What is DFAR Compliance?

Q: A customer is asking for DFAR compliant bolts. Does this mean it is domestic material and does it mean it has to be made in the USA?

A: DFAR (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) is a purchasing regulation from the US government, which was created to ensure that the Department of Defense receives quality goods and services.

In regards to bolts and screws, DFAR 252.225.7002 applies to the materials only – not the location of manufacture. Therefore the bolts don’t have to be manufactured in the USA. DFAR requires that the material used to make fasteners is sourced and melted in a DFAR approved country – which is not necessarily the USA. See list below of all DFAR approved countries. Finally, DFAR doesn’t apply to polymer or ceramic materials – only metals and alloys. DFAR often applies to military and government fasteners as well as fasteners for the aerospace industry.