The Berry Amendment requires the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to purchase certain products made in the United States. There are many reasons as to why this is the case and how it benefits the United States. Serket ensures that all protective apparel designed for the DoD are Berry Compliant and adhere to these guidelines. If you are looking or planning to purchase American-made equipment and/or work for the DoD, you will benefit from the information in this guide. 

History of the Berry Amendment

The Berry Amendment is a federal law that requires the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to purchase certain products made in the United States. This amendment was enacted in 1941 and received its namesake after Senator Ellis Yarnal Berry. The purpose of the Berry Amendment is to promote the economic security of the United States by ensuring that the DoD only uses products made in America.

The Berry Amendment contains several key provisions that impact the procurement process for the DoD. First, the amendment requires that the DoD only purchase clothing and textiles that are 100% domestically sourced and produced. This includes all clothing items, such as uniforms, footwear, and protective apparel. 

Second, the Berry Amendment requires that the DoD only purchase food items grown, processed, and packaged in the United States. Finally, the amendment requires that the DoD only purchase metal products that are melted and poured in the United States.

The Berry Amendment is an important tool for promoting American industry and protecting the domestic supply chain. By requiring the DoD to only purchase products sourced and made in the United States, the amendment helps to create and maintain jobs in the American economy. 

Additionally, the amendment helps to ensure that the U.S. military has access to the highest quality products, made with materials that meet American standards for safety and quality. Here is what you need to know about Serket and Berry Compliance. 

1. Supporting American Industry

By manufacturing Berry Compliant clothing, the DoD supports American industry and promotes economic security within the United States. Growth like this helps to create and maintain jobs within the domestic economy, which is critical for maintaining a strong and resilient workforce. When purchasing from Serket, you are supporting U.S. businesses. 

2. Ensuring High Quality

Berry Compliant clothing comes from materials that meet American standards for safety and quality. Furthermore, this means that the apparel made by Serket is of the highest quality and will provide the necessary military clothing for each and every mission. By using resources sourced in the United States, we maximize your safety. 

3. Strengthening the Domestic Supply Chain

The Berry Amendment helps strengthen the domestic supply chain by ensuring American companies can access government contracts. Overall, this creates stability within the supply chain and ensures that companies can continue to invest in their operations and innovate new products.

4. Promoting National Security

By purchasing Berry Compliant clothing, the DoD promotes national security by ensuring that military personnel have access to the highest quality products, even during supply chain disruptions that may occur during conflict. These materials protect against threats to national security and prepare the military to respond to any situation.

5. Demonstrating a Commitment to American Values

The Berry Amendment demonstrates a commitment to American values, including supporting American industry, promoting economic security, and protecting national security. This commitment is critical for maintaining the United States’ position as a global leader and a beacon of democracy and freedom. You can read more about how Serket established itself on these American values here.

6. Encouraging Innovation

By promoting Berry Compliant clothing, Serket pushes itself to innovate within the domestic textile industry. By challenging ourselves, Serket can drive research and development, ensuring that Serket is on the cutting edge of new technology and materials.

7. Ensuring Compliance with Federal Law

Finally, purchasing Berry Compliant clothing ensures compliance with federal law.  By purchasing compliant clothing, the DoD is demonstrating a commitment to following the law and promoting American values of integrity.

“The amendment helps to ensure that the U.S. military has access to the highest quality products.”

Maintaining Berry Compliance

Despite its importance, the Berry Amendment is not always well understood. Many companies and government agencies are not aware of the requirements of the amendment and may unknowingly violate the provisions of the law. 

To promote compliance with the Berry Amendment, it is vital for companies and agencies to understand the requirements of the amendment and to take steps to ensure that their procurement practices are in line with the law.

One key factor in promoting Berry Amendment compliance is understanding the definition of “domestic production.” The definition of this term is critical, as it determines which products are eligible for purchase by the DoD. 

Domestic production is defined as the process of manufacturing, growing, or processing a product within the United States using materials that are also domestically produced. This definition is important because it ensures that the entire production process, from start to finish, is carried out within the United States.

Labeling & Documentation

Another factor in promoting Berry Amendment compliance is understanding the requirements for labeling and documentation. The DoD requires that all products purchased under the Berry Amendment be labeled “Made in the USA.” 

Additionally, the DoD requires that companies provide documentation proving their products comply with the Berry Amendment. The documentation may include certificates of origin, bills of lading, and other forms of documentation that demonstrate the domestic origin of the product.

Supply Chain Management

To ensure Berry Amendment compliance, companies must also have systems in place to monitor their supply chain and ensure that their suppliers comply with the provisions of the law. 

The process may involve conducting audits of suppliers, requiring suppliers to provide documentation, and working closely with suppliers to ensure that they understand the requirements of the Berry Amendment.

Finally, companies must also be aware of the penalties for non-compliance with the Berry Amendment. The DoD may penalize companies that violate the provisions of the law by denying them future contracts or by requiring that they repay the government for any non-compliant products purchased in the past. 

Companies may face reputational damage if they violate the Berry Amendment, which may impact their ability to do business with the government in the future.

Serket’s Berry Compliant Protective Apparel

Merino Wool Socks

Serket Socks use the highest quality US Merino wool fibers with state-of-the-art dying, spinning, and strategic zone knitting techniques to create exceptionally soft Merino wool socks for optimal comfort and performance. 

Made with high-quality worsted yarn, Serket Socks have more Merino fibers per inch, creating a luxuriously soft end result that is never scratchy, itchy, or bulky. The most durable Merino wool yarns, long-staple worsted yarns reduce the loose fibers that lead to pilling and wear. 

Precisely engineered to meet the fit and performance needs of military and law enforcement professionals, Serket Socks provide unparalleled comfort and durability. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Serket Socks, you can read more about them here. 

Advanced Air Crew Ensemble (AACE)

The next generation Advanced Air-Crew Ensemble (AACE) shares all appearance and fit characteristics with existing DoD utility uniforms while incorporating design features essential to operation on non-ejection aviation platforms — such as zippered pocket closures and the elimination of close-quarter snag hazards.

We constructed the AACE from the latest state-of-the-art flame-resistant fabrics chosen for their exceptional protection, lightweight, durability, colorfastness, and comfort. These fabrics represent the latest advancements in protective textile technology and meet or exceed all DoD standards for flame resistance and no melt/drip.

The AACE’s unique top-to-bottom attachment feature protects the wearer from flame and thermal threats. Its revolutionary detachable design allows for improved dexterity and increased air flow, as well as the removal of the jacket while not in operation.

FR Neck Gaiters

We designed Serket FR Neck Gaiters for comfort and adaptability. The Light-Weight model uses a light, single-layered fabric suitable for hot to temperate conditions. The Mid-Weight model uses a double-layer fabric ideal for cool-to-cold conditions. 

You can wear this convertible piece around the neck as a gaiter or a headliner. Thoughtful placement of flat and hidden seams, an ergonomic fit, and a mesh panel over the mouth and nose enhance next-to-skin comfort and make it easy to breathe.

All Serket high-performance flame-resistant garments are engineered from a proprietary blend of high-performance flame-resistant fibers and pass all military specifications. You can find the list of specifications here. 

Serket

If you want Berry Compliant protective apparel and gear for your next mission, Serket is a high-quality option that will help you no matter what challenge comes your way. 

The Berry Amendment is a critical tool for promoting American industry and protecting the domestic supply chain. By requiring the DoD to only purchase products made in the United States, the amendment helps to create and maintain jobs in the American economy, ensuring that the U.S. military has access to the best equipment in the world. 

To keep up to date with Serket news, fill out the contact form here so you’ll never miss another blog. If you’d like more information on how Serket can help you with your next mission, you can send us an email at Sales@SerketUSA.com. Whatever your challenge, you can feel confident knowing Serket provides you with a uniform built for performance.