to Ensure Berry-Compliance
- Source from Verified Suppliers
Work with thread suppliers such as Champion Thread Company, which can provide documentation and certification of Berry compliance. Ask for:
– Certificates of origin
– Compliance statements
– MIL-SPEC documentation (if applicable) - Audit Your Supply Chain
Review all components of your sewn products to ensure every material meets Berry requirements. This includes fabric, zippers, fasteners, and thread. - Train Your Team
Educate your procurement, production, and compliance teams about the Berry Amendment. Make sure everyone understands what it covers and how to verify compliance. - Stay Updated
Regulations can evolve. Stay informed about changes to DFARS and other relevant procurement rules. Partnering with knowledgeable suppliers can help you stay ahead of compliance risks. - Order Purposely
When issuing a purchase order to a component supplier, include this specific language to protect your company legally: Compliance Requirement: “All items provided under this purchase Order must be ‘Berry Amendment Compliant’ in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4862 and DFARS 252.225-7012.
Common Berry-Compliance Misconceptions
- “Thread doesn’t count.”
It absolutely does. The Berry Amendment applies to all textile components, including sewing thread. - “Only prime contractors need to worry.”
Subcontractors and suppliers are equally responsible for compliance. If your thread is part of a military product, it must be Berry-compliant. - “Imported thread is fine if the rest is domestic.”
Nope. Every component must meet the domestic sourcing requirement.
In the eyes of the DoD, a $500 tactical vest is considered “non-compliant” if it is held together by $2 worth of imported thread.
As Steve Merch, Director of Supplier Operations at DLA Troop Support, emphasized in an official industry letter:
“Non-compliance harms the industrial base and weakens both the Congressional and public trust… it is a significant issue, which results in the rejection or return of product.”
This “zero-tolerance” policy makes Berry Compliant sewing thread a non-negotiable requirement. For a product to truly stand as “American Made,” every single stitch must be accounted for.
Conclusion
Berry Amendment compliance is more than a box to check—it’s a commitment to national security, product integrity, and American manufacturing. For sewn products manufacturers, understanding the role of sewing thread in this regulatory landscape is essential.
By sourcing Berry-compliant thread, auditing your supply chain, and staying informed, you can protect your business, support the U.S. economy, and deliver products that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Champion Thread Company has long been a trusted supplier of Berry-compliant industrial sewing threads. CTC’s commitment to quality, traceability, and compliance makes it a valuable partner for manufacturers navigating the complexities of defense contracting.
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