# DFARS Sets Specialty Metals Sourcing Rules

A CASRAI guide explains that DFARS 225.003 identifies 28 qualifying countries based on reciprocal defense procurement agreements; qualifying-country status is not a general certification for a company, product, or cybersecurity program. For contracts containing DFARS 252.225-7009, contractors must generally ensure specialty metals in delivered items were melted or produced in the United States, its outlying areas, or a qualifying country, subject to the clause’s exceptions. The guidance makes clause applicability and supply-chain traceability central to sourcing decisions for affected defense contractors and suppliers.

- Contractors should confirm whether DFARS 252.225-7009 applies to each contract and review the clause’s exceptions before making sourcing decisions.
- Track specialty-metal melt or production origin separately from the location where the finished item is manufactured; qualifying-country status does not establish compliance with other requirements.
- Procurement and supply-chain teams should check the current DFARS text and retain origin documentation to support sourcing decisions and contract performance.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Defense (DoD)

### Sources
- [DFARS Compliant Countries: Who Qualifies — CASRAI](https://casrai.org/guides/dfars-compliant-countries) - CASRAI