BLUF: DHS finalized HSAR changes implementing the Make Personal Protective Equipment in America Act, restricting foreign-sourced PPE purchases, effective October 19, 2026.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule, published September 18, 2026, amending the Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) to codify how the agency complies with the Make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in America Act. The rule is intended to sustain and expand domestic manufacturing capacity for PPE categories the Act designates as critical to the United States' national public-health response.

Why it matters: Contractors supplying PPE to DHS will need to confirm their supply chains meet the domestic-sourcing requirements the rule codifies before the effective date. Companies with existing PPE contracts that rely on foreign manufacturing should review the final rule text for any transition provisions, since HSAR compliance is a condition of continued DHS acquisition eligibility for covered items.

By the numbers:

• Docket No.: DHS-2024-0020
• RIN: 1601-AB15
• Published: September 18, 2026
• Effective date: October 19, 2026
• Document type: Final Rule

The rule stems from HSAR Case 2024-003 and applies to PPE categories the Make PPE in America Act identifies as critical to national public-health response capacity. The Federal Register notice frames the changes as codifying existing statutory requirements rather than introducing new PPE categories.

Source: Federal Register