Washington Cottage Food Laws

Washington's cottage food law, chapter 69.22 RCW, lets a person make baked goods, candies, jams and other foods that are not potentially hazardous in the kitchen of a primary home in Washington. Every cottage food operation needs a permit from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, or WSDA, and a home kitchen inspection. Sales must go directly to the consumer and may not be made by internet, mail order or for retail sale outside the state. Annual gross sales may not exceed $35,000. 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 Washington State Department of Agriculture, or with an attorney, before you start selling.

Quick facts

• A WSDA cottage food permit is required before you sell. RCW 69.22.030; WSDA Cottage Food Operation
• Annual gross sales may not exceed $35,000 per home. RCW 69.22.050
• Products may only be sold directly to the consumer and may not be sold by internet, mail order or for retail sale outside the state. RCW 69.22.020(4)
• The permitted area must be inspected before permitting and every year after. RCW 69.22.040
• Everyone preparing the food needs a food worker card. RCW 69.22.030(2)

What the law calls it

• Washington uses "cottage food operation," "cottage food products," "home kitchen" and "permitted area." RCW 69.22.010

Foods you can sell

• Nonpotentially hazardous baked goods; baked candies and stovetop candies; jams, jellies, preserves and fruit butters as defined in 21 CFR 150; and other nonpotentially hazardous foods named by WSDA in rule. RCW 69.22.010(2)
• WSDA's allowed list also includes cereals, trail mixes, granola, nuts, dry herb and seasoning blends, dry tea, bread and soup mixes, small-batch roasted coffee beans and vanilla extract that meets 21 CFR 169.175. WAC 16-149-120; WSDA Cottage Food Operation

Foods you cannot sell

• No ingredient with a THC concentration of 0.3% or more. RCW 69.22.010(2)
• WSDA lists meat, poultry, fish and shellfish products; jerky; canned fruits, vegetables, salsas and pickles; dairy products; cut fresh fruits or vegetables; garlic in oil; juices and other beverages; barbecue sauce, ketchup and mustard; and baked goods that need refrigeration, such as cream, custard or meringue pies. WAC 16-149-130; WSDA Cottage Food Operation

Sales limit

• $35,000 in annual gross sales, counted per home, not per person. WSDA reviews the cap every four years and raises it by the Seattle-area Consumer Price Index. RCW 69.22.050
• If you exceed the cap, you must get a food processing plant license or stop operating. RCW 69.22.050(2)

Permit, fees and training

• Permits are issued for two years. The law sets a $75 public health review fee, a $30 processing fee and a $125 inspection fee. RCW 69.22.030; RCW 69.22.040(3)
• WSDA lists the application fee as $355 for a two-year permit, nonrefundable. WSDA Cottage Food Operation
• Each person involved in preparing cottage foods needs a food and beverage service worker's permit, also called a food worker card. RCW 69.22.030(2)
• WSDA allows up to 50 master products. Adding products between renewals costs $105. WSDA Cottage Food Operation
• You also need a Washington business license. WSDA Cottage Food Operation

Where and how you can sell

• Directly to the consumer only, such as from your home, at farmers markets and at craft fairs. RCW 69.22.020(4); WSDA Cottage Food Operation
• Online: the law says products may not be sold by internet. WSDA says you may advertise online and take orders online, but payment and delivery must be person to person. RCW 69.22.020(4); WSDA Cottage Food Operation
• Mail and delivery: products may not be sold by mail order. WSDA says you cannot ship by mail or courier. RCW 69.22.020(4); WSDA Cottage Food Operation
• Shipping to other states: products may not be sold for retail sale outside the state. RCW 69.22.020(4)
• Wholesale: not allowed. Food may not be repackaged, sold or used as an ingredient by a food processing plant, or sold by a food service establishment. WSDA also bars consignment. RCW 69.22.020(2); WSDA Cottage Food Operation

Labeling rules

• Labels must show the business name and permit number; product name; ingredients in descending order by weight; net weight or volume; allergens; nutrition labeling if a claim is made; and "Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria" in at least 11-point type in a contrasting color. RCW 69.22.020(3)
• WSDA says a home address is not required on the label. WSDA Cottage Food Operation

Zoning, HOAs and local rules

• Permitted operations are not subject to local health department permitting or inspection, but the law does not change other state, federal or local ordinances. Check city and county zoning. RCW 69.22.100; RCW 69.22.110
• Check your HOA documents, since the state does not review private covenants.

Inspections

• WSDA inspects the permitted area before the first permit and every year after, and may inspect during a foodborne outbreak. The inspection fee is $125, with another $125 for each follow-up visit. RCW 69.22.040
• Cottage foods must be stored only in the primary domestic residence. RCW 69.22.020(5)

When you need a food processor license instead

• Sales above the cap, wholesale, internet or mail-order sales, out-of-state sales and foods outside the cottage food list require a WSDA food processor license. RCW 69.22.050(2); WSDA Cottage Food Operation

Timeline

• 2011: the Legislature created the cottage food permit (2011 c 281). RCW 69.22.010
• June 24, 2012: WSDA's first cottage food rules took effect. WAC 16-149-010
• 2023: the Legislature amended the permit and sales cap sections (2023 c 352). RCW 69.22.030; RCW 69.22.050
• Jan. 11, 2024: WSDA's updated rules took effect. WAC 16-149-040
• Oct. 13, 2026: this page was last reviewed against the RCW and WSDA guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to sell cottage food in Washington?

Yes. You need a WSDA cottage food permit before you sell. Source: RCW 69.22.030.

How much does a Washington cottage food permit cost?

WSDA lists $355 for a two-year permit. Source: WSDA Cottage Food Operation.

What is Washington's cottage food sales cap?

$35,000 in annual gross sales per home. Source: RCW 69.22.050.

Can I sell cottage food online in Washington?

No. The law bars sales by internet. WSDA says you may advertise and take orders online, but payment and delivery must be in person. Sources: RCW 69.22.020(4); WSDA Cottage Food Operation.

Can I ship cottage food in Washington?

No. The law bars mail-order sales, and WSDA says you cannot ship by mail or courier. Sources: RCW 69.22.020(4); WSDA Cottage Food Operation.

Can I sell cottage food to other states from Washington?

No. Products may not be sold for retail sale outside the state. Source: RCW 69.22.020(4).

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

No. Products may only be sold directly to the consumer. Source: RCW 69.22.020(2), (4).

Is my kitchen inspected?

Yes. WSDA inspects before the first permit and every year after. Source: RCW 69.22.040.

Do I need a food worker card?

Yes, for everyone who prepares the food. Source: RCW 69.22.030(2).

Can I sell salsa or pickles under Washington's cottage food law?

No. WSDA lists canned salsas and pickles as prohibited. Source: WAC 16-149-130.

Official sources

• Chapter 69.22 RCW: Cottage Food Operations
• Chapter 16-149 WAC: Cottage Foods
• WSDA: Cottage Food Operation

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