Washington Cottage Food Laws (2026)

✓ Verified against official sources · Aug 20, 2026Cottage Food Operations Act (RCW 69.22, enacted 2011); cap/permit-term update via HB 1500 (2023, Chapter 352, Laws of 2023)

License: Permit + inspection
Annual sales cap: Up to $35,000/yr
Government fees: $355
Training: RequiredFood Worker Card (issued by local/county health departments under RCW 69.06, food service worker licensing)
Regulator: Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) — Food Safety & Consumer Services ProgramHandled at state level

Permit details

Path	Where you can sell	Sales cap	Inspection	Fee
WSDA Cottage Food Operation Permit (the only permit type — not tiered; fee_range_usd reflects this permit's fee range, not CA-style Class A/B)	Direct to consumers, Online orders, Farmers markets, Fairs & community events	$35,000/yrCap was $25,000 before 2023; HB 1500 (2023, ch. 352, Laws of 2023, effective 2023-07-23) raised it to $35,000. RCW 69.22.050 requires WSDA to review the cap every 4 years via expedited rulemaking based on Seattle-area CPI-W, with the next review due around 2027.	Yes	$355

What you can and can’t make

Allowed

Baked goods (no cream/custard fillings)
Candy & chocolate
Jams & jellies (standard high-acid)
Granola & cereal
Dry baking/soup mixes
Spices & seasoning blends
Dry tea & roasted coffee
Vanilla extract
Vinegars

Not allowed

Meat & jerky
Poultry products
Fish & seafood
Fresh dairy products
Raw milk products
Low-acid canned foods
Pickles & acidified sauces
Cream, custard & meringue fillings
Fresh-cut fruits & vegetables
Raw sprouts
Beverages
Pet food & treats
Any food requiring refrigeration (TCS)

Label requirements

Every product label must include:

Product name
Business / operation name
Permit or registration number
Ingredients, in descending order by weight
Net weight in both US and metric units
FDA major allergen declaration
Home kitchen statement (exact wording below)

Required statement, word for word:

“Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to a standard inspection criteria.”

Minimum 11pt type · WSDA's guidance states either all caps or upper/lower case is acceptable ("All capital letters or upper/lower case are acceptable"); the official label example uses all caps: MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN THAT HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO A STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA · Statute: WAC 16-149-110

Generate a Washington-compliant label

Where you can sell

Online orders	Yes
Shipping within the state	No
Across state lines	No
Stores, cafés & other resellers	No
Third-party delivery apps	No

What it costs to start

Permit / registration fee$355
Food safety course (required)Food Worker Card (issued by local/county health departments under RCW 69.06, food service worker licensing)$10–$30
Labels, bags & packaging (first batch)$30–$60
LLC formation (optional)Plus your state's filing fee$39
Liability insurance (optional)Per month, from FLIP$26
Likely minimum to start (required items)from $395

Common questions

Do I need a license to sell food from home in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires a permit, typically including an application and kitchen review. Government fees run $355.

How much can a cottage food business sell per year in Washington?

Up to $35,000/yr. Cap was $25,000 before 2023; HB 1500 (2023, ch. 352, Laws of 2023, effective 2023-07-23) raised it to $35,000. RCW 69.22.050 requires WSDA to review the cap every 4 years via expedited rulemaking based on Seattle-area CPI-W, with the next review due around 2027.

Can I sell my homemade food online in Washington?

Yes, online orders are allowed, but delivery must be in person — no shipping. Sales across state lines are not allowed.

What has to be on a cottage food label in Washington?

7 required elements, including the exact statement: “Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to a standard inspection criteria.”. See the labeling section for the full list (WAC 16-149-110).

Who regulates cottage food in Washington?

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) — Food Safety & Consumer Services Program.

Recent law changes

2023-07-23 (HB 1500 / SHB 1500 (2023), Chapter 352, Laws of Washington 2023) — Raised the annual sales cap from $25,000 to $35,000; extended the permit term from 1 year to 2 years (total fee now $355 per 2-year cycle); and added a requirement to review the cap every 4 years based on Seattle-area CPI-W.
2023 (WAC 16-149-110 amendment (accompanying HB 1500)) — Labels no longer need to list the operator's home address — only the business name and permit number (inferred to align with the same WAC 16-149-110 rule amendment batch; exact effective date not independently verified).

Official sources

This guide was compiled from the following primary sources, last reviewed on Aug 20, 2026:

Next steps after the permit

Registering with Washington is step one. Most sellers also sort out three things before their first market day:

Food safety training (required in this state). Washington requires an approved food safety course — check the training section above for what qualifies. Learn2Serve by 360training — ANSI-accredited food handler courses accepted in most states — done online in about two hours.
Business structure. A sole proprietorship is fine to start; an LLC separates business liability from your family finances. Northwest Registered Agent — Registers your LLC and acts as your registered agent, so your home address stays off public filings.
Liability insurance. Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) — Liability coverage built for home food businesses, from about $25/month. Many markets require proof of insurance.

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