Commerce Announces Launch of New Textile and Apparel Internet Resource

For Immediate Release: December 4, 2007
Contact: Brittany Eck (202) 482-3809

COMMERCE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW TEXTILE AND APPAREL INTERNET RESOURCE

WASHINGTON – Today Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Textiles and Apparel, Matt Priest, announced the launch of a new Web site to provide textile and apparel manufacturers in the United States a simpler means of accessing information regarding the Berry Amendment, a statutory requirement that gives preference to domestically produced clothing, fabrics, fibers, yarns and other items by the Department of Defense.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of this valuable tool that will help American manufacturers supply the men and women of our Armed Forces with the necessary textiles and apparel as they fight for freedom across the globe,” said Priest. “This new Web site will be a one-stop-shop for information to help members of industry navigate the complexities of the Berry Amendment.”

The Berry Amendment has been critical to maintaining the safety and security of our Armed Forces by requiring covered items to be produced in the United States. It is also essential to the viability of the textile and clothing production base in the United States.

The Web site, which is limited to covered items of clothing, fabrics, fibers, yarns, and other made-up textile items, includes information on:

Implementation of Berry Amendment;
Application of the Berry Amendment;
Exceptions to Berry Amendment domestic source requirements;
Domestic non-availability determinations (DNADS, or waivers);
Currently-approved DNADS;
Penalties for noncompliance with the Berry Amendment; and
A list of contacts and references.

The International Trade Administration’s Office of Textiles and Apparel collaborated with the Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Technology and Logistics, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, the acquisition offices’ of the Army, Air Force and the Navy, and interested parties and stakeholders in order to develop the information organized in the website. For more information, please visit http://www.otexa.ita.doc.gov/berry.htm.