Cottage Food Laws in Washington
Last verified against official sources on by Amrit. How we verify
Yes, but you need a permit first. Washington lets you make low-risk foods like baked goods, candy and jam in the kitchen of your home and sell them directly to customers, once the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has approved your recipes and labels and inspected your kitchen. The permit costs $355 for two years, you can sell up to $35,000 a year, and you cannot ship, sell wholesale or sell outside the state.[1][2][3]
At a glance
| Permit needed | Yes. A WSDA Cottage Food Operation Permit, good for two years[3] |
|---|---|
| Fee | $355 for a two-year permit, not refundable once WSDA receives it[3][5] |
| Sales cap | $35,000 a year in gross sales per home, reviewed every four years[1] |
| Training | A Washington food worker card for you and anyone who helps make the food[1][2] |
| Inspection | Yes. WSDA inspects your kitchen before it issues the permit, and once a year after that[1] |
| Label statement | "Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria." in at least 11-point type[1] |
| Where you can sell | Only directly to customers in Washington: from home, at farmers markets, craft fairs and similar events. No stores, restaurants, wholesale or consignment.[3][2][1] |
| Online and shipping | You can advertise and take orders online, but the customer must collect the food from you or you deliver it in person. No mail or courier.[2][5][4] |
| Agency | Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)[1] |
Step by step
Do these in order. Each step links to the official form or page.
Check that your food is allowed
Only low-risk foods that are safe at room temperature are allowed: baked goods, candy, standard jams and jellies, dry mixes and a few others. Anything that needs refrigeration is not allowed. Your permit lists the exact products you may sell, up to 50 master recipes. A master recipe is one base batter or dough; versions with different add-ins (nuts, chocolate chips) count as one, but each version still needs its own label.[2][3]
Get a food worker card
You, and anyone else who will make the food, need a Washington food worker card from your local health department. Third-party online cards are not accepted. Sign the cards before you copy them for the application.[3][4]
Get a business license and check local rules
Before you apply, get a Washington Master Business License and follow your city and county zoning rules for running a business from home. The business name and address on your application must match the license.[2][4]
Apply to WSDA with labels and a kitchen diagram
Fill in the full application packet. It includes a diagram of the areas of your home you will use, a label for every product, your food worker cards and business license, proof your water is safe, and a plan to keep pets and children under six out of the kitchen if you have them. If you are on a private well, the water needs a passing bacteria test from within 60 days. Mail it with a check or money order for $355, or contact WSDA to apply and pay online. WSDA says an error-free application takes about eight weeks.[2][4][1]
Pass the kitchen inspection
After WSDA approves your recipes and labels, an inspector visits to check your kitchen, storage areas and bathroom. You don't need commercial counters, cabinets, sinks, dishwashers or ovens, or a separate kitchen, but food surfaces must be smooth and easy to clean, carpet and rugs are not allowed in the work area, and you need a way to wash, rinse and sanitize (a sink plus one or two large tubs, or a home dishwasher). If you fail, you can send WSDA an explanation of what you fixed and pay $125 for a second visit. Failing twice means the application is denied. After you have the permit, WSDA inspects once a year.[2][3][1]
Label every product
Once you have your permit number, every package needs a label in English with: your business name and permit number, the product name, all ingredients (including sub-ingredients) from most to least by weight, the net weight or volume, the major allergens, and the home kitchen statement in at least 11-point type. WSDA may let large cakes and bulk containers go out with a separate label sheet instead. You do not need to put your home address on the label. Nutrition facts are needed only if you make a health or nutrition claim.[2][6][1][3]
Sell directly and keep records
Sell only directly to consumers (people buying for their own use, not to resell), and only in Washington. Display a copy of your permit wherever you sell. Keep your food worker cards, business license, recipes, proof your ingredients come from approved sources, and a record of your gross sales and sales locations at home, for six months after the permit expires. Renew before the permit expires; you can add new products at renewal for no extra fee.[2][3]
What you can and can't sell[2][3]
Allowed
- Breads, rolls, muffins, cakes (including wedding cakes), pastries, cookies and bars
- Baked pies, except custard, cream or unbaked fresh fruit pies
- Donuts, tortillas, crackers, granola, trail mix, nuts and snack mixes
- Candy cooked with a candy thermometer: fudge, caramels, brittles, taffy, chocolates
- Standard jams, jellies, preserves and fruit butters (not low-sugar)
- Dry herb, spice, tea, soup and bread mixes; rebottled vinegars
- Small-batch roasted coffee beans
Not allowed
- Anything that needs refrigeration, such as cream, custard or meringue pies and cream cheese fillings
- Meat, poultry, fish and shellfish, including jerky
- Canned fruits and vegetables, salsas, pickles and sauerkraut
- Dairy products and cheese
- Barbecue sauce, ketchup and mustard
- Cut fresh fruit or vegetables, and fresh juices
- Beverages and ice products
- Pet treats
Local rules
These places add their own requirements on top of the state rules.
- All Washington cities and counties: With a valid WSDA permit you do not also need a permit from your local health department, and it does not inspect you on its own (WSDA can hire it to do WSDA's inspections). City and county zoning and home business rules still apply.[1][3]
What it costs
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apply to WSDA with labels and a kitchen diagram | $355 (2-year permit: $75 public health review, $30 processing and $125 for each yearly inspection) |
| Total if every fee applies to you | $355 |
Recent changes
- : Updated WSDA rules took effect under a 2023 law (2023 c 352) that set the annual sales cap at $35,000 and requires WSDA to review the cap every four years.[2][1][5]
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell on Etsy, Facebook or my own website?
You can advertise and take orders online, but you cannot ship. The customer must pick the food up from you, or you deliver it yourself, in Washington.[5][4]
Can I sell my baked goods to a coffee shop or grocery store?
No. Cottage food can only be sold directly to the end consumer. To sell wholesale to stores, or through anyone else, you need a WSDA food processor license instead. Consignment sales are not allowed.[3]
Can I bake zucchini bread or muffins with fresh fruit?
Yes, if the fruit or vegetables are mixed into the batter and baked. You cannot decorate or top baked goods with fresh fruit, and nothing that needs refrigeration is allowed.[3]
Can I sell salsa, pickles or other home-canned foods?
No. Only standard jams, jellies, preserves and fruit butters can be canned at home for sale. Salsa, pickles and other canned vegetables are not allowed.[3][2]
What happens if I sell more than $35,000 in a year?
You must stop selling or get a food processing plant license. You will not get any of your permit fees back.[1]
Can I add new products after I get my permit?
Yes. Add them free at renewal, or send an amendment form during the permit period for $105. WSDA may charge another $125 if it needs to inspect again.[3][4]
If I move, does my permit move with me?
No. The permit covers only you and the home on your application. You need a new application and fee for the new home.[3]
Can my kids help in the kitchen?
Not if they are under six: they cannot be in the kitchen while you make cottage food. Anyone who helps must hold a food worker card and work under your direct supervision.[2]
Sources
- Chapter 69.22 RCW: Cottage food operations, Washington State Legislature. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Chapter 16-149 WAC: Cottage foods, Washington State Legislature (Office of the Code Reviser). Checked October 25, 2026.
- Cottage Food Operation, Washington State Department of Agriculture. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Cottage Food Operation Permit Application Packet (AGR Publication 603-509), Washington State Department of Agriculture. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Cottage Food Operation Permit brochure (AGR6-2601-049), Washington State Department of Agriculture. Checked October 25, 2026.
- WSDA Cottage Food Labeling Guide (AGR6-2604-057), Washington State Department of Agriculture. Checked October 25, 2026.
Related
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change. Before you apply or start selling, confirm the details with Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Food Safety and Consumer Services or your local health department. Spotted something wrong or out of date?Report it and we will check it.