Connecticut Cottage Food Law 2026: DCP License, $50,000 Cap

Connecticut's cottage food law, C.G.S. 21a-62b through 21a-62h, lets a person make foods that are not potentially hazardous in the home kitchen of a private residence and sell them directly to consumers. Every cottage food operation needs an annual license from the Department of Consumer Protection, or DCP, which examines the premises before licensing. Applicants must complete food safety training and confirm local zoning allows the business. Total gross sales may not exceed $50,000 a calendar year. Orders may be taken online, by mail or by phone, but the operator or a designee must deliver in person within Connecticut. This guide covers what you can sell, how you can sell, labeling and when you need a manufacturing license instead.

Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and local zoning, HOA and tax rules vary. Confirm current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, your town or an attorney before you start selling.

Quick facts

Get an annual cottage food license from DCP before you sell. C.G.S. 21a-62c(a)
DCP lists a $50 application fee. The law caps the annual fee at $100. DCP: How to apply for a Cottage Food Operator License; C.G.S. 21a-62c(a)
Total annual gross sales may not exceed $50,000 per calendar year. C.G.S. 21a-62d(a)
Sell directly to the consumer. Internet, mail and phone sales are allowed if you or your designee deliver in person within the state. C.G.S. 21a-62d(b)
No consignment or wholesale sales. C.G.S. 21a-62d(b)

What the law calls it

Connecticut uses "cottage food operation," "cottage food products," "home kitchen," "private residential dwelling" and "permitted area." C.G.S. 21a-62b

Foods you can sell

Nonpotentially hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies and other nonpotentially hazardous foods. C.G.S. 21a-62b(3); C.G.S. 21a-62f(a)
You may make only the specific products listed on your license. C.G.S. 21a-62d(c)

Foods you cannot sell

Potentially hazardous foods and foods that present a safety risk, such as acidified foods, low-acid canned foods, garlic in oil and fresh fruit or vegetable juices and beverages. C.G.S. 21a-62f(b)
Maple syrup and honey are not cottage food products. C.G.S. 21a-62b(3)

Sales limit

$50,000 in total annual gross sales per calendar year. Above that, get a food manufacturing establishment license or stop operating. DCP may ask for proof of sales. C.G.S. 21a-62d(a)

License, fees and training

Licenses are issued annually and list the foods you may make. C.G.S. 21a-62c(a)
DCP lists a $50 application fee, paid through its eLicense portal. DCP: How to apply for a Cottage Food Operator License
Before licensing, complete a food safety training program that covers food processing and packaging. DCP posts a list of recognized courses. C.G.S. 21a-62c(e); DCP: How to apply for a Cottage Food Operator License
A private water supply must be tested before licensing. DCP says the test must cover E. coli, total coliform, nitrates and nitrites and be within a year of applying. C.G.S. 21a-62c(d); DCP: How to apply for a Cottage Food Operator License
Display your license wherever you sell. C.G.S. 21a-62d(d)

Where and how you can sell

Direct sales at the point of production, farmers markets, local fairs and festivals and charitable organization functions. C.G.S. 21a-62d(b)
Online, mail and phone: advertising and sales are allowed, but you or your designee must deliver in person to the customer within the state. C.G.S. 21a-62d(b)
Mail and delivery services: the law allows mail orders, but you or your designee must deliver in person. DCP adds that products may not be delivered by mail, by carriers such as UPS or FedEx or by mobile food ordering companies. Ask DCP if you plan to use any delivery service. C.G.S. 21a-62d(b); DCP: Sales and doing business in Connecticut
Shipping to other states: not allowed. Delivery must be in person within the state. C.G.S. 21a-62d(b)
Wholesale: not allowed. Sales at grocery stores, restaurants, long-term care facilities, group homes, day care facilities and schools are also banned. C.G.S. 21a-62d(b)

Labeling rules

Prepackaged products need an English label with the operation's name and address; the product's common name; ingredients in descending order by weight or volume; allergens; and "Made in a Cottage Food Operation that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection" in at least 10-point type. C.G.S. 21a-62g

Zoning, HOAs and local rules

You must comply with municipal laws and zoning. DCP says to get zoning confirmation before applying and keep a written record. C.G.S. 21a-62c(c); DCP: How to apply for a Cottage Food Operator License
Check your HOA documents, since the state does not review private covenants.

Inspections

DCP examines the premises before licensing and may inspect at any time. Local health directors may investigate outbreaks and complaints. C.G.S. 21a-62c(b); C.G.S. 21a-62e
Only the licensee or people under direct supervision may handle products. No pets, infants or children under 12 in the kitchen during production, and no other domestic activities at the same time. C.G.S. 21a-62h(a)

When you need a manufacturing license instead

Sales above $50,000, wholesale, store or restaurant sales, mail or shipped orders and potentially hazardous foods require a DCP food manufacturing establishment license. C.G.S. 21a-62d(a), (b); C.G.S. 21a-62f

Timeline

2018: P.A. 18-141 created Connecticut's cottage food law. C.G.S. 21a-62b
2019: P.A. 19-18 excluded maple syrup and honey from cottage food products. C.G.S. 21a-62b
2022: P.A. 22-8 raised the sales cap from $25,000 to $50,000. C.G.S. 21a-62d
Oct. 13, 2026: this page was last reviewed against the General Statutes and DCP guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Connecticut?

Yes. All cottage food operations must be licensed annually by DCP. Source: C.G.S. 21a-62c(a).

How much does a Connecticut cottage food license cost?

DCP lists a $50 application fee. Source: DCP: How to apply for a Cottage Food Operator License.

What is Connecticut's cottage food sales cap?

$50,000 in total annual gross sales per calendar year. Source: C.G.S. 21a-62d(a).

Can I sell cottage food online in Connecticut?

Yes, but you or your designee must deliver in person within Connecticut. Source: C.G.S. 21a-62d(b).

Can I mail cottage food in Connecticut?

No. DCP says products may not be delivered by mail or carriers such as UPS or FedEx. Source: DCP: Sales and doing business in Connecticut.

Can I ship cottage food to other states from Connecticut?

No. Delivery must be in person within the state. Source: C.G.S. 21a-62d(b).

Can I sell cottage food to stores or restaurants in Connecticut?

No. Wholesale, consignment and sales at grocery stores and restaurants are banned. Source: C.G.S. 21a-62d(b).

Can I sell honey or maple syrup under Connecticut's cottage food law?

No. The law excludes them from cottage food products. Source: C.G.S. 21a-62b(3).

Do I need training to sell cottage food in Connecticut?

Yes. Complete a food safety training program before licensing. Source: C.G.S. 21a-62c(e).

What must a Connecticut cottage food label say?

"Made in a Cottage Food Operation that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection," in at least 10-point type. Source: C.G.S. 21a-62g.

Official sources

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and local zoning, HOA and tax rules vary. Confirm current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, your town or an attorney before you start selling.

Connecticut Cottage Food Laws