Rhode Island Cottage Food Law 2026: RIDOH Registration, $50,000

Rhode Island's cottage food law, R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2, lets a person make baked goods that do not need refrigeration in a home kitchen and sell them directly to consumers in Rhode Island. Every cottage food manufacturer must register each year with the Rhode Island Department of Health, or RIDOH, file a notarized affidavit that the kitchen meets the law's standards and complete food safety training first. Total gross sales may not exceed $50,000 a calendar year. Orders may be taken online, by mail or by phone, but the registrant or a designee must deliver in person within the state. This guide covers what you can sell, how you can sell, labeling and when you need a food processor 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 Rhode Island Department of Health, your city or town or an attorney before you start selling.

Quick facts

Register with RIDOH and file a notarized affidavit of compliance. Registration lasts one year. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(4)
Complete a food safety manager course, an ANSI-approved food handler course or another RIDOH-approved course before registering. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(4)
Only baked goods that do not need refrigeration or time and temperature control. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(3)
Total annual gross sales may not exceed $50,000 per calendar year. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(6)
Internet, mail and phone sales are allowed if you or your designee deliver in person within the state. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(5)

What the law calls it

Rhode Island uses "cottage food manufacture," "cottage food products" and "cottage food registrant." R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2

Foods you can sell

Baked goods that do not need refrigeration or time and temperature control, including double-crust pies, yeast breads, biscuits, brownies, cookies, muffins and cakes. RIDOH may define other goods. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(3)
RIDOH says frosting and items refrigerated for quality rather than safety are allowed. RIDOH Cottage Food FAQ

Foods you cannot sell

Anything that is not a qualifying baked good, such as jams, candy, canned foods and baked goods that need refrigeration. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(3)

Sales limit

$50,000 in total annual gross sales per calendar year. Above that, get a food processor license or stop operating. RIDOH must ask for proof of sales. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(6)

Registration, fees and training

Submit an application, a notarized affidavit of compliance, a training certificate and a list of products with recipes and labels. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(4); RIDOH Cottage Food FAQ
RIDOH's 2022 FAQ lists a $65 registration fee. Confirm the current fee with RIDOH. RIDOH Cottage Food FAQ
Keep the certificate of registration and affidavit in the kitchen. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(4)
To sell at a farmers market or festival, you also need a retail food peddler license, renewed each year. RIDOH Cottage Food FAQ
Sales tax applies to cottage foods. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(7)

Where and how you can sell

Directly to consumers by pickup or delivery within the state. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2
Online, mail and phone: advertising and sales are allowed, but you or your designee must deliver in person to the customer within the state. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(5)
Shipping to other states: not allowed. Delivery must be in person within the state. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(5)
Wholesale: not allowed. Consignment and sales at grocery stores, restaurants, long-term care facilities, group homes, day care facilities and schools are banned. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(5)

Labeling rules

Labels must show your name, address and phone number; ingredients in descending order by weight or volume; allergens; and "Made by a Cottage Food Business Registrant that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection" in at least 10-point type, unless the food was made in a licensed commercial kitchen. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)

Kitchen rules

The kitchen must meet minimum housing standards and have a two-compartment sink, or a dishwasher reaching 150 degrees Fahrenheit plus a one-compartment sink. Bathroom doors opening into the kitchen must self-close, and private wells must be tested each year. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(1)
You may also produce in a licensed commercial kitchen you rent, if you keep records of the dates used. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(1)(vi)
Keep pets out of food areas, do not cook family meals or do laundry during production and keep recipes on hand for inspection. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(2)

Zoning, HOAs and local rules

RIDOH says to check local zoning and get any needed building permits, and to keep written records of zoning approval. RIDOH Cottage Food FAQ
Check your HOA documents, since the state does not review private covenants.

Inspections

RIDOH may inspect at any time and may investigate outbreaks, complaints and other emergencies. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(8)

When you need a food processor license instead

Sales above $50,000, wholesale, out-of-state sales and foods other than qualifying baked goods require a RIDOH food processor license. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(3), (5), (6)

Timeline

June 27, 2022: the cottage food law took effect (P.L. 2022, ch. 231). RIDOH began accepting registrations in November 2022. R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2; RIDOH Cottage Foods
June 26, 2024: amendments took effect (P.L. 2024, ch. 403). R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2
Oct. 13, 2026: this page was last reviewed against the General Laws and RIDOH guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register to sell cottage food in Rhode Island?

Yes. Register with RIDOH each year. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(4).

What can I sell under Rhode Island's cottage food law?

Only baked goods that do not need refrigeration, such as breads, cookies, muffins and double-crust pies. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(3).

What is Rhode Island's cottage food sales cap?

$50,000 in total annual gross sales per calendar year. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(6).

Can I sell cottage food online in Rhode Island?

Yes, but you or your designee must deliver in person within the state. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(5).

Can I ship cottage food out of Rhode Island?

No. Delivery must be in person within the state. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(5).

Can I sell cottage food to stores or restaurants in Rhode Island?

No. Wholesale, consignment and sales at grocery stores and restaurants are banned. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(5).

Can I sell jam under Rhode Island's cottage food law?

No. The law is limited to baked goods. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(3).

Do I need a separate license for farmers markets in Rhode Island?

Yes. RIDOH says you also need a retail food peddler license. Source: RIDOH Cottage Food FAQ.

Do I need training to sell cottage food in Rhode Island?

Yes. Complete an approved food safety course before registering. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2(4).

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 Rhode Island Department of Health, your city or town or an attorney before you start selling.

Rhode Island Cottage Food Laws